ANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1991, VOL 28 21 Equipment News Connections for Mass Spectrometry Workstation The MACH 3 data processing work- station for mass spectrometry can be connected to computer systems from Kratos, VG, Finnigan and JEOL. The user can compare data from different systems or simply upgrade the perfor- mance of an existing mass spectrometry computer system. By bringing data from several systems on to a MACH 3, they can be viewed simultaneously in any one of the many MACH 3 processing windows, and if required data can be transferred via the in-built Ethernet facilities to a LIMS or corporate computing facility. Special software is available to convert data from other systems into formats optimised for MACH 3 processing. Kratos Analytical Ltd., Barton Dock Road, Urmston, Manchester M31 2LD.Mass Spectrometer The PRISM time-of-flight mass spec- trometer (TOFSIMS) from Cambridge Mass Spectrometry, part of the Kratos Analytical Group, is particularly suitable for molecular and chemical imaging analyses. It can be used to solve contami- nation, adhesion and corrosion problems and will readily analyse insulators, includ- ing polymers, composite materials and ceramics. It provides surface molecular Cambridge Mass Spectror and atomic microanalysis in the form of chemical structure information, from organic and inorganic surfaces. It pro- vides not only vital information about the surface but also of real processed poly- mers in their basal form. Kratos Analytical Ltd., Barton Dock Road, Urmston, Manchester M31 2LD. Particle Beam Interface for Mass Spectrometry A new particle beam interface for the makers’ Profile and Concept high perfor- mance mass spectrometers has a wide range of applications, including hydrocar- bon analysis, fossil fuel analysis, environ- mental studies and analysis of labile materials such as herbicides and pesti- cides.The interface can be used in appli- cations for which separation by liquid chromatography is the preferred tech- nique. It consists of a nebuliser, desolva- tion chamber and separator assembly and it is supplied complete with the required pumping system, temperature controller and heater supplies. Kratos Analytical Ltd., Barton Dock Road, Urmston, Manchester M31 2LD. Dissolution Testing Software for Diode-array Spectrophotometer New high-volume dissolution testing soft- ware for the HP 8452A diode-array spectrophotometer provides multiple- bath capabilities, controlling sampling and evaluation from up to four dissolution baths.Offering the same measurement, evaluation and reporting features as the makers’ existing single-bath software, this is believed to be the only four-bath solution for automated dissolution test- ing. Hewlett-Packard SA, 150 route du Nant-d’Avril, CH-1217 Meyrin 2, Switzerland. wetry PRISM spectrometer Spectrophotometer The Shimadzu UV3101 is a double beam scanning ultraviolet-visible-NIR spectro- photometer combining the proved optical bench of the UV3100 with an industry standard personal computer, running cus- tomised Shimadzu software in a Microsoft Windows environment.Users can select from several software options, including spectrum scanning, time course measure- ments and quantification measurements. V. A. Howe and Co. Ltd., Beaumont Close, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 7RG. Spectrophotometer The HP 8452A option 003, another mem- ber of the HP 8452A diode array spectro- photometer family, operates in the visible to short-wave near-infrared range (470- 1100 nm), allowing measurement of many compounds that do not absorb in the normal ultraviolet-visible range. The rugged, non-moving optical system is well suited for process control applications. Hewlett-Packard SA, 150 route du Nant-d’Avril, CH-1217 Meyrin 2, Geneva, Switzerland. Spectrometer The 16 PC FT-IR spectrometer combines spectrometer, data system and expand- able software.It is controlled by a per- sonal computer and uses the Infrared Data Manager software package for fast, efficient collection, processing and stor- age of infrared data. IRDM software supports PC-SEARCH, PC-QUANT and OBEY macro language advanced software packages to extend the range of analytical applications further. Perkin-Elmer Ltd., Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1QA. Enzyme Kinetics Software for Spectrophotometry A software module for the HP 8452A diode-array ultraviolet-visible spectro- photometer provides capability for multi- cell enzyme assays and multi-cell enzyme kinetics. With this software the diode- array instrument performs these measure- ments with far greater speed and precision than are possible with conventional spectrophotometers.Various calculation parameters are included, and data can be evaluated by this software and transferred to spreadsheets. Methods and parameters can be stored and recalled from memory. Hewlett-Packard SA, 150 route du Nant-d’Avril, CH-1217 Meyrin 2, Switzerland. Meat Analyser The Infratec 1255 food and feed analyser is a near infrared transmittance analyser to analyse raw meat and processed meat products. It determines fat, moisture and protein simultaneously within 45-60 s with very high accuracy. A traditional meat grinder is used for sample prepara- tion. The instrument is dust, water and vibration proof, and its rugged design makes it suited to be operated on-line, in plant. Tecator AB, Box 70, S-263 21 Hoganas, Sweden.22 Temperature Controlled Spray Chamber for ICP Spectroscopy A complete, easy to fit system for temper- ature controlled operation of the spray chamber in ICP spectroscopy consists of a double walled spray chamber and a cool- ing liquid circulating bath.Not only does Charge Coupled Device Detectors for Spectroscopy and Imaging Three basic types of high performance, low noise charge coupled device (CCD) detectors are announced: thermoelectric- ally cooled (TE), liquid nitrogen cooled (LN) and microchannel-plate (MCP) ARL spray chamber for ICP spectroscopy the cooling liquid flow between the two walls but it also passes through the im- portant impact bead, on which most of the gases and droplets impinge. The effect is to lower the vapour pressure and hence to produce a more stable plasma. ARL Applied Research Laboratories SA, en Vallaire, 1024 Ecublens, Switzerland.D.c. Arc Stand for Trace Element Analysis The d.c. arc stand is a modern alternative for classical d.c. arc spectrometry. It is a fully regulated and computer controlled d.c. arc source unit (1-30 A with polarity inversion). Its features include electrode viewing and adjustment during arc, polarisation filters, and a special optic to select the best analytical region of the analytical gap. ARL Applied Research Laboratories SA, en Vallaire, 1024 Ecublens, Switzerland. Spectrophotometer The Color-Eye 7000 dual-beam spectro- photometer provides extremely high col- our measurement performance. Designed for quality control and colour formulation in the paint and coatings, plastics, textiles, printing ink and pulp and paper indus- tries, its exceptional repeatability (AE <0.01 RMS CIELAB) and inter-instru- ment agreement (AE <0.08 average) ensure accuracy to a known degree with- out reference to colour standards.Measurement data are provided at 10 nm intervals over the 360-750 nm range to three decimal places, providing enhanced sensitivity when analysing a colour’s spec- tral characteristics. Macbeth, Macbeth House, Pacific Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5BJ. ANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1991, VOL 28 image intensified (also TE cooled). All are suitable for imaging applications and all can be controlled by using the new ST-130 detector controller. New data acquisition and manipulation software (PC-AT compatible) allows exploitation of the 2-D and gating characteristics of the new detectors.For high speed imaging applications a range of specialised TV- type CCDs (8-bit, 20-40 Hz) are also offered. Spectroscopy Instruments Ltd., P.O. Box 1032, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1GG. Gas Chromatography Column Cyclodex-B, a new gas chromatography column, separates hard to detect mirror image chiral compounds in highly com- plex samples, such as pharmaceuticals, flavourings and essential oils, along with positional isomers and non-chiral com- ponents. It uses beta-cyclodextrin suspen- ded in a moderately polar phase and a fused silica column, minimising the need for derivatisation. J and W Scientific, 91 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, CA 95630, USA. Thick Film Capillary Columns The 3 and 5 pm thick film, 0.53 mm i.d.SPB-1 and SPB-5 capillary columns pro- vide excellent separations for a variety of analyses of petrochemical products con- taining low boiling components. Supelchem UK Ltd., Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex CBll 3AZ. Environmental Chemical Standards Supelco VOC reference standards are specifically designed for capillary gas chromatography analysis of volatile organic compounds. High component concentrations in these standards allow determination of response factors for each analyte over a wide range of dilu- tions. The standards are supplied in sealed glass amber ampoules. Supelchem UK Ltd., Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex CBll 3AZ. Flame Ionisation Detector for HPLC A novel transport system removes volatile solvents from a chromatographic eluent, enabling sample residues to be detected using a flame ionisation detector (FID).The eluent is collected by drawn quartz rods which protrude from a rotating disc. Solvent is evaporated by a series of heaters before the rod passes directly into the FID flame. The rod is then cooled prior to the collection of another drop of eluent. The detector shows linearity from the low nanogram level up to around 15 Applied Chromatography Systems Ltd., The Arsenal, Heapy Street, Mac- clesfield, Cheshire SKll 7JB. HPLC Autosampler The PU4247 HPLC autosampler features reproducible injection volumes with mini- mum carry-over, together with ease of use and reliability. Only flushed loop injec- tions are used. Philips Scientific, Analytical Division, York Street, Cambridge CB1 2PX. HPLC Column The HISEP HPLC microbore column is designed to allow the analysis of small molecules, such as drugs, in biological samples by direct injection of the sample on to the column.The shielded hydro- phobic phase (silica based) is a unique polymeric bonded stationary phase, which consists of hydrophobic pockets protected by a hydrophilic network, a configuration which prevents proteins from entering the hydrophobic region. Supelchem UK Ltd., Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex CBll 3AZ. Automated HPLC Method Development System The makers’ HPLC method development system now features pump control via a personal computer. The upgraded system includes software operating in a Windows environment for full control of instrument parameters. Consisting of a pump, diode- array detector, autosampler and solvent optimisation software, the system makes HPLC method development a matter of routine.Philips Analytical Chromatography, York Street, Cambridge CB1 2PX. HPLC Detector Replacement Lamps Replacement source lamps for all Waters HPLC detctors are available at prices considerably lower than from the original manufacturer. HPLC Technology Ltd., WellingtonANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1991, VOL 28 23 House, Waterloo Street West, Maccles- field. Cheshire S K l l 6PJ. Integrator The Model 1020 personal integrator from PE Nelson occupies only 12 in of bench space and has a built-in screen for real- time viewing and manipulation of chro- matograms and a hard disk for long-term storage. It is fully compatible with PCs and larger systems, and it can be used with all commercial liquid and gas chromato- graphs.The chromatographer can view one or two real-time plots, and stored or sample chromatograms can be examined in detail and compared with reference standards. Perkin Elmer Ltd., Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1QA. Electrophoresis System The Desaphor HF electrophoresis system for horizontal isoelectric focusing is announced. Two different sets of elec- trodes, both freely movable, can be used. There is also the option of adding extra electrodes for double focusing. Two types of cooling plates are available, glass or ceramic, which are each available in three sizes (125, 200 and 254 mm). A range of accessories are also available. Uniscience Ltd., Wildmere Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 7JU.Extraction Vacuum Manifold The Visiprep solid phase extraction vac- uum manifold allows simultaneous clean- up of up to 12 samples for HPLC or other analyses. Precise flow control is provided through each SPE tube by simply rotating the 12 independent, screw-type valves built into the cover. A built-in vacuum bleed valve and gauge enable accurate adjustment of the vacuum. The rugged but crystal clear glass basin permits obser- vation of the extraction process. Supelchem UK Ltd., Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex C B l l 3AZ. Ion Chromatograph A new version of the IC 690 offers simple trace analysis using automatic sample enrichment. This new version, from Met- rohm, makes it possible to perform analy- sis of either anions or cations to low ppb levels on, for example, cooling waters or other ultra-pure waters.A typical pack- age would comprise two pumps, an TC 690 and integrator. The new IC 690 contains two electrically operated injection valves where the timing and sequence can be controlled from the injector. V. A. Howe and Co. Ltd., Beaumont Close, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 7RG. Oxygen Transducer Claimed to be the smallest of its type, the 11 11 miniature oxygen transducer uses the paramagnetic principle to give a light- weight, rugged unit. Designed with a very minimum of internal gas volume, it offers an exceptionally fast response: a 50 ml min-1 sample flow-rate, for example, gives a response time of less than 1 s. Servomex (UK) Ltd., Crowborough, Sussex TN6 3DU. Software for Densitometry Quantascan 2-D image analysis software for the Shimadzu CS9000 scanning densi- tometer is run by using an IBM PC with Micro-soft Windows, methods being created and stored on hard disk.Func- tions include data processing (smoothing, display of chromatogram in X and Y axis, etc.), spot detection (automatic or man- ual) and quantification. The package will be important for users in biotechnology and university research laboratories. V. A. Howe and Co. Ltd., Beaumont Close, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 7RG. Stirrers for Viscosity Measurement A range of IKAVISC measuring stirrers enable accurate viscosity and rheology measurements to be recorded. The cur- rent range of 8 models and associated impellers makes the stirrers suitable for a wide variety of applications: paints and varnish, petrochemical, textile, paper, cellulose, pharmaceutical and gypsum type industries.The stirrers have been grouped into the MR highly precise range, which offers readouts from as low as 1 N m N-1 cm-1 to 200 N m N-l cm-l, and the MR Universal range, which has torque ratings from 100 to 1200 N cm. Sartorius Ltd., Scientific Division, Longmead Business Centre, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9QN. Software for Polarograph Instruments Software for use with IBM PCs and PS/2s (or clones) allows the user to store and manipulate data collected by the Model 646 Polarograph range of instruFents. It is compatible with the range of sample changer systems currently available for the Model 646 VA processor, giving full automation capability for 100 or more samples.V. A. Howe and Co. Ltd., Beaumont Close, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 7RG. Chamber Furnaces A new family of high-temperature pro- grammable chamber furnaces has the advantage of being mounted on castors to simplify movement and location in the laboratory. Designed for general heat treatment and low-volume production applications, the UCF 17/2 and 17/3 offer a maximum operational temperature of 1700 "C and a choice of 12 or 27 1 chamber sizes. Both models have an electrically operated door interlocked with a key switch to prevent inadvertent or un- aut horised opening. Lenton Thermal Designs Ltd., Unit C2, Valley Way, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7QE. Centrifugal Concentrator and Freeze Dryer The SF50 combined centrifugal concen- trator and freeze dryer, when used with the CVPlOO Cole vacuum pump, offers an effective evaporation and freeze drying system which operates without the need for chemical or cold traps.There are three versions of the SF50: the basic version has a heating and spin facility; the gauge version provides an at-a-glance bar graph display, giving readings of vacuum pressure at the rotor chamber; and the Vac-Stop version includes a vacuum gauge and a controller allowing the SF50 to be operated in the Vac-Stop mode in which the system shuts down automatic- ally when the required level of dryness is reached. Genevac Ltd., 9 Farthing Road, Sproughton, Ipswich IP1 5AP. Centrifuge Ware Nalgene UltraPlus centrifuge ware, a safe, easy, leakproof ultracentrifugation system, has expanded with the introduc- tion of smaller UltraLok tubes, UltraLok spacers and UltraTubes for vertical and swinging bucket ultracentrifuges.The UltraLok tube system now includes smaller 3.5 ml and 5.1 ml tube sizes. Re-usable aluminium spacers permit the tubes to fit five popular Beckman vertical rotors, and a polymethylpentene spacer allows the original 29 ml UltraLok tube to fit three swinging bucket Beckman rotors. Nalge Co., 75 Panorama Creek Drive, Box 20365, Rochester, NY 14602-0365, USA. Diaphragm Pumps A range of air operated double diaphragm pumps incorporates twin diaphragms to avoid contamination of the pumped liquid in the event of a diaphragm failure, making them suitable for handling expen- sive, corrosive and ultra-pure liquids. In the unlikely event of a diaphragm failure inbuilt sensors can be used to activate an alarm or shut down the pump. Chem-Resist Plastic Fabrications Ltd., Britannia House, Lockway, Ravens- thorpe Industrial Estate, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF13 3SX.Filter Cartridges The Osmonics Corporation have pro- duced two new grades of their Hytrex pure polypropylene fibre spun filter cart- ridge. A new grade called Select has been designed with excellent particle cut-off properties, high dirt loading and absolute retention from 1 pm upward with a number of grades. Where absolute filtra- tion is not required a new grade called Purtrex has been introduced with econ- omy in mind. Fileder Filter Systems Ltd., Orchard24 ANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1991, VOL 28 Business Centre, 20/20 Maidstone, Kent ME16 OJZ. Electron Microscope The CM20 FEG, a 200 kV TEM/STEM system equipped with a thermal field emission gun, provides the ultimate per- formance in high resolution TEM imag- ing, diffraction and analysis.The thermal field emission gun is the ideal electron source for the transmission electron microscope, providing high brightness, high maximum beam current, low energy spread, high coherence and exceedingly high stability. Philips Industrial and Electro-Acoustic Systems Division, Building HKF, 5600 MD Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Cry0 Electron Microscope Based on the CM12 120 kV transmission electron microscope, the CM12 CRY0 has the added benefit of a complete cry0 hardware and software package, provid- ing the ultimate in specimen protection during investigation of frozen beam-sensi- tive specimens.The Cryo-microscopy package is also available for other Philips CM-series TEMs. Philips Industrial and Electro-Acous- tical Systems Division, Building HKF, 5600 MD Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Desk Top Microscopy By using their experience with the micro- controller concept and the CM family of transmission microscopes, Philips have replaced the usual high-tech array of SEM controls, indicators and function keys by a clean-look office desk with monitor, key- board, mouse and column in the new XL Series. This consists of three basic con- figurations: the XL20 featuring a eucen- tric 20 X 20 mm stage and a resolution down to 3 nm, the XL30 equipped with a large chamber and eucentric 50 x 50 mm stage, and the XL40 with a 150 mm travel motorised eucentric stage.Philips Industrial and Electro-Acoustic Systems Division, Building HKF, 5600 MD Eindhoven. The Netherlands. Consumables In a 96-Well Format A wide range of disposable plastic con- sumables is available, including deep 96- well plates and Cube 2ubes. Both are available in a choice of polystyrene or polypropylene, sterile or non-sterile. The 96-well plates have a sample capacity of 1 ml per well. The Cube 2ubes are square in cross-section and are individuals of 2 ml capacity arranged in a rack of 8 X 12 tubes. Beckman, Progress Road, Sands Indus- trial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucking- hamshire. Fume Cupboards A range of metal or timber fume cup- boards provides a high degree of contain- ment and complies with the COSHH Regulations with regard to operator safety and environmental protection.Designed to meet the requirements of BS 7258, with timber or epoxy-coated metal outer shells and with a choice of interior linings and worktops, the cupboards range in size up to a length of 3.0 m. Styles available are free standing, bench mounted or walk-in, and units can also be designed for building into new or existing premises. Envair (UK) Ltd., York Avenue, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 4HX. Vibration -free Tables The Microvibe AVM-704 vibration isola- tion system employs an air piston and diaphragm method of vibration and shock absorption. It has a natural fre- quency of 2.5 Hz and provides a usable surface area of 350 x 500 mm, which is capable of supporting loads up to 100 kg. Wentworth Laboratories Ltd., 1 Gos- forth Close, Sunderland Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1RB.Laser A semiconductor laser that operates as a transmitter with small signal modulation bandwidths up to 14 GHz is designed for low dissipation and high reliability. Small- signal modulation bandwidths of up to 14 GHz have been measured with these lasers. The modulation bandwidth achieved so far is limited by parasitic effects (contact capacitance, lead induct- ance). Similar high limiting values have so far been attained for more complex struc- tures, which are less suitable for high reliability. Siemens plc, Siemens House, Windmill Road, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 7HS. Standards Database on CD-ROM Standards Infodisk offers on CD-ROM details of over 150000 standards and specifications from more than sixty issu- ing authorities from the UK, US industry, US military, West Germany, the interna- tional bodies IEC, I S 0 and CEN, France, Japan, Canada and Australia.ILI, Index House, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7EU. Sliced Dry Ice Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) slices are now available. Cardice Slices have a nominal weight of 1 kg and measure approximately 210 x 125 X 25 mm. Supplied in packs of ten, each slice is individually wrapped and sealed in strong paper. Distillers MG Ltd., Cedar House, 39 London Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9QE. Literature The GCMS Companion Series is a con- cept in mass spectral data collections. Designed both as a training tool and as a reference handbook, it provides com- prehensive single-source references for workers using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Volumes 1 and 2 cover amino acid derivatives and pollutants, respectively. Future volumes will feature organic acid derivatives, steroid deriva- tives, drugs and drugs of abuse. HD Science Ltd., 4A Bessell Lane, Stapleford, Nottingham NG9 7BX. Supelco’s 1990 Environmental Catalogue contains more than 90 pages on products for drinking water, industrial wastewater, hazardous waste and air monitoring analyses. Supelchem UK Ltd., Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex CBll 3AZ. Hewlett-Packard’s Unified Laboratory brochure (Publication 5952-1059) de- scribes how the Company’s comprehen- sive offering in laboratory data handling, computer and networking systems helps different instrument techniques, researchers, scientists and laboratories to work together more effectively. Hewlett-Packard SA, 150 route du Nant-d’Avril, CH-1217 Meyrin 2, Switzerland. A 24-page illustrated applications guide covers the DU Series 60 spectropho- tometers and deals with quantitative and qualitative analyses, protein and nucleic acid studies, enzyme activity applications and gel scanning. Beckman, Progress Road, Sands Indus- trial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucking- hamshire. Supelco’s 16-page Reporter (Vol. IX, No. 4) features new 105 m x 0.53 mm i.d. VOCOL capillary columns designed to ensure maximum separation of volati!e compounds in water, according to EPA Method 502.2. Other subjects include the Omegawax 320 capillary column for fish oil fatty acid methyl ester analyses. Supelco Inc., Supelco Park, Bellefonte, PA 16823-0048, USA. The Health and Safety Executive have published a leaflet aimed at employees who work with hydrofluoric acid. It is called ‘Hydrofluoric Acid and You’. HSE, Baynards House, 1 Chepstow Place, London W2 4TF. A leaflet gives information on the Klin- gersil range of asbestos-free sealing materials. Richard Klinger Ltd., Sidcup, Kent DA14 5AG.