1983), product news - downloads.hindawi.comdownloads.hindawi.com/journals/jamc/1983/896923.pdf ·...

Journal of Automatic Chemistry, Volume 5, Number 3 (July-September 1983), pages 160-167

Product NeWS34th Pittsburgh Conference and ExpositionThe Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy continued its record of successfulmeetings with the 34th Pittsburgh Conference and Exposition held in Atlantic City, New Jersey from 7 to 12 March 1983.Total attendance showed a 9"3 increase over the previous year. The organizers recently released some comparativestatistics:

1983 1982

Conferees 14 720 12 387Exhibitors 7008 7497Total Registration 21 728 19 884Exhibiting Companies 579 560Booth Spaces 1475 1373Seminar Rooms 34 35Technical Papers 948 849

The following new products are some ofthose exhibited at the conference. (The 35th Conference, again in Atlantic City, isto be held from 5 to 10 March 1984.)

Pittsburgh: IBM InstrumentsComputer System

To date (June 1983) marketed only in thedomestic United States, the IBM Instru-ments Computer System can increaselaboratory productivity by providinginstrument control, data acquisition, anddata-analysis capabilities. Graphicpresentation ofresults can be obtained ona CRT display and/or on hard copy.Results can also be communicated toother systems.

An easy to use, real-time, multi-taskingoperating system combined with speciallydesigned data systems hardware allowsusers to perform many functions:

Operate several instrumentsMonitor instrument progressCollect, store, and analyse data frominstruments under program controlBuild or modify proceduresPrint or plot results of completedworkStore or transmit files for later useProcess data.

The system has been designed formaximum flexibility for current require-ments with the ability to expand for futureneeds. The modular design permits themixing and matching of various features

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to meet specific requirements: this allowsusers to tailor a system that may rangefrom a low-priced configuration dedi-cated to a single instrument, to a fullyprogrammable large configuration sup-porting many instruments and additionallaboratory data-processing. The optionalBASIC programming language can beused to extend the programmed capa-bilities of the system. All of the system’sfeatures are designed for quickinstallation.

The system was developed to meet theanalytical needs of research, develop-ment, quality control, testing and clinicallaboratories.

A brochure is availablefrom Gary L. Gisle,Director of Marketin9 and Services, IBMInstruments Inc., Orchard Park, PO Box332, Danbury, Connecticut 06810, USA.Tel.: 203 796 2500.

Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

Pittsburgh: Analytical ProductsDivision, Sybron Corporation

The newly formed Analytical ProductsDivision of Sybron demonstrated theirPhoto-chem total organic carbon analy-sers and Servomex oxygen analysers.

The ’Persulffate’ injector for thePhoto-chem uses photochemical (UV)oxidation combined with a highly sens-itive resistivity detection system toprovide total organic carbon determi-nation free of inorganic carbon inter-ference. It operates in a range of20 000 ppm to 50 ppb; the instrumentcan analyse anything from high-purityprocess water to industrial effluent. TheServomex oxygen analysers (for bio-medical, medical and physiologicalresearch, and applications in chemicalprocessing and combustion-efficiencymonitoring) use a permagnetic principleof measurement. The l00A, released atPittsburgh, is microprocessor controlled.

More information from SybronCorporation, Boston, Massachusetts02132, USA.


Pittsburgh: Apples for processcontrol

The Cyborg Corporation launched theirISAAC/Apple data acquisition andcontrol system at the Conference. It canaccept up to 512 direct inputs fromsensors; sources may include any mix ofthermocouples, RTDs, strain-gauges,

pressure transducers, flow meters, or anyanalogue or digital signal. The system canbe configured as a standard data logger orindustrial controller, but offers the addedbenefit of the Apple II. Suggested appli-cations are: process monitoring, datalogging, pilot plant operation, small-scaleprocess control and industrial R&D.

Among the advantages of theISAAC/Apple system are that all sourcescan be directly connected to the system’sscrew-type terminals, and modular inputscan be located next to the primary sensorsup to 250 ft from the computer.

Detailsfrom Cyborg Corporation, Newton,Massachusetts 02158, USA.


quadrants can then be inserted onto thestandard 725 carousel; derivatization andLC injection is then only a matter ofpressing a button. The 725D can also beused for injecting large sample volumes--to 1460/l.

Micromeritics’ 788 Dual VariableWavelength Detector was also displayedat the Conference. It uses two user-selectable UV/Vis wavelengths to analysechemical compounds of like or verysimilar molecular structure. Chromato-graphers can use the 788 to resolveoverlapping peaks without changinganalysis conditions or resorting to ex-pensive detection methods. Monitoring

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of a sample at two different wavelengthsallows sample constituent comparisonsbased on absorbance ratio, absorbancesums, absorbance differences. Resultsreflect real comparisons because detec-tion occurs in a single sample cell.

The 788 can be used to verify thepurity of etuting compounds, selectivelyeliminate unwanted peaks, collect puresample components, and double charac-terize chemical species.

Further information from MicromeriticsInstrument Corporation, 5680 GoshenSprings Road, Norcross, Georgia 30093,USA. Tel.: 404 448 8282.


Pittsburgh: Fluorometer

The Nova is a microprocessor-basedratio-recording spectrofluorometer madeby Baird Corporation. The machine in-cludes as standard many features whichare optional extras in its competitors.Nova’s operating parameters are selectedon a keyboard and continuously dis-played on a built-in CRT monitor--indigital or bar graph format. Peak heightor peak area may be selected for opti-mizing integration modes. Featuresinclude holographic gratings, selectableexcitation and emission slit widths, andexcitation, emission and synchronousscanning capability.

Details from Baird Corporation, Bedford,Massachusetts 01730, USA.


Pittsburgh: Dual Sampleautoinjector/Dual variablewavelength detector

A new version of the 725 Autolnjector isable to derivatize and inject samples in asingle step; up to 32 samples can beanalysed unattended. The unit--theModel 725D--is being promoted to lab-oratories where routine rapid pre-columnderivatization of sample is possible. Itwas initially developed for amino-aciddeterminations in the brewing industryand is expected to be useful for HPLCapplications in biotechnology, pharma-ceutical, food and beverage industries (theDual Sample Autolnjector used with a

simple HPLC system may replace ana-lysers costing up to three times more). Thechromatographer simply loads alternatevials with sample and reagent into aquadrant (loading the necessary numberof vials and quadrants). Up to four

Thosefamiliar with the original Model 725 will appreciate the 725D’s adherenceto the basic design principles that have made the 725 popular for automatingroutine liquid chromatograph injections. The photograph illustrates the onlynoticeable feature difference: the dual positive sample displacement mechanismand special mixing tee.

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Product news

Zymate Laboratory Automation System

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Master Laboratory Stationwith Fraction Collection TurntableDispense, Dilute, and Extract

The Zymate Laboratory Automation System: typical applicitions include automated liquid-handling, filtration, extraction,partition, chemical derivatization, sample conditioning and sample introduction. (Zymark Corporation, Hopkinton,Massachusetts, USA.)

Pittsburgh: Sample preparation

The microprocessor-controlled Zymatelaboratory automation system is de-scribed, for those who did not get toAtlantic City, in a 12-page booklet. TheZymate combines robotics and lab-oratory stations to automate sample-preparation procedures; the diagramshows the system relationship betweenthe robot, stations and controller.

The laboratory robot transfers sam-ples from station to station according touser-programmed procedures. When thesample preparation procedure is com-pleted, the robotic arm either introducessamples directly into the analytical in-strument or places them in a carousel orrack for subsequent analysis. Since therobotic arm is capable of automaticallychanging hands, several hands may beused in the procedure.

The laboratory controller uses micro-processor technology to control the robotand laboratory stations and to com-municate with the operator. In essence, itmanages the sample-preparation pro-cedure in terms of the laboratory unitoperations, their sequence and timing.

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Controller programming is menu-based,with tables and prompts similar tocommercial word-processors. Sequentialsteps can be initiated using familiarlaboratory terminology. Sample prepar-ation methods can be stored for futurerecall by using the floppy-disc drive.

Laboratory stations, placed withinreach of the robotic arm, are elec-tronically connected to the controller. Assamples are brought to each station, thecontroller sets all the necessary operatingparameters. For example: when dis-pensing, the robot moves a test-tube orvial to the Master Laboratory Station(MLS) dispenser outlet. The controllerthen instructs the MLS to dispense theprogrammed amount of the specifiedreagent or solvent. The controller waitsfor a ’completed’ signal from the MLSand, then, instructs the robot to move thesample to the next operation.

Zymark, the manufacturer, say thatthe Zymate gives quality analyticalresults, increased productivity, improvedmethods development, convenience andsafety, and the possibility of futureexpansion.

The booklet about Zymate (a newslettercalled ’Laboratory Automation forChemistry and Biochemistry’ is publishedby Zymark and worth requestin9 at thesame time) is available from ZymarkCorporation, Zymark Center, Hopkinton,Massachusetts 01748, USA. Tel.: 617 4359041.


Pittsburgh: HPLC detector/auto-sampler for AA, flame, HPLC,UV/VisISCO, Inc. (Lincoln, Nebraska) an-nounced several new products includingthe ISIS auto-sampler and the ISCO V’variable HPLC detector.

The ISIS (at $2495; $3195 with washstation and microprocessor sequencer;$4995 for the complete autoinjectorsystem) is easy to interface with a spectro-meter or any other analyser using liquidsamples. The accessory autoinjectorincludes all the components to automateany liquid chromatograph.

The company list eight reasons forbuying their V’ variable HPLC detector:

(1) Over 10 times normal deuteriumlamp life.

(2) Quick warm-up.(3) Lowest priced variable detector

[at Pittsburgh].(4) Choice of built-in 10cm chart

recorder or LED read-out.(5) Three-year warranty.(6) Optional peak selector.(7) Ten different cells for LC, HPLC,

and micro HPLC fit slip-outcassette. Volumes as low as 0"4/A.

(8) 190-750nm range, 6nm band-width, 0.002 AUFS sensitivity,2 x 10-5 A noise.

Details from ISCO, Inc., Box 5347,Lincoln, Nebraska 68505, USA. Tel.: 800228 4250.


Pittsburgh: Continuous-flowanalysis

A system incorporating a computer andinterface designed to collect, analyse andcorrect data from segmented-flow con-tinuous analysis wet-chemical systemswas displayed by Scientific InstrumentsCorporation. In selecting peak responsesthe CFA-85 system uses a combination ofpeak detection and time windows, whichallows the data system to account forabnormal responses. The user can applythree corrections, if necessary, to results:base-line, sensitivity and carry-over alter-ations. The CFA-85 is recommended forTOC and TOD analysis ofwater samples,electrolytes in blood, or librium andvalium assay.

Further information from ScientificInstruments Corporation, 25 Broadway,Box 295, Pleasantville, New York 10570,USA.


computer-selected dual photomultiplierdetection, and a work-station.

Further information from BeckmanInstruments, Inc., Fullerton, California92634, USA.

Circle No. 10 Reader Enquiry Card

Pittsburgh: Liquid chromatograph

The Model 5500 was launched by VarianAssociates at the Conference; it featuresfully-integrated, intelligent control;microstep pumping; programmabledetection with scanning; microborecapability; structured upgradable soft-ware; and complete stand-alone auto-mation.

All system components--injectors,pump, detectors; heaters, external eventsand serial communications--are inte-grated and share resources in a singlecompact unit. An interactive CRT/keyboard controls and simplifies instru-ment operation. The CRT presents ’real-time’ status displays of all chromato-graphic conditions for the system and foreach component. The user can build ormodify any method at any time; and,while the LC 5500 is running one method,the CRT can be used to build anotherwithout interference. The LC 5500 uses

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the same pump as the existing 5000 seriesLC systems, and delivers the microflowrates required for new microborechromatography, as well as the flowsneeded for normal and semi-preparativeseparations.

The column/detector compartment isdesigned to accommodate a broad rangeof built-in detectors (up to two at a time)including the new UV 200 UV-Visdetector with time programmable wave-lengths and scanning. This detectorfeatures a patented flow-cell thatmaximizes light throughput andminimizes the RI effects, providing theperformance needed for both microboreand conventional HPLC.

For automatic, unattended operation,an auto-sampler can be added andmethods set up in the 5500 will controlautomatic injection of up to 60 samples.For complete automation, including datahandling, the Model 5500 interfaces withthe VISTA 402 Chromatography DataSystem or with an external computer.

For more information contact VarianAssociates Ltd, 24-28 Manor Road,Walton-onThames, Surrey UK, or VarianAG, Steinhauserstrasse, CH 6300 Zug,Switzerland.


Pittsburgh: Rapid scanning high-resolution spectrometer

Spectra Span VI, from BeckmanInstruments, combines a computer-controlled echelle scanning monochro-mator with a direct-current plasma(DCP) source to determine elementalcomponents in liquids and gases byplasma emission. It features easy-to-usesoftware, rapid scanning, cursor-prompted instructions on screen, and aunique wavelength drive. The SpectraSpan analyses samples with high-totaldissolved solids and performs bothquantitative and qualitative measure-ments. Accessories include an auto-sampler, Microsoft BASIC software, a deluxe printer (also a standard printer),

The Model 5500 liquid chromatograph. Modular construction allows the user tochoose the best combination of injectors, heaters, columns and accessories forspecific applications. (Varian, Switzerland and UK.)

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Product news

Precious chemicals

A free catalogue of precious metalchemicals is available from EngelhardIndustries Ltd. The chemicals listed arenormally held in stock by Engelhard orcan be supplied at short notice. Eachchemical is described in terms of itscommon name, its IUPAC name, itsEngelhard Code number and its formula.An analytical specification is given foreach compound and any hazardsassociated with the material are detailedin a hazard rating guide.

The catalogue can be obtained from the

Publicity Department, St. Nicholas House,St. Nicholas Road, Sutton, Surrey SM11EN, UK. Enquiries are also welcomedfor other precious metal chemicals notlisted orfor listed chemicals under differentspecifications.

Circle No. 12 Reader Eaquiry Card

Ion analysis in food and drink

Dionex have announced that the 2000iion chromatrographs are being used by anumber of food processors. It appearsthat as well as having applications forquality-control procedures, ion chroma-tography is useful for detecting adulter-ation and for competitive analysis.Dionex ion chromatography determinesions and ionizable compounds in foodsand beverages: the technique is a form ofliquid chromatography which uses ionexchange as the mode of separation.Suppressed conductivity detection isused, as well as electrochemical and ultra-violet/visible detection. Analysable com-pounds include anions (Cl-, Br-, NO-,NO, PO-, SO2- etc.), cations (K +,Na+, CaE +, MgE + etc.), organic acids,transition metals (FeE +, CuE +, ZnE + etc.),amines, phenols, and surfactants.

Information on the 2000i ion chromato-graphsfrom Dionex (UK) Ltd, First Floor,The Parade, Frimley, Camberley, SurreyGU16 5H7, UK, tel.: 0276 29771; orfromthe Dionex Corporation, 1228 Titan Way,Sunnyt,ale, California 94086, USA, tel.:408 737 0700.


FPLC system for high-performance chromatographyof biomolecules

Pharmacia’s FPLC (fast protein liquidchromatography) system was designedfor high resolution, high yields, shortseparation times and for freedom fromcontamination. The system is not,according to Pharmacia, based on exist-ing HPLC methodologies, rather it is a

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new approach to high-efficiency chro-matography of labile biomolecules. TheFPL C system is centred on a series ofseparation media for ion-exchangechromatography and chromatofocusing,based on a macroporous matrix in theform of monodisperse spheres. Thesemedia are complemented by silica-basedmedia for anion-exchange chromato-graphy, with a sample load of 50mg ormore of protein per run. Typicalseparation times are 10 to 30min.

Pharmacia have produced a high-precision pump, a gradient programmerand a full range of ancilliary equipment.

The ,system is described in a colour bookletavailable from Pharmacia (Great Britain)Ltd, Prince Re,qent Road, Hounslow,Middlesex TW3 1NE, UK, tel.: 01-5727321; or Pharmacia Fine Chemicals AB,Box 175, S-75104 Uppsala 1, Sweden.

Circle No. 14 on’R’eader Enquiry Card

High-vacuum technology

A free 12-page booklet from Javac Ltd ofFarnham, UK, covers the terms andformulae relevant to high-vacuum tech-nology. It describes the two main types ofmechanical rotary vacuum pumps, direct-drive and belt-driven, and describes howthey work and gives the advantages ofeach. The booklet also contains formulaeand charts which will guide the reader tocalculate the size of pump for a givenapplication.

Copies from Javac Ltd, 3 Waverley Lane,Farnham, Surrey GU9 8BB, UK. Tel.:0252 721539.


RI detector for liquidchromatography

Refractive index detectors tend to behighly sensitive to slight changes intemperature and also to lamp energyfluctuations--both contribute towards ahigh noise level.

The first of these problems has beenovercome in the new RID-2A fromShimadzu by the large heat capacity ofthe detector housing and its insulation,eliminating any need for a water-jacket;and by a solid metal inner-casing with aspecial heat filter next to the lamphousing. The second problem has beensolved with electronic circuitry whichcompensates for lamp energy fluctuation.Finally, the inclusion, ofdouble deflection,which amplifies very small refractiveindex changes, makes the ShimadzuRID-2A a reliable and sensitive instru-ment.

The Shimadzu refractive index detector issold in the UK by Dyson Instruments Ltd

from whom further details are available:Sunderland House, Station Road, Hetton,Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear DH5OAT, UK. Tel.: 0783 260452.


SCIC journalThe Wescan Ion Analyzer is a newsletterabout single-column ion chromatography(SCIC)--a technique that applies high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) technology to the analysis ofdissolved ions. Published three times ayear by Wescan Instruments Inc., thenewsletter includes technical notes onnew developments in SCIC, applicationsof SCIC to specific analytical problems,and advice for users on methods optimiz-ation and system troubleshooting.

Free subscriptions are available .fromWescan Instruthents Inc., 3018 ScottBlvd., Santa Clara, California 95050,USA. Tel.: 408 727 3519. Articles onSCIC for publication in ’Wescan IonAnalyzer’ may be submitted to: ThomasJupille (Editor: ’Wescan Ion Analyzer’),c/o Wescan Instruments, 3018 Scott Blvd.,Santa Clara, California 95050, USA.


Mill for rapid sample preparation

A redesigned and improved CyclotecSample Mill has been announced. Thisnew mill has a very low noise level (lessthan 75 dBA in normal operation) and is"equipped with a very reliable transmis-sion. Maintenance demand is low. TheCyclotec is intended for rapid and uni-form grinding of a wide variety of feeds,grains, leaves etc. and also for grinding ofchemicals, pharmaceuticals and similarproducts. Features include dust-freeoperation, no clean-out between samplesand no thermal degradation of samples.

Contact Teactor Ltd, Cooper Road,Thornbury, Bristol BS12 2UP, UK. Tel.:0454417798.


Intelligent printer for processinstrumentation

New from Microtrol is an intelligentprinter designed for interfacing withinstrumentation such as that used in

process-control installations. The MED-IQ combines a standard, medium-speedmatrix printer with a microprocessor-based control system. This incorporatesserial or parallel I/O facilities to RS 232 or

Centronics etc. standards, and has the

ability to accept analogue inputs. TheMED-IQ prints on a 7 x 5 dot matrixformat at a speed of 80 characters/s, andincludes a system time clock. Undernormal operating conditions, the printerinterrogates its associated instrumen-tation and automatically stores the result-ant data; this is then either periodicallyprinted-out at pre-determined timeintervals, or on request by the operator.

MED-IQ can be adapted to meet auser’s specific print requirements. Up tosix different print formats may be definedand manual controls set into the printer’scontrol panel make provision for theoperator to print-out the present time orany of the defined formats. Typical printformats include conventional data-logging, for a number of input channels;and logging with time data and embeddedtext, so that a time-related record ofevents may be compiled.

More information from MicrotrolEngineering Design Ltd, 640 Melton Road,Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8BB, UK.


’Instrumental Thin-LayerChromatography’

Published in January, TL-10-E isCAMAG-AG’s latest catalogue. Descrip-tions of instruments are accompanied bymethodological explanations--so Instru-mental Thin-Layer Chromatography is auseful guide to current TLC practice.

The 56-page, coloured brochure is avail-able, free,from Ch. Gfeller, CAMAG-AG,Sonnenmattstrasse 11, CH 4132 Muttenz,Switzerland. Tel.: 061 61 34 34.


Atomic Spectroscopy DataManagement Software

ASDMS is a software package that pro-vides data collection, report generationand instrument control and which can beused with Perkin-Elmer’s Models 5000,4000, 2380 and 2280 atomic absorptionspectrophotometers interfaced to the3600 data station. The analyst can useASDMS to select all the informationrequired for the analysis from the stan-dard methods ’cookbook’ stored on disc.Analytical methods developed by the usercan also be stored on disc for rapid access.Analytical data from flame, graphite fur-nace or hydride analyses can be collectedin real time and stored, and once all thedata is on file, reports can be generated inany of eight different formats. Forexample, all lead analyses from a batch of

samples can be reported separately.Alternatively, each element analysed in asample can be reported under a singlesample number, even though the elementsmay have been determined by a mixtureof methods, for example flame andfurnace. Results can also be corrected forweight and dilution.

Instrument control is possible whenASDMS is linked to the Model 5000 or4000 spectrophotometers. The operatingparameters for each element are stored inthe methods library and can be used to setup the instrument automatically. Up tosix element methods can be grouped andtransferred to the instrument.

Perkin-Elmer’s HGA graphics soft-ware allows high-speed data acquisition:necessary when fast, transient peaks needto be recorded. The peaks can be dis-played and compared, allowing theanalyst to develop the best method forgraphite furnace analysis.

Further information from Perkin-ElmerLtd, Post Office Lane, Beaconsfield,Buckinghamshire HP9 1QA, UK. Tel.:04946 6161.


Clinical chemistry guidelines

The NCCLS (National Committee forClinical Laboratory Standards) recentlypublished sets of guidelines forlaboratories.

NRSCC1-T describes the develop-ment of definitive methods--a definitivemethod is an analytical method which hasbeen subjected to in-depth investigationand evaluation for sources in inaccuracy.The Council for the National ReferenceSystem in Clinical Chemistry (NRSCC)will be using the guidelines to review’proposed candidate definitive methods’for submission to the NCCLS consensusprocess. When a definitive method for aspecific analyte has been approvedaccording to the criteria in NRSCC1-T, itwill be used for establishing the accuracyof the reference method for that analyte.

The other two documents concerncalibration and control materials. C22-Tdescribes specifications for materials usedfor the calibration of routine analyticalsystems for the measurements of analytesin body fluid specimens. The calibrationmaterials referred to in C22-T are thosethat are carried through the same ana-lytical process as the patient specimens.And C23-T contains specifications formaterials used to monitor routine sys-tems for the measurement of analytes inserums and urine. The guidelines addresscontrol materials with an assigned value

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or range of values and those without anassigned value. Both types may be used toestimate precision, and the former mayalso be used to estimate accuracy or bias.

Each document costs $9.00 (plus $1"00 forout-of-US orders) and the NCCLS wouldlike payment with order. The Committeeis based at 771 E. Lancaster Avenue,Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, USA.


Radioactivity meter

Described as a convenient means forverifying radioisotope activities the PW4600, an intelligent microprocessor-basedMicrocurie (Becquerel) Meter, is beingpromoted to nuclear medicine labora-tories and to hospitals. The meter consistsof a slim microprocessor control consolelinked to an ionization chamber intowhich vials or syringes are inserted forchecking. 39 different isotopes can beselected for checking using a simplekeyboard, which provides a single-keyidentification of the seven most com-monly used labelled materials. Resultsappear on a digital display; a hard-copyrecord is produced simultaneously on theunit’s built-in strip printer. The results areautomatically corrected for isotope half-lives and the print-out includes the dateand time of testing. When a samplevolume is entered on the keyboard, themeter calculates activity per millilitre; itcan also indicate the volume of solutionnecessary to constitute a predetermineddose. The PW 4660 can be factory pre-setto measure in either millicuries or mega-becquerels, and this can be changedsubsequently at any time if required.

Detailsfrom Pye Unicam Ltd, York Street..Cambridge CB1 2PX, UK. Tel.: 0223358866.


Aurora: clinical chemistryanalyser

The Aurora computer-controlled clinicalanalysis system, which can handle 303,

tests/h and which allows dialogue(in English, French or German) with theoperator, is to be distributed in Belgium,France, Italy, Spain and FR Germany byBehringwerke AG. Behringwerke AG is asubsidiary of Hoechst and it is nowentering the routine clinical chemistrymarket with products for enzyme andsubstrate determination.

Details from Aurora’s manufacturer:Ultrolab AB, Box 20032, S-161 20Bromma, Sweden.


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Product news

A.free spectrum interpreter is offered by the Cheshire-based manufacturer ofmass spectrometers and associated data systems:VG Analytical. The interpreter’s slide-rulefacilitates the easy interpretation ofcommon lossesfrom molecular ions and showsthe composition offragment ions to Mass 99. Copies from the Marketing Department, VG Analytical Ltd, Tudor Road,Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5RZ, UK. Tel.: 061 928 6300.


DIY PCBs

Applied Photophysics offer a series oflow-cost, wired and fully tested PCBmodules, which should be of interest tothose building their own electronic pro-cessing and control instruments. Byadding a simple power-supply, switches,potentiometers etc. and housing to a PCBmodule, it is possible to construct a high-performance instrument at a fraction ofthe cost of a made-up version. Allmodules are supplied with a full circuitdiagram and application notes.

The PCB modules available include astepping motor control unit designed todrive a reversible motor at speeds adjust-able over many decades and a rampgenerator board producing positive ornegative going ramps covering a +_ 10 Vrange.

The phase sensitive detector modulecovers the range from 0"01Hz to 1MHz,has low noise and a sensitivity of 10 V/V.Related modules include a phase controlunit and phase-to-voltage converter.

The ratiometer module generatesthree simultaneous analogue outputsbased on the ratio of two input voltages.This module is particularly useful in

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optical detection schemes where light-source intensities are subject to fluctu-ations and compensation is required toobtain steady readings. The gated in-tegrator module is a fast, low-leakage,integrator having an input isolating gatewhich can be opened, under externalcontrol, for periods ranging from DCdown to 30 ns.

Various programmable time delaymodules are offered; all have three out-puts, each of which generates a time-delayed pulse following a trigger pulseor transition applied to a single input.Delays are available from ns to 100 s.

The dual wideband amplifier has twoidentical amplifiers which are indepen-dently powered. With a rise time of 35 ns,an input impedance of M and an

output impedance of 50, this amplifieris ideal for many laboratory and in-dustrial applications.

Information from Applied PhotophysicsLtd, 20 Albemarle Street, London WIX3HA. Tel.: O1 493 4194.


FIAA joint venture between AdvancedMedical Supplies of Aldershot, UK andthe Laboratory of the GovernmentChemist (LGC) has resulted in a new low-cost flow-injection analysis (FIA) system.

The LGC has developed its own FIAsystems for water, food and beer analysis.The LGC and Advanced MedicalSupplies analyser (they have been work-ing together over the last few months) willbe manufactured and marketed exclus-ively by Advanced Medical Supplies.

The system is similar to those used byLGC in its water analysis section and iscapable of performing a colorimetric ex-amination of water samples. Standardanalytical methods include ammonia,nitrate, chloride, orthophosphate,anionic surfactant, inorganic sulphate,iron, free chlorine, pH by electrode, pH bytritration and conductivity.

Further information from Jeff Young,Advanced Medical Supplies Ltd, 19 HolderRoad, North Lane Industrial Estate,Aldershot, Hampshire, UK.


SAM

SAM is a ’synthesis automation machine’for the automated synthesis of poly-peptides and oligonucleotide fragmentsrequired in recombinant DNA research.Using BIOSEARCH’s phosphite-triestersynthesis program and BIOSEARCHprecursors, reagents, and purificationprotocols, SAM produces 95 couplingefficiencies, 98 purity of products, and100 unit (after purification) of anucleotide 15-mer. Operation of SAM isunder the control of a microprocessor,incorporating a 500-step memory capableof handling up to 24 outputs and eightinputs. The machine is preprogrammedto perform oligonucleotide synthesis bythe phosphite-triester method with a21min cycle time. Capacity for nineadditional user-defined programs is alsoincluded.

After 20min of set-up by a technicianthe machine, unattended, will synthesize anucleotide 15-mer in 6 h. Three steps arerequired to execute a synthesis:

(1) Fill the reagent reservoirs withappropriate materials.

(2) Load the reusable reaction columnwith the requisite derivatizedsupport.

Product news/Calendar continued

(3) Enter the desired oligomersequence into the microprocessormemory.

On completion of the synthesis, the sup-port is removed from the column, and theoligomer deprotected and detached fromthe support. The product is then purified.

SAM can also be used for manynucleotide synthesis methodologies,including phosphate-triester andphosphate-triester chemistries. It is easilyprogrammed for the preparation ofoligonucleotides with either mixed basesites or modified base insertions. And itwill automate polypeptide synthesis.BIOSEARCH offers a number ofcomponents designed to expand SAM’scapabilities. By adding supplementaryvalves, the machine can control additionalreagent reservoirs. An attached printer willproduce hard-copy verification ofprogram parameters, oligomer sequenceentered, and synthetic steps executed. Toallow collection of detritylation effluentfor colorimetric assay, an effluentdiversion valve can be installed.

’Differential ScanningCalorimetry’

This is a 44-page booklet offered free ofcharge by Perkin-Elmer Ltd. It covers thetheory, practice and applications ofdifferential scanning calorimetry.

Copiesfrom Perlcin-Elmer Ltd, Post OfficeLane, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP91QA, UK. Tel.: 04946 6161.


1984 Meetings35th Pittsburgh Conference andExpositionTo be held from 5; to 10 March 1984 inAtlantic City, New Jersey, USA.Further information from Mrs LindaBri99s, Pittsburgh Conference, Depart-ment J-212, 437 Donald Road, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania 15325, USA.

Details from New Brunswick ScientificLtd, 23-34 Emerald Street, LondonWC1N 3QA, Tel.: 01 404 4515.


XIIth International Congress of ClinicalChemistryTo be held from 29 April to 4 May 1984 inRio de Janeiro, Brazil.Further information from the ExecutiveSecretary, XIIth International Congress,Rua Vicente Licinio 95, Cep 20270, Rio dedaneiro, Brazil.

2nd International Congress on Auto-mation and New Technology in theClinical LaboratoryTo be held from 15 to 18 October 1984 inBarcelona, Spain.For further information contact 2ndInternational Congress on Automation andNew Technology in the ClinicalLaboratory, IV Congreso Nacional de laSociedad Espafiola de Quimica Clinica,Apartado de Correos 543, Barcelona,Spain.

Costin9 much less than competin9 oligonucleotide synthesizers, New BrunswickScientific’s SAM 9ires its user thefiexibility to select the most economical route toa desired synthetic product.

14th Annual Symposium on the AnalyticalChemistry of Pollutants and the 3rdInternational Congress on AnalyticalTechniques in Environmental ChemistryTo be held from 22-24 November 1984 atthe Palacio de Congresos in Barcelona,Spain.For further information contact 14thAnnual Symposium--3rd InternationalCongress--Expoquimia, Avda. Reina Ma.Christina, Barcelona 4, Spain.

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