NewsChemicals

Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory

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Concentration Level DeterminationThe H202 supplier stated that each drum was delivered with a 32% concentration level. However, the manufacturer dis-covered that each batch of the mixed cleaning solutions tested had different concentration levels and the H202 con-centration variability can influence the end cleaning performance. In order to test the incoming drums to guarantee that they were being billed for the proper concentration, they called on METTLER TOLEDO.

The sales representative explained that by running a simple titration test, they could calculate the concentration percentage of each drum received. He set up a Titration

A carpet cleaning product manufacturer specializes in D.I.Y. and profes-

sional cleaning. They receive raw materials from different suppliers to be

mixed and batched as carpet cleaning solutions. One such supplier pro-

vides hydrogen peroxide (H202) in 55 gallon drums. The price per drum is

based upon the concentration of the mixture. For them, it is important to

ascertain the H202 concentration in order to avoid being overcharged.

Showroom Clean CarpetGuaranteed by Excellence Titrator

Excellence T50M demonstration unit at the site for a one week free trial. At the end of the trial period, it was obvious that the concentration levels of the H202 were varying between 28% and 30% – not at all close to the 32% that they were pay-ing for.

A True Money-Back InvestmentThe manufacturer called a meeting with the supplier and asked the METTLER TOLEDO sales representative to be present to explain how important this test was and to have the supplier run the same tests. The supplier did not expect the manufacturer to double-check concentration levels and was taken by surprise that their supplied levels were considerably lower than they had been stating. The supplier was using

2 METTLER TOLEDO ChemicalsNews 4

Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Production Segment Marketing LABSwitzerland

Technical articles Mettler-Toledo AG– Laboratory & Weighing Technologies – Analytical Instruments

11794395 40.12

Subject to technical changes. © Mettler-Toledo AG 08/07Printed in Switzerland.

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a manual titration process in order to test concentration levels and was therefore unable to calculate the concentration ac-curately enough to guarantee the precise 32% levels specified.

Based upon the quantities of raw mate-rial the carpet cleaning manufacturer was purchasing and the savings made by only paying their vendor for the ‘true’ H2O2 concentration, they were able to cover the cost of the T50M in just one week. The T50M is a simple, stand-alone unit equipped with METTLER TOLEDO’s

One Click Titration™ advantages. Users simply choose the method of testing and, with one click, the test is complete.

Thanks to the success of this test, the manufacturer now also uses the T50M in their quality control department to en-sure the optimal final cleaning solution concentration. The Titration Excellence T50M saves the customer money which in return drastically reduces the ultimate sales cost of the product produced.

} www.mt.com/one-click-titration

3METTLER TOLEDO ChemicalsNews 4

Moi

stur

e An

alyz

er Ceramics Tougher Than Enamel

Harder than granite, chemically more resistant than steel and aestheti-

cally close to reality: ceramics offer safe and solid solutions for den-

tal prosthetics. The Swiss based enterprise, Metoxit AG, develops and

manufactures high grade ceramics for medical and industrial products.

The quality management system works according to FDA regulations and

relies on METTLER TOLEDO’S technology.

Ceramics for Natural Looking TeethMany patients regain their smile thanks to high grade ceramics from Metoxit. The medium-sized Swiss enterprise offers a wide range of ceramic components and has gained a particular reputation for its dental implants and orthopaedic pros-theses. Aluminia and Zirconia are oxide ceramics typically used for medical pur-poses as they demonstrate high mechani-cal strength, fracture resistance, tough-ness and excellent biocompatibility. They are obtained from exceptionally pure powders with extremely fine particles.

Moisture Adds FormThe ceramic mixture is formed and pressed using water as an added plasticiser with moisture levels of between 0.1% and 5%, depending on composition and structure, as dry powders are difficult to form. The raw blocks are either made into implants on-site or delivered directly to dental labs to be processed into individual patient bridges or crowns. Sintering at very high tempera-tures is the final process step needed to achieve the ceramic’s unique structural qualities.

Freely Selectable Temperature for Heating Module Test In accordance with EU and FDA regula-tions, moisture and other quality parame-ters are analysed from within each batch. The ease of handling and reproducibility of results are not the only reasons Mrs. Wan-

ner from the quality lab gives for her con-tinued reliance on METTLER TOLEDO’S HB43 halogen drying technology. “If the FDA-auditor wants to know whether the instrument really measures at a tempera-ture specified in the SOP’s – no problem. The test report confirms that the heat-ing-module has been checked and works within the required temperature range.” Fully documented instrument checks and integrated heating-module tests are only some of many intelligent tools designed by METTLER TOLEDO with your business in mind to ensure the compliance with regulations and quality requirements.

} www.mt.com/moisture

Halogen Moisture Analyzer HB43

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LabX

With

SQ

L*LI

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METTLER TOLEDO ChemicalsNews 4

Seamless Integration LabX Software with Applied Biosystem’s SQL*LIMS®

What does seamless integration mean to the end users and what are the

consequences? An interview with Mr. Peter Boogaard, Head of Marketing

for Applied Biosystems, clarifies the value of LIMS integration and how

the collaboration is of significant benefit for end users.

■ Mr. Boogaard, how would you de-scribe the functionality of the LabX and SQL*LIMS® integration?

METTLER TOLEDO and Applied Biosys-tems can now offer dedicated connectiv-ity of laboratory instrumentation with SQL*LIMS (Laboratory Information Man-agement System) acting as the repository of all consolidated data whilst LabX man-ages the application and stores all raw data in its dedicated database. Lab technicians can now transfer results directly from the balance or titrator into SQL*LIMS without having to write anything down or using another computer terminal.

■ Why has Applied Biosystems chosen METTLER TOLEDO as their partner?

Applied Biosystems recognized METTLER TOLEDO as the market leader in labo-ratory weighing solutions and analytical instruments. As an existing PC software for instrument control, LabX is ready for easy integration and the synergy of the two organisations focussing on the same industry segments result in the perfect match. That’s why we talk about “seam-less integration”

■ Why is LabX of paricular value in re-gard to validation?

In our experience, customers will always greet avoiding redundant validation pro-cedures. The complete functionality of LabX software is validated as a system. Any editing or the creation of new meth-ods carried out by LabX does not require additional validation, saving time and money. This is of particular benefit to the majority of our customers in GMP/GLP environments as the Standard Operating Procedures are automatically enforced and the risk of errors is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Applied Biosystems develops fully integrated laboratory information management solutions, SQL*LIMS®, that address the complete manu-facturing QA/QC process. With over 800 client lab installations and more than 30,000 users, Applied Biosystems is the perfect choice for

your LIMS solutions.

Mr. Peter Boogard, Director LIMS Product Manager and Global Marketing of Applied Biosystems

5METTLER TOLEDO ChemicalsNews 4

Seamless Integration LabX Software with Applied Biosystem’s SQL*LIMS®

■ What does traceability really mean and what do METTLER TOLEDO’s LabX in connection with Applied Biosystems SQL*LIMS® have to offer?

The combination of LabX and SQL*LIMS means the traceability is guaranteed and data retrieval is quick and easy. SQL*LIMS will check that all raw data generated matches predefined work lists including corresponding samples and calibration schedules.

herence to procedures. Therefore, avoid-ing errors and allowing the traceability of all tasks and data. Together we offer a complete solution beginning at the labo-ratory operator at the work bench and ending with comprehensive documenta-tion control.

■ Thank you, Mr. Boogaard, for the valuable information.

} www.mt.com/labx

Peter Boogaard has been involved in laboratory automation since the introduction of commercial LIMS systems in 1981. He is now in charge of the global product and marketing strategies for SQL*LIMS. He is based in The Netherlands. In his spare time he likes sailing, ski-ing and playing music.

■ It is clear from what you have said that regulatory environments are challeng-ing. Can METTLER TOLEDO and Applied Biosystems live up to expectations where compliance is a deciding factor?

Yes! The combined resources of Applied Biosystems and METTLER TOLEDO result in one simple and efficient instrument operation including: automatic data col-lection, full regulatory support including 21 CFR Part 11 support and enforced ad-

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Reac

tion

Calo

rimet

ry

METTLER TOLEDO ChemicalsNews 4

RTCal™ for RC1e The Innovative Calorimetry Mode In-Use

The Requirement: Reaction Calo-rimetry under Difficult Conditions“Unfortunately, our highly exotherm reac-tions are not always easy to handle”, says Günter Reinsch, responsible for process optimization and safety at Hexion™ Spe-cialty Chemicals. In the synthesis of resins and their preliminary stages, many effects occur that obstruct calorimetric measure-ment according to classical methods, such

as heat flow calorimetry. Typically, the reactions are accompanied by a strong viscosity increase. There are several immis-cible phases involved, which form during the reaction. In many cases, more complex processes need to be examined in a series of reactions. Hence, proper calorimetric cali-brations may become extremely difficult. Until now, the evaluation of the measured data was extraordinarily demanding and many assumptions had to be made in order to obtain results.

The Solution: RTCal™ by METTLER TOLEDO“When we heard of the new measuring mode RTCal™ for the RC1e™, we were interested right away.” Mr. Reinsch went on, “This new technology developed by METTLER TOLEDO AutoChem not only provides heat flow data for the first time in real time, but also solves many of our daily problems.” Calorimetric calibrations are no longer required, which does not only save expensive laboratory time, but also eliminates assumption-based calibration

Based in Duisburg Germany, Hexion™ Specialty Chemicals is one of

the global market leaders for thermally curing resins. They are the world

Number One, especially in the fields of formaldehyde resins and epoxy

resins. METTLER TOLEDO’s RC1e, which had been employed success-

fully at its Duisburg location for years, has now been upgraded with the

innovative and unique measuring mode RTCal™ to obtain a profound

understanding of reaction procedures in a faster, simpler and more reli-

able way.

data interpolations. This increases Hex-ion’s confidence in the information gained and the old measurement system of calori-metric data has been transformed from an ‘art’, exclusively performed by experts, into a simple and reliable routine method.

“With RTCal™, we expect to better opti-mize our production processes in the fu-ture and determine safety-relevant data at a higher precision level.” confirms Mr. Reinsch.

} www.mt.com/RC1

Günter Reinsch, Hexion™ Specialty Chemicals, with the new RTCal™ reactor

7METTLER TOLEDO ChemicalsNews 4

pH M

eter The Easy Part of an Apprenticeship

SevenEasy™ pH meter

Getting familiar with the latest technologies and instruments in laborato-

ries is important for apprentices before they enter the real business world.

METTLER TOLEDO pH meters provide these freshmen with a smooth and

efficient start to the future challenges of their professional life.

No Contradiction: Ease of Use and Reliability Currently a large laboratory chemicals supplier in Germany trains their appren-tices to be able to measure pH with eight units of SevenEasy™ instruments. The intuitive operation and simplicity make the instruments ideal for beginners. They are user-friendly and the operating proce-dures are self-explanatory. SevenEasy™ pH meters are based on precise electro-chemical measuring technology, there-fore guaranteeing excellent reliability and also result reproducibility.

From Simple to Complex: Flexible Data TransferData handling, evaluation and measure-ment techniques are fundamental for skilled personnel. It is possible to manage complex tasks in a simple and straightfor-ward manner with LabX® direct pH as it enables the user to transfer all measure-ment and calibration data fully automati-

cally into Microsoft Excel® or any other Windows® based PC application. The re-sults can easily be used to visualize fun-damental chemical principles, i.e. a series of pH measurement values can be used to understand the theoretical foundations of pH measurement – without having to study lengthy operating instruc-tions. What more do you need for a perfect start into working life?

} www.mt.com/pH

Mettler-Toledo AGLaboratory & Weighing TechnologiesIm LangacherCH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Mettler-Toledo AGAnalytical InstrumentsSonnenbergstrasse 74CH-8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland

Your METTLER TOLEDO contact:

www.mt.comFor more information

Weighing Solutions and Analytical Instruments

New Products and Technologies From METTLER TOLEDOMETTLER TOLEDO delivers powerful solutions that simplify work in labo-

ratories around the world. Combining our state-of-the-art technologies

with our applicative competence, we have a strong value proposition to

make: accurate results and productivity second to none.

Characterize Your Chemistry with ReactIR™ 45mReactIR™ 45m is an FTIR based, high perfor-mance, in situ reaction analysis system designed for the chemist/chemical engineer requiring the highest level of precision for kinetic studies and quantitative analysis. Real-time information from ReactIR™ 45m enables scientists to directly cor-relate the impact of varying reaction conditions on reaction performance – dramatically reducing development time and saving valuable resources.www.mt.com/reactir45m

Manual Multi-Channel Pipetting Increase productivity with the new Pipet-Lite™ Adjustable Spacer – the world’s only manual multi-channel pipette with adjustable spacing. Ideal for routine work in genomic, proteomic, tissue culture and cell culture applications, this pipette can easily alter the format spacing from 24-well to 96-well. Just a twist is all that’s required to change spacing!www.mt.com/PipetLite-Spacer

The First Class Choice for Valuable SamplesKeeping sample weights as small as possible means tremendous cost savings when handling precious or toxic substances. The new XP6U/XP2U Ultra Micro Balance and XP6 Micro Balance are designed to boost efficiency and reliability as well as support network compatibility.www.mt.com/micro

XP505 ComparatorPeak Performance up to 520 gThe new XP505 Comparator offers 520 g capac-ity with unique 0.01 mg readability over its full range. Allow to weigh into heavy tare containers or determine smallest weight differences of heavy goods. The intuitive touchscreen display and hand-free operation make it the first choice for demanding applications in chemical laboratories. www.mt.com/comparators

One Click™ Water DeterminationSimple & SecureWater determination in the chemical industry is made simple and secure with the new line of Karl Fischer titrators offering unique Touch Screen operation with user specific Short Cut buttons. Every user can start his or her routine tasks with One Click™. The Solvent Manager is controlled by the titrator and exchanges the solvent and reagents without exposing the user to chemicals. A wide variety of samples is covered by Volu-metric and Coulometric titrators and gas-phase extraction ovens.www.mt.com/Karl-fischer