Product News

Leco introduces the GDS900 glow discharge atomic emission spectrometer, which is designed specifically for routine bulk elemental determination in most conductive solid metal matrices. It features improved performance, stability, accuracy, and precision in steel, iron (including as-cast), aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, and titanium. Low-melting alloys, resulfurized steel, powder metals, and other historically difficult-to-analyze materials can be analyzed in a production environment. It is a versatile solution in that sample types include bulk, sheet, wire, pressed, sectioned, and mounted samples, and various sample holders are available to meet nonstandard sample forms. Advantages include simple, linear calibrations due to a controlled excitation that is done away from the surface, and the choice of 4 and 2 mm anodes to optimize spot size. The inherent sensitivity, dynamic range, and linearity of CCD detectors coupled with the GD source ensure stability, flexibility, and performance for all bulk elemental applications with full wavelength coverage from 160 to 460 nm. Automatic source cleaning between samples saves time and minimizes matrix effects for increased precision. The GDS900 also introduces Leco’s Cornerstone brand software and a touch-screen interface, for increased usability, simplified reporting, and streamlined analysis times. The GDS900 is available in several model configurations, so users can choose the model that best fits the application, including a nitrogen purge recirculation option. For more information: LECO Corporation, 3000 Lakeview Ave., Saint Joseph, MI 49085; tel: 800/292-6141 or 269/9855496; fax: 269/982-8977; e-mail: sales@leco.com; web: www.leco.com. j Leco’s GDS900 glow discharge atomic emission spectrometer

has been called the 'C' packogeMthe whole system now becomes the H6000/G. Up to five different control materials and five calibrators can be monitored--barcode identification numbers especially reserved for the materials are used to initiate the calibration cycle. Ten parameters per control and four per calibrator can be tracked, and 200 control cup results can be held in store (40 cups on each of the five different control materials)--this eliminates the need for manual collation and plotting ofdata and allows continual and automatic updating of the QC data files.
Should the same calibration material be aspirated consecutively (up to 20 times), the system averages the values obtained to give greater overall precision. Batch, cumulative and daily data summaries are available, as well as plot charts of SD from label value or from the mean. The average values for calibration constants are stored to monitor machine stability and provide early warning of potential system problems.
Most quality control 'add-ons' tend to be designed to augment existing instrument-checks and to enable the performance of both shortand long-term statistical analysis on control and patient samples, patient and laboratory normal limits and ranges. Technicon describe the H6000/C as going much further. For example with autocalibration, increased sample data storage, and full patient demographics linked to a positive sample identification system.
Cumulative means and plots can be generated for patient data. In addition, 'Bull' moving averages monitoring up to five selected parameters can be produced. The groups of result averages are stored to provide a data-base for the evaluation of trends in patient population means.
Normal range limits are programmable by the operator and can be separated into 'male' and 'female' if sexdependent variation occurs. This facility allows the automatic flagging of high and low abnormals on the patient report form. In the same way, 'Alert' limits may be entered by the user, enabling instantaneous warning on the VDU screen and recall for further examination of grossly abnormal samples.
A feature especially highlighted is the H6000/C's ability to collate full patient demographics with associated haematological results. Demographic data (machine sequence number, name, comments, age, sex, patient location [up to 99 locations], clinician's name [-up to 99 names]) are entered by the operator; the latter four by means of two,digit codes. All demographics are automatically printed on the patient report form to save time and avoid the risk of transcription errors. Automatic file search, recall and edit facilities are initiated by entering sequence number, sample bar code number or patient hospital number, and, if necessary, employing patient's location and clinician's name. Edited results are indicated by the presence ofthe letter 'E' shown against the altered data.
In order to facilitate the loading of sample trays a printed copy of sequence or bar code number plus patient names may be used--to improve security and speed data handling. Processed results, together with associated demographics (up to a total of 250 patients), may be stored on file prior to sample processing. At any time a status report may be generated in order to show the remaining file storage space, avoiding overflow and protecting the data already on file.
More information on the H6000/C from The H6000/C. The package includes a programmable laboratory information system interface, this enablesformatting.flexibility, variable baud rate and choice of parity and control characters. A wide range of laboratory computers and printers can therefore be interfaced to the H6000/C. (Technicon Instruments Company Ltd, Basingstoke, UK.) Detector for gas chromatography Described as a revolutionary detector and launched in March, the Ion Trap Detector or ITD is both a universal and selective detector and is installable on any type of capillary gas chromatograph. The ITD enables the chromatographer to obtain positive identification of compounds in complex mixtures and to do so in many cases with only a single analysis. This contrasts with the usual procedure of performing several analyses employing specific GC detectors, such as FID (flame ionization), ECD (electron capture), or NPD (nitrogen phosphorus). The ITD delivers data in several easy-to-use forms familiar to the chromatographer, including chromatograms, selected mass chromatograms, mass spectra and quantitation reports. The detector operates in conjunction with an IBM personal computer; a simple one-letter command initiates any of its operations and the micro accepts all standard IBM software programs and peripherals.
Based on the 'ion trap' principle, the ITD is in some ways analogous to a mass spectrometer in its operating principle, but it differs greatly in its design and simplicity. It combines an ion source and mass filter in a single device without the need for ion-focusing lenses. It is suited to the analysis of compounds amenable to gas chromatography and within the mass range of 10 to 650u. It scans at any of four sampling rates between 0"5 and 4 s; in addition to a full scan mode the ITD can operate in a compound-selective or compound-classselective mode by monitoring ions unique to the desired compound or class. A two-speed flameproof fan in the plant's extractor ductwork, operates continuously at its lower speed to maintain a minimum of 15 air changes in the plant every hour. One of the gas sensors in this duct continuously samples the percentage of ammonia by volume in the extracted air: if this percentage reaches a pre-set level, the fan automatically is switched to its higher speed. If the gas level rises to another, higher, pre-set level then the plant is shut-down automatically and an alarm is sounded. The other gas-sensing heads are located at selected points in the plant where any significant gas leak would quickly be detected, and each control module is set to initiate immediately the alarm/shut-down sequence as appropriate to the gas level at that point.

More information from
In all instances, any operation of the gas alarm system, at either level, is logged and printed out as part of the permanent operating record provided by the package. Expanded autocall and stream capabilit)'" autocall and stream are no longer limited to LAB BASIC programs--any program compiled and stored on a disc may be autocalled or streamed.
Height calculation--in the past, by using peak 'AREA integration' as the calculation base, five standard chromatography calculations could be done" areapercent with and without named peaks, normalization, external-standard and internal-standard. These same calculations now can be performed using 'HEIGHT integration' as the calculation base, increasing the number of chromatographic-calculation procedures to 10.
On-line quick reference--to .simplify user operation, a HELP file is available to obtain explanations of LAS error codes or assistance in using system commands.
Wider sampling-rate bandwidth--rate bandwidth has been increased from 60HZ to 80Hz, resulting in a 33 increase in throughput rate.
16 Hz A/D sampling" the rate at which the computer captures data from the A/D converter has been increased from 8 Hz to 16 Hz; this enhances the system's ability to perform analyses with peaks <0.5s wide at half-height.
DS/1000 IV compatibility--this hardware/software product allows the HP 3357 to communicate with other HP 1000 and 3000 computers.
Graphics/lOOOII--a more powerful version ofthe HP 3356 Graphics 1000, the Graphics/1000II has three-dimensional figure manipulation and device independence. And in addition to providing operational support for Hewlett-Packard's new language systems, FORTRAN 77, MACRO/1000, and Graphics/1000II, the RTE-6/VM offers three new features that enhance programming productivity: Virtual memory for data; Shareable extended memory areas; and Extended code space.
For a description of the system and its accessories contact the Enquiries Section, Reader Enquiry Card control and recovery. The ChemiSorb 2800 employs an improved chemical adsorption technique that allows multisample preparation and analysis.
Aimed at catalyst developers, manufacturers and users the unit provides information about the sites of heterogeneous catalysts, measuring the volume uptake of chemisorbate gas. This enables the calculation of both the reaction efficiency and expected life of a given catalyst. Automated sample preparation, instrument operation, and data acquisition and reduction substantially reduces the need for highly trained operators and increases the quantity and quality of analyses possible.
Operation is completely unattended: the operator loads the samples and is prompted by the instrument to enter the appropriate parameters for both sample preparation and analyses. Then the instrument automatically prepares and analyses up to five samples per loading. It is the direct measurement of sound velocities to determine liquid velocities that make transit-time sonic meters very predictable. And this predictability has permitted reliable application of sonic meters to diameters of up to 120 in, which is beyond the limits of existing calibration facilities.
The application of sonic flowmeters in kit form to existing piping in the field is also made possible by this ability to predict meter factor from dimensions and liquid conditions. Sonic flowmeter kits are offered by Mapco for concrete, plastic and metal pipes. The PS 01--a semi-automatic applicator for thin layer chromatography from Desaga of Heidelberg.

Microprocessor-controlled photometer
Using chemiluminescent and bioluminescence techniques to provide great analytical sensitivity, the Turner Model 20 Photometer is fully automated and gives stable, drift-free operation. Its applications include viable cell assay, activated sludge control, oceanographic research biochemistry, fermentation processes, immunology and research biochemistry. Although a recorder output is available, it is not needed in most conditions: a feature ofthe Model 20 is an ability to provide, on an LED display, peak, half-integral and full integral information. There is a choice of injector systems utilizing a pipette dispenser for precision and versatility, a multiple dispenser for high volume work or a disposable syringe system to eliminate cross-contamination. A new 200 #1 flow-through cell has just become available, which can be used for both stop-flow and continuous-flow analysis. Fisher Scientific's 22-year-old house journal offers, in issue 20:3, a survey of some of the methods being used to solve 'tough' environmental problems with such instruments as penetrometers, spectrophotometers, chromatographs, gas proportional counters, and liquid scintillation counters. The issue also highlights some of the latest developments in laboratory products for industrial, government, and educational laboratories. Organic carbon spill detector Astro Resources have also announced an organic carbon spill detector, the Model 1820. The new instrument offers continuous detection ranges from 0-20 ppm to 0-10000 ppm as total carbon. Typical samples contain C1-C6 paraffins and olefins, as well as other hydrocarbon complexes. Applications include plant feed-water conditioning, boiler feed, condensate return, heat-exchanger leaks, water run-off, carbon-bed breakthrough, process waste blowdown, and plant discharge. The 1820 incorporates a single-stage sparging column for continuous analysis. The NDIR detection system is sensitized to hydrocarbons and has a __+ 2 non-accumulative zero and span drift; repeatability is better than + 2, and typical response time is 3 min.
Like the company's ambient gas detector, The Model 5610 ambient 9as detector. Safe operation is ensured by a combination of short intervals of active self-testing and an inherent fail-safe mode.
(Astro Resources Corporation, League City, USA.) the instrument features an automatic compensating circuit for aging and cell window dirt accumulation to ensure low maintenance, stable operation and continuous output. The alarm package includes a fail-safe alarm, dual level. alarms and a 4-20 ma output signal. Details  A portable model, with a carrying case which has room for accessories and reagents, is available with an optional built-in conductivity meter for specific conductance, total dissolved solids and temperature measurements. Operating on batteries or a.c. power, the portable model features a low-battery indicator and can be converted from l15V to 230V a.c. There is a laboratory model, which includes a 0-1V recorder output permitting a graphic display of results. Slide-in meter scales calibrated in concentration are made from a durable plastic material. Other accessories include a pour-through cell for rapid repetitive sample handling and a cm cell adapter.
Hach can provide reagents and apparatus that allow the DR/3 to measure many water, waste-water and industrial parameters, on-site or in the laboratory.