Vol. New products - downloads.hindawi.comdownloads.hindawi.com/journals/jamc/1995/413065.pdf · company-wide access to standard calculations and tech- ... has nowbeen extended with

Journal of Automatic Chemistry, Vol. 17, No. 5 (September-October 1995), pp. 201-204

New products

Electronic books

Adept Scientific has announced the Mathcad AuthoringKit for electronic books. Based on Mathcad PLUS 5.0,and compatible with all previous versions and platformsof the software, the Authoring Kit enables organizationsto develop Mathcad Electronic Books for the first time.Of particular benefit to commercial and educationorganizations, the new product offers multiple andcompany-wide access to standard calculations and tech-nical solutions.

Electronic books for Mathcad have important commercialadvantages as they offer organizations fast and effective,yet controlled and secure, access to standard calculationsheets. Important features, such as Hypertext and WordSearch, improve productivity by giving users swift accessto specific solutions; for example, searching for keywordssuch as ’modulus’ gives fast access to the modulus ofelasticity for particular materials.

The books provide live, interactive mathematics whichresemble a printed page. While text, graphics, equationsand diagrams appear together on a page, they can all bemodified, in real-time, by the user. This allows users tomonitor and learn as equations, graphs or answers areupdated automatically. Because Electronic Books areproduced in familiar mathematical notation, users do notneed programming skills.

For further information contact Adept Scientific Micro SystemsLld, 6 Business Centre West, Avenue One, Letchworth, Hefts.SG6 2HB, UK. Tel.: 01462 480055.

Autosampler

The Skalar range of automatic wet chemistry analysershas now been extended with a fully random access auto-

sampler. Designed to meet the needs of the medium-sizedroutine laboratory, the sample station has a capacity of140 samples in four racks. These comprise 35 sampleseach, with 11 separated containers for calibration andcontrol standards. Any combination of samples andstandards can be run. Overrange samples are auto-matically diluted and offered for re-analyses to theanalyser.

Solvent recovery system

The B/R 8400, which has now received type certification,is one of a range of fully automatic systems designedto separate two or more solvent fractions from wastestreams. Purity of recovered components is to analyticalstandards, and achieved using a spinning band distillationtechnique. Commonly used in industrial, medical andlaboratory environments, its use reduces solvent purchaseand disposal costs by as much as 95.The 8400 Model features a programmable microprocessorcontroller capable of storing up to eight distillationprocesses and features automatic fraction collection.Extensive monitors and controls regulate all operationalparameters, with instant alarms and safety shutdowndevices if a failure is ever detected. To comply with thecertification, the instrument now includes the fitting ofan additional vapour sensor to detect accidental leakageof any solvent within the cabinet and several minorelectrical changes.

For further information on the range of B/R products contactElectrothermal Engineering, 419 Sutton Road, Southend on Sea,Essex SS2 5PH, UK. Tel.: 01702 612211.

Intelligent autosampler from Skalar.

For more information contact Skalar Analytical B.V., PO Box3237, 4800 DE Breda, The Netherlands. Tel.: 31 76 225477;fax: 31 76 222195.

Titration with a PC

The Metrodata TiNet 2 is a Windows program fortitrations which supports routine setup and complextitration systems. The program covers all aspects oftitration, such as method generation, sample treatmentwith live titration curve and processing ofthe silo memory,the documentation and archiving of the results, post-processing of data and the export of the results.

0142-0453/95 $10.00 (C) 1995 Taylor & F is Ltd.201

New products

Methods

A graphical method editor allows simple and methodgeneration. The individual building blocks of the titrationmethods, such as titration, dispensing, measurement,calculations and documentation, can be linked with oneanother in any order and number. And the PC userinterface offers new possibilities: individual report format-ting or the arithmetic linkage of several determinationsin one sample. IF decisions and inquiries or messages tothe user can be built into the method at any point.

The methods are stored on the hard disk (30 charactersare available per method for the identification ofthe storedtitration methods) and can be printed out at any time.In addition, any type ofdescription or standard operatingprocedure (SOP) can be stored with each method andcan be examined when desired. A backup of the tirationmethods on various media (diskette, CD, etc.) is possibleat all times. So three important requirements of GLP arefulfilled.

Titration

The user can enter his/her name, select the titrationmethod for each sample, and enter the sample designation(three identifications, each with 30 characters) and thesample mass. After the start of the method, the titrationcurves can be shown live on the PC monitor in variousways (volume/measured value, volume/time, measuredvalue/time, first derivative/volume, etc.), depending onthe type of titration. If several titrations are performed insuccession in a method, the current titration curve alwaysappears on the screen. With simultaneous titrations, alltitration curves appear in parallel on the monitor. Forwork with relatively large sample series, ’silo’ (push-up)memories are available. These can be individuallyorganized, filled with sample data and stored. Theincorporation of urgent samples in an ongoing series isalways possible. The titrations can be processed in thebackground of the PC at any time thus allowing it to beused for other tasks in the laboratory.

Results

All titration data (parameters, results, titration curves

etc.) of a processed sample can be stored. The user hascomplete freedom ofchoice when organizing the database(specific to product, customer, time etc.). The databasehas three windows. One of these offers an overview tableof all titrations; a line exists for each determination. Theappearance of this table and hence also the contents ofthe table can be freely configured.

The titration data can be printed out and stored. Theycan be exported from the TiNet database to dataprocessing programs (for example, Access, Excel, dBase)and to LIMS. As the TiNet database has the same formatas Access, the data can be read directly by the twoMicrosoft programs Access 2.0 and Excel 5.0.

Further information from Metrohm UK Ltd, Metrohm House,Unit 2, Top Angel, Buckingham Industrial Park, BuckinghamMK18 1TH, UK. Tel.: 01280 824824.

2O2

Water testing

A booklet from Dr Bruno Lange (UK) of Camberley,Surrey, describes the company’s continued research anddevelopment of new techniques for more efficiency inwater testing. The booklet examines such techniques as

ready-to-use reagents, simplified dosing systems and test

procedures involving reduced amounts of pollutants. Thecompany handles the LASA family of instruments. LASA10 already contains most of the data needed for everydaywaste water analysis in sewage treatment plants, whileLASA 20 has the additional ability to determine metaland anion concentrations. LASA 10 also features DrLange’s specially developed sensor array technology, a

brand new optical system enabling the photometer to beoperated quickly without filters, thus eliminating any riskof error.

Also described is the CADAS 30 spectrophotometer,which was designed as a fast, reliable and convenientmethod of water analysis, tailored to the requirements ofrecurrent routine daily analysis. The CADAS 50, like itsparent system, features IBR (Integrated Barcode Reading)technology, enabling fast and precise reading of all DrLange cuvette tests, which are each labelled with a specialbar code containing all the necessary intbrmation forautomatic measurements to be performed. Additionally,CADAS 50 features a unique automatic zero facility, thusallowing the zero value of individual tests to be storedand used when the result of each measurement iscalculated.

Cuvette tests are the core element of the company’sanalysis systems, operating not only as a precisionmeasuring vessel but also as a transport container, reactionvessel and disposal unit, with the barcode containing allthe test-specific data required for automatic evaluation.The Lange range includes tests for nutrients, chemicaloxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, phosphorus and heavymetals.

Other products include the Addista system, used for thequa.lity control of operational analysis combining an

external and independent standard, and the new Sensor-BOD, a fast, precise and simple way of measuring thepollution of waste water with biodegradable substances,giving a measured value in two minutes.

Copies of the booklet from Robin E. Norman, Dr Bruno Lange(UK) Ltd, Argent House, Frimley Road, Camberley, SurreyGU15 2PP, UK. Tel.: 01276 677233/677255;fax: 01276 677307.

Nitrogen determination

For over 100 years, scientists in the food, crop production,water, environmental and explosives laboratories havedetermined nitrogen content by the method developed byJohan Kjeldahl in 1883. In the Kjeldahl method, aciddigestion with metallic catalysts converts proteins, aminosand other organic nitrogenous compounds into ammoniumcompounds, these are then reacted with boiling alkali toliberate ammonia which is distilled into a receiver flaskcontaining boric acid and titrated.

As many aspects of the Kjeldahl method are potentiallyhazardous to the analyst or the environment, for example

New products

use of toxic catalysts and boiling caustic solutions, theMetrohm Application laboratory have developed a newmethod for nitrogen determination. This new methodrequires only 0.5 mg copper per sample as a catalyst, needsno boric acid, only uses as much alkali as is needed toneutralize the digestion mixture and makes the distillationstage superfluous. Up to 50 samples can be automaticallyanalysed daily using this method; organic nitrogen isdigested using concentrated sulphuric acid and thedigested samples are transferred directly to the Metrohm735 sample changer. The first titration neutralizes excesssulphuric acid with sodium hydroxide. The addition oftbrmalin then converts the ammonium sulphate to

hexamethylenetretramine (urotropine)

2(NH4)2SO4 + 6HCHO (CH2)6N4 + 2HSO4 + 6H20As a side-product of this reaction sulphuric acid isgenerated which is titrated with sodium hydroxide withthe excess formaldehyde being oxidized with hydrogenperoxide to formic acid. The whole analysis, includingdisposal of the sample and rinsing of the measuringassembly at the end of the determination, takes about10 min.

The Metrohm systems for nitrogen determination com-

prises of a 670 Titro processor, three Dosimats for titrantand reagent addition plus the new 735 sample changer.

Details from Metrohm UK Ltd, Metrohm House, Unit 2, TopAngel, Buckingham Industrial Park, Buckingham. MK18 1 TH,UK. Tel.: 01280 824824.

Hazardous area weighing systems

Avery Berkel has developed a range of instruments withfull UK government approvals for trade weighing inenvironments classified as hazardous. The ’Loadstar Ex’range includes three intrinsically safe indicator systems,which can be used with scale platforms or vessels inhazardous areas. They meet the needs of virtually everyapplication involving explosion hazards, volatile materialsor combustible dusts encountered in pharmaceuticalmanufacture, flour milling, refineries, paint production,chemical, petrochemical and process industries.

Each model offers different levels offunctionality and datacapture--from the L117Ex weigh-only digital indicator,to the sophisticated L227Ex multi-purpose indicatorsystem with on-board software to control the entirespectrum of weighing-related factory operations.

Each model stores and recalls tare values. External controlof valves, feeders and other devices can be carried out by’Loadstar Ex’, while a ’trips’ option permits interface toautomatic filling equipment. An in-flight compensatorautomatically adjusts target weights to control theconsistency of batching and guard against costly productgive-away.

For standard applications, the complete weighing instal-lation (platform, indicator and power supplydwhich canbe mains or battery) is located in the hazardous areawhere it is needed. Communication within and outsidethe hazardous area is achieved by fire optic transmissionand all ’Loadstar Ex’ models are compatible with a wide

range of industry-standard printers, PLCs and computersfor comprehensive data collection, and even full remote

process control. Data output is programmable and users

may select the exact order and format of managementreporting they require.

For more information contact Avery Berkel UK, Sertec House,West Bromwich Road, Tame Bridge, Walsall WS5 4BD, UK.Tel.: 01922 434343.

Gas chromatography solutions

HP INTRODUCES THE HP 6890 SERIES GC SYSTEMFOR THE NEW STANDARD OF HIGH-PERFORM-ANCE GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

Hewlett-Packard Company launched an integrated gaschromatography (GC) system at Pittcon 95, which giveschromatographers a new level of performance andpush-button control, and easy regulatory compliance. Thenew GC system, the HP 6890 series, includes a new

automatic liquid-sampler system (ALS) with increasedthroughput and automation, a choice of an HP Chem-Station data handler/controller for GC and ALS control,and an integrator that supports the GC features com-

pletely. The system was designed to deliver optimalperformance when coupled with HP sample preparation,sample introduction and data handling products. The HP6890 series GC offers a smooth transition for users of HP5890 series gas chromatographs through methods com-

patibility.

Electronic pneumatics control

The HP 6890 series GC features electronic pneumaticscontrol (EPC), which provides complete electronic controlof all gas pressures and flows. Onboard sensors auto-

matically compensate for ambient temperature changesand pressure differences. By providing stable results, EPCreduces recalibration frequency and improves laboratoryproductivity. It also decreases system operating costs

through gas savings and faster set-up time, and reducesequilibration time after changing set-points.

The HP 6890 series GC pneumatics optimize performanceof the split/splitless inlet. Its forward pressure control insplitless injection mode significantly reduces the risk ofsample loss and maximizes accuracy and reproducibility.In contrast, mass flow control coupled with back pressurecontrol in split injection mode maximizes reproducibilityand accuracy, and allows electronic adjustment of splitratios. The net result is that sample-introduction conditionsare optimized individually for the two most popularinjection techniques. In addition, all injection parametersare recorded in the method.

Ease of use features include:

(1) All pneumatic parameters, including split ratios, canbe set from the keyboard to eliminate routine use ofthe bubble meter.

(2) An expanded colour-coded keyboard gives analystsdirect access to control functions without the need forshift keys.

(3) A five-method storage capability for all GC set-pointsreduces set-up time and increases reproducibility.

2O3

New products

(4) An information key defines all set-points and advisesanalysts on appropriate input ranges to make methodsset-up fast and easy.

(5) A four-line alphanumeric display guides analyststhrough methods set-up with step-by-step promptingfor set-point parameters.

(6) Built-in HPIB and RS-232 communication portsprovide easy system interconnection and allow theGC system to operate in diverse laboratory environ-ments.

Productivity

The HP 6890 series GC also offers a range of automationfeatures including: clock-time programming loads andruns a method for complete unattended operation;pre-run programming enters conditions and prepares thesystem for next injection; gas saver reduces split flow rateafter the start of a run and between runs to conserveexpensive carrier gas; and post-run programming startsafter the chromatographic run, stops data acquisition andsets pressures, flows and temperatures to clean out thesystem.

Built-in diagnostic capabilities--such as a run log forstatus information, and modular pneumatic manifolds,inlets and detectors--reduce system maintenance andimprove operation.

Capabilities of the new HP ChemStation include athll-featured standard reporting package and a custom

report designer for analysts with special reporting require-ments. An optional database software package providesstandard cross-sample and study reports, as well as trendanalysis. The HP ChemStation also improves data transferto other software, and networking acts as the analyst’sgateway into a corporate computing system.

A new integrator offers full compatibility and support ofthe new HP 6890 series GC features, and includesgas-saver mode, split valve control and post-run pro-gramming. It also contains two new industry-standardPersonal Computer Memory Card International Associ-ation (PCMCIA) slots to accommodate long-term datastorage and prints the run deviation log after each analysis.

Regulatory compliance

All GC parameters, including gas control, are recordedautomatically for every run to improve adherence to GoodLaboratory Practice (GLP) and ease regulatory com-pliance. A run-time log records all changes in set-pointsduring a run.

The HP ChemStation also provides password access to

protect against accidental data loss or methods changes.The HP ChemStation controls and monitors all GC

parameters and maintains a logbook of all system eventsthat occur while the GC system is running. System-suitability software, which allows analysts to select froma wide variety of chromatographic parameters to monitorand verify system performance, is also available.

For analysts in the pharmaceutical industry or otherregulated industries, data and methods are stored togetherin a binary, read-only file to ensure adherence to

regulatory requirements. Software for the HP ChemStationis developed according to International Standards Organ-ization (ISO) requirements and is shipped with avalidation certificate. HP also provides tools to giveanalysts the ability to revalidate the software and GC.

Further information from Hewlett-Packard Company (102)Analytical Products Group, 1031, PO Box 9000, San Fernando,CA 91341-9981, USA.

Screening for metabolic disorders

’Rapid Screening For Metabolic Disorders From Blood Spots’ isthe title ofa new application note from Fisons Instruments/VG Organic. A small number of new-born babies mayinherit parental genes resulting in metabolic disorders. Asin the case of eye colour or height which cannot bepermanently changed, many of these diseases are not’curable’ owing to their genetic origin. However, acombination of early diagnosis and establishment of amaintenance course of treatment could result in thesignificant reduction--and even elimination--of thedebilitating effects of many metabolic disorders. Clinically,screening for such inherited disorders should take placeas soon as possible after birth, to prevent irreversibledamage being caused by the progression of a disorder.

The presence of a metabolic disorder results in anaccumulation of abnormal metabolites in the patient.Since 1965, new-born screening programs have been inuse, for example testing for phenylketonuria (PKU). PKUis a disorder resulting from phenylalanine hydroxylasedeficiency leading to elevated levels of phenylalanine inblood and urine. Sample collection currently involvestransferring drops of blood from a heel-prick onto ablotting paper known as Guthrie card, and whilst thisparticular sample is used in routine PKU screening anda few other tests, it also contains many more metabolitesnot currently screened routinely. Using mass spectrometry,it is possible to detect these metabolites and use them asindicators of a significant number of metabolic disorders,in addition to PKU.

Copies from IAS, Queens Avenue, Macclesfield, Cheshire SKIO2BN, UK. Tel.: 01625 43434& fax: 01625 434335.

2O4

Submit your manuscripts athttp://www.hindawi.com

Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttp://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

Inorganic ChemistryInternational Journal of

Hindawi Publishing Corporation http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

International Journal ofPhotoenergy


Carbohydrate Chemistry

International Journal of


Journal of

Chemistry


Advances in

Physical Chemistry

Hindawi Publishing Corporationhttp://www.hindawi.com

Analytical Methods in Chemistry

Journal of

Volume 2014

Bioinorganic Chemistry and ApplicationsHindawi Publishing Corporationhttp://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

SpectroscopyInternational Journal of


The Scientific World JournalHindawi Publishing Corporation http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

Medicinal ChemistryInternational Journal of


Chromatography Research International


Applied ChemistryJournal of



Theoretical ChemistryJournal of


Journal of

Spectroscopy

Analytical ChemistryInternational Journal of


Journal of


Quantum Chemistry


Organic Chemistry International

ElectrochemistryInternational Journal of

Hindawi Publishing Corporation http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014


CatalystsJournal of

Documents

Vol. New products - downloads.hindawi.comdownloads.hindawi.com/journals/jamc/1995/413065.pdf · company-wide access to standard calculations and tech- ... has nowbeen extended with