Journal of Automatic Chemistry, Vol. 10, No. 3 (July-September 1988), pp. 147-156

New products

IDAS

A versatile rea.l-time data acquisitionsystem has been added to Beckman’s’CALS’ laboratory automationsystem.

The IDAS (Instrument Data Acqui-sition System) provides two-waycommunication between virtuallyany analytical instrument and a DECVAX, HP1000 or IBM S/370 hostminicomputer.

IDAS is programmed to meet therequirements of a variety of instru-ments by using LIL-a speciallydeveloped laboratory interface lan-guage. IDAS procedures can be writ-ten for prompting the instrument fordata and also collect, parse, formatand write the data to disk. If theCALS Lab Manager LIMS is run-ning on minicomputer, IDAS is cap-able of posting data to the LabManager data-base. Consequently,significant productivity improve-ments can be expected from theconnection of analytical instrumen-tation and robotic work cells directlyto the Lab Manager data-base.

IDAS can be employed over a directRS-232 link between an instrumentwith an on-board programmablecomputer and an asynchronous porton the minicomputer. Similar con-nections can be made to instrumentswith IBM PC workstations with anunused RS-232 communicationsport-and to various Beckmaninstruments such as LS 5801 Seriesliquid scintillation counters and DU-60 Series spectrophotometers.

IDAS can also be installed using theBeckman MK5S Digimetry pro-grammable coupler. This deviceincludes an on-board microproces-sor, memory, keyboard, LCD andeight RS-232 input/output ports.

Details from Beckman, Progress Road,Sands Industrial Estate, High Wycombe,Buckinghamshire, UK. Tel.: 0494 41181.

VYDAC HPLC columns

HPLC Technology Ltd (UK)announce the availability of the com-plete range ofVydac HPLC columns(manufactured by the SeparationsGroup, USA). Not only is the Vydacrange now available-but at pricesthat are 20% lower than previouslyseen in the UK.

The Vydac columns have almostbecome an industry standard forprotein and peptide analysis and theion chromatography columns havebeen extensively used for cation andanion analysis.

Price list from HPLC Technology Ltd,Wellington House, Waterloo Street West,Macclesfield, Cheshire SKll 6PJ, UK.Tel.: 0625 613848; fax: 0625 616916.

Technical curve fitting andplotting software

Aston Scientific’s Techni-Curve nowoffers a number of new features.These include a high-quality printoutput option on Epson or IBM dotmatrix printers, disk storage of plotfiles and a quantitative analysis rou-tine allowing unknowns to be evalu-ated from fitted curves.

All existing users can benefit fromthese enhancements at no charge.

The price of Techni-Curve remainsunchanged at 195.00 and a ’live’evaluation package is available at25.00.

More information from Martin Perry,Aston Scientific Ltd, 49 Long Plough,Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire HP225HD UK. Tel.: 0296 630304.

Alphanumeric recorders

H-S Recorders have announced twoadditions to their range of Flexi-corder ulta-lightweight alpha-numeric waveform recorders. The

use of a new micro stepping motordrive circuit gives the flexibility to

provide a wider variation of chartspeeds and reduces both mechanicaland electrical noise at all speeds.

This IBM compatible module isdesigned specifically for control andmonitoring functions in medical,scientific, and industrial equipment,and the recorders can providealphanumeric text, single or dualwaveform information, and graphics.In addition, they also have the abilityto overlap text or annotations acrossthe waveforms so that they relatedirectly to particular points orevents.

The 50 mm-wide model codedHS50MC-uses a full width solidstate thermal print head giving 288addressable dots across 48 mm of astandard 50 mm wide paper roll. The63 mm version (HS60MC) gives 320dots across 53 mm of a standard 63mm wide paper roll. Both units arepowered by a compact stepper motormicro-stepped drive to provide a hightorque/low noise combination, whilstallowing the selection of varyingmotor speeds.

Both recorders can operate at anyone of eight standard speeds rangingfrom mm/min to 50 mm/s, orinfinitely variable speed controlbetween 0 and 25 mm/s is possible byuse ofan external clock.

Waveform information can be read atthe rate of 5000 samples/s orsmoothed at rates down to 20samples/s by the use of host select-able interpolation. Text printing onboth units can use any of threecharacter sizes vertically and fourcharacter sizes horizontally. In addi-tion, both have a high resolutiongraphics facility.

Resolution is enhanced by a densityof 24 dots/mm along the paper roll.Software selectable trace expansionallows traces to be multiplied by 1"25

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New products

and 1"125 for the HS60MC and theHS50MC respectively and this giveseach recorder a full grid width trace.

Other features of both units includebuilt-in self test for thermal, mech-anical, and anti-static print headprotection; IBM compatibility andrecording control via software or

specially developed interfaces.

Full details of the new specificationHS5OMC and HS6OMC recorders can beobtainedfrom H-S Recorders Ltd, Unit 51,Portmanmoor Road Industrial Estate,Cardiff CF2 2HB UK. Tel.: 0222485885; fax: 0222 462173.

Colour measurement

The Vector’s CL6000 colourmeasurement system is being pro-moted as the best buy low budgetsystem. A four element filter setmounted in a mechanically and ther-mally stable housing, enable repro-ducibility and stability of results tobe better than 1%.

Reflectance and transmittance headsfor solids or liquids are available, thetransmittance head is designed forcuvettes up to 50 mm.

The 80186 based control system ispackaged in a housing suitable forlaboratory or production environ-ments.

Results can be sent to an externalcomputer, including PC/AT/XTsystems, for which software is avail-able.

Level 4, the top of the range, is a fullyintegrated colour managementsystem for total factory control andreporting.

Details from Trivector Systems Inter-national Ltd, Sunderland Road, Sandy,Bedfordshire SG19 1RB, UK. Tel.:0767 82222.

Automation with PCs

PCs, of course, are being used bymany organizations for low-costautomation, by adding the rightinterface hardware and software.However, before he can exploit thisopportunity, the scientist or engineermust first research the market and

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find the most suitable products. Hemay resort to writing his own soft-ware to make the system work andthis can end up taking more timethan the system will save.

Industrial Data Processing Ltd haveintroduced a service to help scientistsand engineers benefit from this tech-nology without wasting time. IDPare experts in the use of the PC forautomation, and offer a completeservice including advice as to howbest to apply the technology, whichequipment to use and the most suit-able software. The company alsosupplies systems ’off the shelf’ andtakes complete responsibility for pro-viding time-saving solutions, includ-ing installation, commissioning andtraining.

I.D.P. base their solutions on stan-dard IBM PCs or compatibles andinterface hardware from Burr Brown,Analog Devices, Metrabyte,National Instruments or Techmar.The company run monthly seminarsto demonstrate how these systemscan be used.

More information fiom Kevin Hickey,Industrial Data Processing Ltd, TheMaltings, High Street, Burwell, Cam-bridge CB5 0HB, UK. Tel.: 0638743044; fax: 0638 743066.

Automatic vision inspectionsystem

The Trivector Comparatronic 5124provides reliable on-line inspection ofproducts at rates up to 1500/min.The system is based on a framestorewith a resolution of 512 x 512 pixelsby 4 bits (16 grey levels). The Com-paratronic 5124 operates by directsubtraction of the real-time image ofan object from a stored master image.If the two images are identical thenthey cancel each other out completelyand the product is accepted. If thetwo images differ, then the differencewill be measured, against presetthresholds of tone value differenceand defect size, and if the differenceexceeds these thresholds, the productwill be rejected.

The versatility of the Comparatronic5124 system can be expanded by theaddition of a Compu-Scan ImageHandling System. This consists of acomputer, a framestore and disk

storage, and provides several quality-control functions. Linked to a Com-paratronic 5124, it can acquire theimage of any defective product andapply a series of image processingalgorithms to that image to deter-mine the nature and seriousness ofthe defect. A report can be generated,corrective action triggered and theimage can be either stored or trans-mitted down a telephone line.Typical applications for the Compa-ratronic 5124 include label and pack-ing checking.

More information from Trivector SystemsInternational Ltd, Sunderland Road,Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1RB, UK.Tel.: 0767 82222.

Kjeldahl-Automat

An automatic Kjeldahl system fromBFICHI provides automatic distilla-tion, titration, calculation and print-out ofthe results including full opera-tional parameters. The unit offers thebenefits of high throughput withexcellent accuracy and reproducibility.

The B-343/322 is extremely easy touse. Using a dialogue-driven menu(available in English, German andFrench) one of four operationalmethods may be chosen. The resultscan be printed in up to seven ways.

A balance, printer and computer canbe plugged into the B-343 usingstandard connections.

Details from BiiCHI Laboratory-Tech-niques Ltd, PO Box, CH-9230 Flawil,Switzerland. Tel.: 071 84 81 81; fax: 071835911.

Determination of pK-values

The VIA100 pK method module forinstallation in the TitraLab high-per-formance titration system. With thepK Method Module installed, theTitraLab system is capable of calcu-lating pKa.-values from the dataobtained during a titration.

The pKa-value is calculated on threemeasuring points around the halfneutralization point. The mean valueis listed after the titration. In addi-

New products

tion to the pK-value the correspond-ing titration result calculated islisted.

Up to four pK-values with relatedconcentration can be determined inone titration.

The pK method module is especiallyuseful in research laboratories forpKa determinations on newly deve-loped species, and in quality controllaboratories where the pK-value lis-ted with the titration result ensuresthat the correct compound has beentitrated.

Details from Henrik Malmvig, Radio-meter Copenhagen, 49 Krogshgjvej, DK2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel.: O1 69 6311; fax: 02 49 O0 11.

Software

KNOWLEDGEMAN is a data-management system from JobinYvon. The software was written byMicro Data Base Systems, and wasthen tailored by Jobin Yvon to

provide data management, produc-tion ofreports with text and graphics,and also to perform statistical cal-culations on data acquired with aJYICP spectrometer. It is an opensoftware, which can be customized.

Level contains KMAN with rela-tional data management, spur-of-the-moment enquiry, spreadsheetfacility, statistical analysis pro-grammes and a built-in calculator;KGRAPH with 15 styles of graphsavailable, and KTEXT, a word-pro-cessing package. Level 2 is the custo-mized version where JY softwareengineers write additional programson request. The package operatesunder MS-DOS on the IBM-PS2 (orcompatible) computers.

Level is supplied as standard withthe Plus versions of the ICP rangebut both levels are available asoptions with any of the sequential,simultaneous and combined ICPsystems.

For more information contact Dr Mary-anne Thomsen, Instruments SA- EDTLtd, 14 Trading Estate Road, LondonNWIO 7L U. Tel.: O1 965 8500; fax O1961 9210.

Apex PrepSil

Apex PrepSil, fromJones Chromato-graphy, is a high-quality HPLCmaterial for preparative chromato-graphy, available in 8 z, 15 ]z and 20z sizes, in C8, C 18 and plain silica. Itis analogous to the 3 , 5 l and 10 tApex materials, allowing easy scale-up from analytical to preparativechromatography.

Apex PrepSil materials are availableas bulk materials and in packedcolumns.

For further information contact JonesChromatography Ltd, New Road, Hen-goed, Mid Glamorgan CF8 8A U, UK.Tel.: 0443 816991; fax 0443 816552.

Micropump drive catalogue

The 5003U Micropump drive, andthe compatibility of Micropumpswith a broad range of chemicals andsolvents, are described in a cataloguefrom Watson-Marlow.

Sharing many of the advantages ofperistaltic pumps including self-priming, dry running, non-contami-nating and a positive displacementaction, Micropumps are thepreferred pump type at high pres-sures (up to 20 bar and differentialpressures of8 bar) and flow rates (upto 4600 ml/min). In addition, Micro-pumps may be used for liquid/airmixtures, solvents which could cor-rode plastic tubes, provide a virtuallypulseless flow, operate at high tem-peratures and are leak proof.

Micropumps to fit the Watson-Mar-low 5003U drive are listed, and plotsof flow rates against pressure areincluded.

The Micropump body, seal and gearsare available in a range of materialsto cope with any solvent or chemical.

Details from Smith and NephewWatson-Marlow, Falmouth, CornwallTR11 4R U, UK. Tel.: 0326 73461; fax:0326 76009.

Biometra’s Elucon. Advantages ofthis electrophoretic elution and concentration equipmentfor proteins and other biological macromolecules present in gels include:

Easy handling and many applications (electron-elution; electro-concentration; electro-ultrafiltration)Concentrations in small volumes (20-10 tA).Four quick elutions in parallel.Sample cooling.Small membrane surface.

Detailsfrom Christel Wallman, Biometra Biomedizinsche Analytik GmbH, Wagenstieg 5,3400 Gittingen, FR Germany. Tel.: 0551 37 10 32 34; fax: 47 655.

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New products

Optical emission technique

ARL has recently issued a posterwhich describes the technique usedby atomic emission, spectrometers.The chart illustrates the various exci-tation techniques, polychromatorand monochromator, measuringelectronics and analysis procedure.This very useful guide to the tech-nique of OE, in English, French andGerman, has also been produced on aformat small enough for handing-out.

Copies from ARL-Applied ResearchLaboratories SA, En Vallaire, 1024 Ecub-lens, Switgerland. Tel.: 021 34 97 01.

The Photophone- Picture Tele-phone is distributed by CameronCommunications Ltd and availablearound the world.

For further information contact ElizabethStockwood, Cameron CommunicationsLtd, Communicate House, 50 Suttons ParkAvenue, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1AZ,UK. Tel.: 0734 664611;fax: 0734 67716.

Synchron

Brochures from Beckman introducethe Synchron family of clinical ana-

lysers.

The first leaflet lists the-featuresof the Synchron CX3, CX4 and CX5analysers. The CX3 offers un-paralleled throughput with STATresponse to eight most commonlyrequested critical assessment tests,while the CX4 has been designed to

complement such STAT systems asthe CX3 and the Synchron AS. Thestand-alone CX5 is able to deal with28 chemistries, including metabo-lytes, electrolytes, proteins anddrugs.

The second brochure describes theBeckman RPM System (results perminute) using Synchron CX3 inter-

Photophone- Picture telephone

Ciba-Geigy Central Research, whichis based in Trafford Park, Manches-ter, UK, provides an analyticalmicroscopy service to other Ciba-Geigy companies.

One of the most significant problemsthat Central Research has to face isthat the other Ciba-Geigy sites arescattered throughout the UK, sotravel to and from Central Researchin order to discuss the complex, highresolution images produced is aregular occurrence. One of the mostfrequentjourneys, until recently, wasbetween Central Research and Ciba-Geigy Bonded Structures in Duxford,which is near Cambridge. It seemedthat the only way in which CentralResearch could improve its responsewas to move Cambridge nearer toManchester, thereby effectivelyreducing the travel time.

With the introduction of the Photo-phone, the high-resolution imagesproduced by the electron microscopeare transmitted via an ordinary tele-phone line to Duxford. Conversa-tions on the same telephone line canrelay additional information quicklyand easily.

With Photophone, .the group hadnothing to install, no computer lan-guage and no software to learn.Within 15 s the image at CentralResearch is in front of a colleague atDuxford without any loss of picturequality. When the analysis is com-plete, images can be stored forreviewing later, and can also providea permanent record of images sent orreceived.

For determining Total Acid Number (TAN) and Total Base Number (TBN) according toASTM D 664, Radiometer Analytical offers the VIAl02 TAN/TBN method module forinstallation in the TitraLab High Performance Titration Laboratory.

With the TAN/TBN method module, the TitraLab system is capable of calculatingtitration resultsfrom inflection points andfixed potentialsfound during a titration. Resultsare automatically calculated in mgKOH/g. For full information contact RadiometerAnalytical A/S, 49 Krogshojvej, DK 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel.: 01 69 63 11.

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New products

faced with an existing random accessanalyser in the laboratory- a meansof streamlining high volume testingand improving overall performancewithout the need to replace lesseffective equipment.

Copies from Beckman, Progress Road,Sands Industrial Estate, High Wycombe,Buckinghamshire, UK. Tel.: 0494 41181.

Laboratory design brochure

Gallenkamp Contracts offer a com-prehensive guide to the in range ofservices. Specializing in laboratorydesign and installations, the guidegives details about a specialist salesforce, design team (using computergraphics), manufacture and installa-tion services. Gallenkamp can com-plete a lab. with furniture and equip-ment on one order if required.

The guide is available from Gallenkamp,Belton Road West, Loughborough, Leices-tershire LEll OTR, UK. Tel.: 0509237371.

Sulphur dioxide analyser

Product literature is offered by Col-umbia Scientific Industries on itsModel SA700 sulphur dioxide ana-lyser. The continuous fluorescencesulphur dioxide analyser directlymonitors SO2 using a continuous UVsource of intermediate intensity.andhigh stability.

Its low-noise characteristics ensurerapid response while providing accu-rate and reliable data to better than0"5% of full-scale, even on the mostsensitive range.

For a copy of the brochure or additionalinformation, call Joe Herrmann on 800 5315003 (outside Texas, USA) or 512 2585191 (in Texas).

’Education in Chemistry’ on freecirculation

From the March 1988 issue onwards,the Royal Society of Chemistry willbe sending Education in Chemistry, its25-year-old chemical educationmagazine, free of charge to everysecondary school chemistry depart-ment in the UK.

Education in Chemistry is the onlymagazine in the UK aimed at teach-ers of chemistry at all levels, from16-plus courses to the early stages ofundergraduate education, with anemphasis on practical approachesand the sharing of ideas.

Although readership among secon-dary. teachers will increase, thebimonthly magazine will retain itspresent editorial policy and design. Itwill still be available on subscription(at 19"00 a year) to those who do notqualify for the free circulation or whowish to receive a personal copy,especially important to those in ter-tiary education and overseas.

The RSC

As the professional body for chem-istry in the UK, the Royal Society ofChemistry, which now has some40 000 members, has Charter obliga-tions to education. These include:

Increasing public and governmentawareness of the central role ofchemistry and chemists.

Improving the image ofchemistry.

Improving chemical educationand professional training.

Ensuring that all young peoplehave a balanced science curricu-lum with a proper emphasis on

chemistry.

Ensuring that an appropriateproportion of students are attrac-ted to careers in chemistry.

Encouraging a sufficient supply ofscience teachers qualified in chem-istry.

Campaigning for increasedresources.

The RSC’s ways of helping teachersinclude:

Education in Chemistry.

Schools Publications Service.

Schools Liaison Officer and.Schools Activities Committee.

In-service training (INSET)through Saturday symposia andworkshops for teachers; Nationalconferences; Industry study tours.

Curriculum development throughChemistry Plus; Salters’ chem-istry; National criteria.

Resource materials- low cost

publications; chemistry cassettesand computer data-bases(NERIS).Careers service.

Chemistry olympiads and eggraces.

Active network of local sections.

Funding of local education initiat-ives.

SATROs, teachers centres andother school/industry link organi-zations.

Promotion of chemistry throughthe media.

Information about the RSC and freesubscriptions to ’Education in Chemistry’from the Royal Society of Chemistry,Burlington House, Piccadilly, LondonW1V OBN; paid subscription orders for’Education in Chemistry’ to the RSCDistribution Centre, Blackhorse Road,Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 1HN,UK.

Near infra-red analyser

Pacific Scientific have launched theCompscan 7000S near infrared stand-alone analyser in Europe. Previouslyavailable only in the USA, the systemis designed to provide accuratequantative analysis on up to 100products, and the company foreseemany applications in laboratoriesand for process control.

The Compscan is simple to use; theoperator selects the product and upto six calibrations are then displayedsimultaneously on a large liquidcrystal display. Once the sample cellis loaded into a sample transportmodule, results are displayed inseconds.

Results can be obtained as hard copythrough an external line printer ordata can be transmitted to an IBMPC or a compatible machine usingNSAS-PC software.

Software is available for completestatistical spectral data analysis inreal time. Control charts processmonitoring can also be displayed.The NSAS-PC package also providesdata storage and retrieval facilitiesfor summary analysis.

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New products

A multiplex of up to six units atdifferent locations, controlledthrough one PC, is possible. Calibra-tion equation transfer is achieved bydirect line and telephone modem, inaddition to result monitoring.

A variety of sampling cells is avail-able: these include a high fat/highmoisture, slurry/paste cell. Alsoavailable are large granular cells,textile cells, reflectance cells andcuvettes.

Full technical datafrom Pacific Scientific,4 First Avenue, Marlow, Buckingham-shire, UK. Tel.: 06284 74074.

Perkin-Elmer has enhanced thereporting facilities ofLIMS 2000VX;and the system is entirely configur-able, which, means that the user cancreate customized menus and writehis own programs.

For further information contact Perkin-Elmer Ltd, Post Office Lane, Beacons-field, Buckinghamshire HP9 1QA, UK.Tel.: 04946 6161.

New chair in analytical chemistry

An award of 125 000 (to be spreadover five years) from Philips Scien-tific has enabled Strathclyde Univer-sity to establish a professorship inanalytical chemistry.

The endowment strengthensStrathclyde’s long-standing linkswith the Cambridge-based company,

LIMS 2000 now on DEC VAX

LIMS (Laboratory InformationManagement Systems) 2000VX, anenhanced version of LIMS 2000,which Perkin-Elmer have announcedis compatible with Digital Equip-ment Corporation’s VAX computerseries, as well as Concurrent Com-puter Corporation’s 3200 series ofminicomputers. This.means that pos-sible hardware compatibility wor-ries, about which a number oflabora-tory managers had been concerned,are eliminated. Links to other depart-ments already using other VAXsystem software for manipulation ofdata associated with LIMS are alsomade easier.

Each laboratory is unique and so itsassociated needs and operations arevaried. Perkin-Elmer can tailor soft-ware for customers. A tailored systemmeans better acceptance of the soft-ware as the laboratory does notnecessarily have to adapt or adjust itsworking practices to LIMS. Anymanufacturer’s instruments can beused with LIMS 2000VX to providea totally automated laboratory.

The possibility of using Digital hard-ware in conjunction with Perkin-Elmer’s LIMS software and exper-tise in implementation of thesesystems will, according to Alan Wil-liams, Product Manager for Labora-tory Automation at Perkin-Elmer,’make it much easier for would-bepurchasers to make their decisions,should a rigid corporate computerpurchasing policy exist’.

CAMAG introduced the modular REPROsTARHsystem in 1987forphotodocumentationin visible light, in short and long-wave UV light and, in the Transilluminator version, inmid-range UV light. A new camera is now available: the Mamya RB 67 single lens reflex,which can be used with either Polaroid instantfilm or conventionalfilm. Advantages oftheMamiya camera include easy focusing with mirror reflex system and a built-in automaticexposure meter. Details from Ch. Gfeller, CAMAG, Sonnenmattstrasse 11, CH-4132Muttenz, Switzerland. Tel.: 061 61 34 34.

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New products

which already supports basicresearch at the University throughCASE awards, a fellowship, andthrough the loan and donation ofscientific and analytical instrumenta-tion.

The most recent result of that collab-oration was the development by theUniversity of the furnace autoprobewhich forms a key part of one ofPhilips Analytical’s latest instru-ments, the PU4900 series of atomicabsorption spectrometers launchedlast year. The probe allows elementalanalysis at greater levels ofsensitivitythan previously possible, and cancope with many complex samplematrices.

A recently published article highligh-ted a severe shortage ofUK scientistsin the field of analytical chemistry. Itmaintained that Britain, unlike othercountries, has never really valuedthis field, that there are very fewuniversity chairs in analytical chem-istry, and that it has always been seen’as solving other people’s problemswhen you haven’t the wit to think ofyour own’. The role of the analyticalchemistry is wide ranging, from thediagnosis of disease to the develop-ment of new products and processesfor the general chemical industry, themicroelectronics industry and the oilindustry.

The chair will be taken up in October1988---details from Keith Andrews,Philips Analytical, Philips Scientific,York Street, Cambridge, CB1 2PX, UK.Tel.: 0223 358866; or Margaret Robert-son, University of Strathclyde. Tel.:041 552 4400, ext. 2182.

Oxides of nitrogen analyser

A brochure is now available fromColumbia Scientific Industries,which outlines features, operationalprinciples, design details, diagnosticsand specifications of the model 1600Mark III Oxides of Nitrogen Ana-lyser.

A special section of the bookletexplores comparisons between singleand dual channel oxides of nitrogenanalysers for ambient air measure-ments.

The 1600’s reliability and perfor-mance is documented and the bro-chure shows how an innovative ther-mal converter design makes the 1600Mark III one of the lowest cost NOxanalyser to maintain.

The new thermal converter utilizes areplaceable catalyst cartridge. Thislow-cost cartridge can be easilyreplaced in less than 5 min; thuseliminating entire convertor replace-ment. CSI offers a choice ofcopper ormolybdenum catalyst, each rated atover 2000 ppm-hours of operation.

DetailsfromJoe Herrmann. Tel.: 512 2585191.

ExtendedAxxiomsystems

capability for thechromatography data

Quadrant Scientific Ltd have intro-duced a new interface for theirAxxiom Chromatography DataSystems. With the new interface,both the Model 727 single-channelintegrator and the Model 747 multi-channel, multi-tasking data systemcan run on the IBM PS/2 series ofcomputers.

The interface comprises a modulewith a special high-speed communi-cations link to permit the real timeacquisition and display of data fromone to six detectors.

Simultaneous chromatogram editingand reprocessing are offered in thesame way as on the XT and ATcompatible computers.

For further information contact MarkWardle, Quadrant Scientific Ltd, Bruns-wick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JJ, UK.Tel.: 0452 504294.

Report: Oils and fats in the UK

Total UK consumption ofyellow fatsis in decline and fell to 685 M in1986; consumers are tending to turnaway from saturated products likebutter and hard margarine in favourof polyunsaturated margarines andspreads that they perceive as ’heal-thier’. Butter’s share of the marketdeclined to 28% in 1986; margarinesheld 57% but spreads increased theirshare to almost 15%.

The cooking fats and oils market isfairly static in volume terms, reach-ing 181500 tonnes in 1986. Con-sumption of vegetable oils is expand-ing at the expense of animal fats;liquid cooking oil dominates the sec-tor with 42% and 41% by volumeand value, respectively.

Oils and Fats in the UK is No. 27 in theFood Market Updates series by theMarket Information Service at theLeatherhead Food RA. It covers themajor sectors of the oils and fatsmarket, giving consumption trends,market share and forecasts for futureperformance. The report costs 20 tomembers, 50 to non-members.

Orders to The Leatherhead Food R.A.,Randalls Road, Leatherhead, SurreyKT22 7RY, UK. Tel.: 0372 376761.

Autosampler

The Promis autosampler, a samplepreparation station for HPLC ana-lysers, is now available from AppliedChromatography Systems. The auto-sampler has the following features:

Sample clean-up- this makes useof two extra six-way values andone six-position solvent selector to

provide sample clean-up, precon-centration, or heart-cut back-flushconfigurations.

Pre-column derivatization- thedigital dispensing system givesaccurate dilution and condition-ing of samples.

Injection modes-there are threeinjection modes, flushed loop, par-tial loop filling and micro litre pickup for negligible sample loss on

very small sample volumes.

Cooling bath- biological samplesare often sensitive to temperaturechanges so a cryostatic bath canbe used to keep the samples at

2-5C.

Satelite position- this can be usedfor needle flush, external stan-

dard, microlitre pick up,emergency samples and reagentpick-up.

More informationfrom Applied Chromato-graphy Systems, TheArsenal, HeapyStreet,Macclesfield, Cheshire SKll 7JB,UK. Tel.: 062534575;fax: 0625 616916.

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Large-scale sample preparation

Analytichem International is intro-ducing a new range of solid phaseextraction columns for the rapid con-centration and clean-up oftrace com-pounds from very large or very dirtysamples.

Available in g/6 ml, 2 g/12 ml,5 g/20 ml and 10 g/60 ml sorbentmass/column volume sizes, MegaBond Elut high capacity/large vol-ume columns eliminate the need forextra reservoirs when dealing withlarge volume samples.

Fully compatible with the Vac ElutSPS 24 sample processing station, thecolumns additionally provide theextra capacity necessary for complexor ’dirty" samples.like food or soil.

Available in a wide range of phasesincluding Florisil, the columns utilizeAnalytichem’s Bondesil bonded sil-ica sorbents- allowing direct methodscale-up from standard Bond Elutextraction procedures.

Further information from Richard Cal-verley, Analytichem International, P.O.Box 234, Cambridge CB2 1PE, UK.Tel.: 0223 328177.

Mega Bond Elut solid phase extraction columns from Analytichem International.

GraphWare

Mettler’s TA72 GraphWare softwaresupports the processing of thermo-analytical measured values andcurves as determined by the com-pany’s TA3000 System and preparedand transferred by the TC10A TAprocessor. The broad applicationarea of this evaluation software cov-ers not only the checking ofmaterialsand their development but also theinvestigation ofthermal effects ofnewcompounds. In all these investiga-tions, theTA72 GraphWare offers thepossibility to compare and simul-taneously process several thermo-analytical curves.

All commands entered using thefunction keys are executed instantlyby GraphWare on the colour moni-tor. TA Processor and computer canbe operated independently; thesystem can thus be employed as agenuine multitasking station.

Detailsfrom Mettler Instrumente A G, CH8606 Greifensee, Switzerland.

Mettler TA72 GraphWare for comparing and processing thermoanalytical values andcurves on a PC.

Queen’s Award

A chemical’s carrying specialist, Sea-wheel Ltd, has won a 1988 Queen’sAward for Export Achievement.

Seawheel’s award is based on itssuccess in ’invisible exports’ but it isnoteworthy that in the last four yearsthe Company’s actual carryings tothe Continent have doubled.

Seawheel attributed this growth to itssuccessful marketing ofa competitiveservice, supported by a policy ofploughing back profits into fleetinvestment, thereby ensuring that itscontainer fleet capacity was ableto keep pace with the growth indemand for its services.

Also, in the last three years Sea-wheel’s overseas earnings have

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New products

These specially designed chemicals-carrying Jlatbed containers have contributed towardsSeawheel Ltd winning a 1988 Queen’s Award for Export Achievement. The unit loaddoor-to-door container operator has expanded its business on the Continent by foreignearnings growth of81% over the last three years.

doubled, highlighting not only theCompany’s overall growth but alsoits effective marketing abroad.

An important factor in the com-pany’s recent growth has been thedevelopment and building up of itsfleet of specialized containers andISO flats. The Company’s R&Dprogramme has produced manydesign and construction firsts andthis innovative approach has wonthem significant market shares, bothin the general cargo sector and insuch specialized fields as the carriageof chemicals and other deadweighttraffics to and from Europe.

Seawheel’s fleet of specialized ISOcarriers is the largest in Europe, thecompany having been at the forefrontin design and construction of theseunits for over two decades. Last yearits 750 20 ft and 30 ft modules werecomplemented by the addition of a300-strong fleet of 40 ft CargoFlatswhose patented features enable themto be shipped either as ’drivethrough’ trailers or as ’lift on/lift off’containers, transportable by road,rail or barge.

Seawheel’s development of effective’high and wide’ drybox containershas been equally significant, in offer-ing shippers new options for theeconomical transport of trailer-typeor high-cube cargoes.

Further information from Martin Isher-wood, Imperial Studios, Imperial Road,London SW6 2A G.

Research grade FT-IR spec-trometers

The 1700-X series offers an optionalflexible external beam facility to opti-mize performance and sampling ver-satility for specialized interfaces andremote detector experiments. Basedupon a new version of the 1700Michelson interferometer, theadvanced electro-optical design hasproduced a highly stable instrumentwith excellent signal-to-noise levelsover the entire frequency range of7200 to 370 cm-1. Extended fre-quency range coverage (15800-30cm-1) is provided through a choice ofoptimized source, beamsplitter anddetector configurations. Resolutionon the Model 1760-X is variable from0.5 to 64 cm-1 and on the 1720-Xfrom 2 to 64 cm-1.

Two detector positions allow boththe standard DTGS and a cooleddetector to be mounted permanentlyin both internal and external sam-pling benches. Switching betweendetectors is software controlled. Aphotoacoustic detector is also avail-able, and to minimize measurementtime for each detector, the analysthas a choice of five scan speeds.

Full instrument control and datahandling are provided by the Spec-troscopy Terminal (1720-X) or bythe Perkin-Elmer Model 7700 Profes-sional Computer (1760-X) with FT-IR software. With the 1760-X, com-plete analyses can be fully automatedwith the OBEY macro programminglanguage. The Model 7700 can con-trol up to 16 optical units simul-taneously. In addition, Model 1720-X Spectroscopy terminals can beadded to create a true multiuser/multitasking FT-IR Research systemor Multisystem.

For further information, contact Perkin-Elmer Ltd, Post Office Lane, Beacons-field, Buckinghamshire HP9 1QA, UK.

Reaction calorimeter expansion

With the new MP10 Medium Pres-sure Glass Reactor, the Mettler RCReaction Calorimeter has been pro-vided with an important accessorywhich offers expanded applicationpossibilities.

The RC1 Reaction Calorimeter is acomputer-controlled laboratory reac-tor for the running and developmentof chemical processes and their opti-mization with regard to safety andprofitability under simulated plantconditions.

With the MP10 MediumPressureGlass Reactor, such processes cannow also be run in the pressure rangevacuum to 10 bar over-pressure,thereby opening up an even broader

.........",,ii: :::’iii!iiiN;iiiiIi:.:’:: Nig/i’,iii,ili’,iiii’,i’,’,’!,:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The MPIO- an expansion of Mettler’sRC1 reaction calorimeter.

155

New products

application spectrum for the user ofthe Mettler RC1 system.

Typical applications under pressureare experiments with reactive gases(for example hydrogenations, chlori-nations or oxidations), as well asreactions in the presence of a protec-tive or inert gas. Furthermore, theheat of vaporization for caloric eval-uations can be suppressed- boilingor refluxing are prevented by increas-ing the total pressure.

The double-walled glass reactor isequipped with a thermostatablemetal cover and a gas-tight magneticclutch for the stirrer. In the temper-ature range -20 to 200C, isother-mal, adiabatic or dynamic operationscan be performed with an effectivevolume of 0"25 to litre.

The MP10 is surrounded by a protec-tive screen, which acts as a splinterguard and thus assures safety duringwork up to 5 bar over-pressure in thelab. In the pressure range 5 to 10 bar,safety reasons dictate the use of anautoclave room. A frame for thereactor and the stirrer motor is avail-able for this purpose and allowsoperation from the control room.

Detailsfrom Mettler Instrumente A G, CH8606 Greifinsee, Switzerland.

BSc course in computer-aidedchemistry

A new BSc course in computer-aidedchemistry at the University of Sur-rey, Guildford, UK, has receivedmajor additional financial and tech-nological support in a funding pro-gramme sponsored by Glaxo Phar-maceuticals and Hewlett-Packard.The course, designed and implemen-ted by the then Acting Head of theChemistry Department, Dr John R.Jones, in conjunction with his col-league Dr S. Gabriel Buist and DavidPovey, aims to produce graduateswhose training reflects the needs ofthe chemical industry today, where aconsiderable and growing involve-ment with computer systems ischanging the face of the analyticallaboratory.

The comparatively poor representa-tion of analytical chemistry in UKtertiary education, with only fiveuniversity and polytechnic schools allconcentrating on higher degrees, hasresulted in the demand of industryfor well-trained analysts, especiallyat first degree level, far exceedingsupply. Both Glaxo in the chemicalindustry and Hewlett-Packard as aninstrument manufacturer have feltthis shortage, and both companiesagree on the need for long-termsupport to increase both the qualityand quantity of graduates trainedwith the requirements of the chem-ical industry in mind.

The Chemistry Department at theUniversity of Surrey designed theirdegree course in computer-aided che-mistry in order to meet this need. Thedepartment’s aim has been to pro-vide the training and skills requiredby industry, and produce well-quali-fied graduates whose own employ-ment prospects are excellent.

The next generation of computertehnology will, in the words ofcourseadviser Dr Vinter of Smith Kline &French ’be derived from the scientistsversed in computers and not from thecomputer expert who takes his gui-dance from the scientist’. So tomor-row’s analytical chemist mustbecome skilled in computer program-ming, the interfacing of instrumentsand the application of data-base re-trieval and management and com-puter graphics in order to developand maximize the capability of theanalytical instrumentation he or shewill use.

In attaining these skills, however, itis essential not to allow the chemistrycontent of the course to be diluted.The new degree places particularemphasis on the hands-on approach,and includes a year working inindustry. The Glaxo-HP supportprogramme is primarily directedtowards the analytical aspects ofchemistry.

The hardware provided by Hewlett-Packard to the department includesan HP 8452A diode array UV/Visible spectrophotometer system

together with a ChemStation andvarious accessories and peripherals.The range of software required tomake the system operational has alsobeen supplied by HP. With computa-tional chemistry, molecular modell-ing, instrument interfacing and dataanalysis at the heart ofthe course, thedepartment felt it necessary for eachstudent to be able to access thesystem via their own personal micro-computer, Hewlett-Packard hastherefore also supported the depart-ment with six Vectra worksations,configured into a local area network(LAN), bringing the total value ofthe hardware and software suppliedto about 100 000.The cost of installation and mainte-nance (over a five-year period) of theanalytical hardware will be borne byGlaxo, who have pioneered the appli-cation of linear diode array spectro-photometry. Glaxo’s support of thedegree will include the transferenceof this application expertise tostudents and course tutors, ensuringthat the syllabus and teachingremain abreast of developments andrelevant to the needs of industry.This liaison programme will comple-ment HP’s support, and will providefor the Department’s staff to receivefull training in the principles andoperation of the equipment.

The support and liaison programmewill, according to Ken Leiper,Manager of Glaxo’s Central Analy-tical Services, ’ensure that coursetutors are kept aware of industry’schanging requirement for high qual-ity analytical information, and ofhow this need may be met effectivelyby the novel use of computer aidedanalysis systems’. David Aslin,General Manager of HP’s AnalyticalGroup in the UK considers that’Both the specific application oflinear diode array spectropho-tometry and the enormous potentialof local area networks are under-exploited in UK industry. The use ofLANs is increasing, and shouldincrease, in industrial laboratories,and the University’s commitment totraining the skilled personnel whowill put such systems into operationis imaginative and well deserving ofour support’.

156

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