New products

In order to supplement manufacturers' information, this Department will welcome the submission by our readers of brief communications reporting measurements on the physical properties of materials which supersede earlier data or suggest new research applications.

As a result, element concentrations of a few ng/1 can routinely be determined in non-polluted water or medical samples, without time-consuming sample preconcentration. Matrix interference and nonspecific absorption are reduced, since matrix components are removed in the flow injection system. Autosampler control software ATI Unicam's 240 diode array detector, 200 quaternary pump and their 230 autosampler can be controlled using Windows 3.1 based control software. Any single or dual combination of these three instruments can be controlled with a clear and simple upgrade to a full system. Once computer control of all three instruments is achieved, the system can be further upgraded to a method development chromatograph. The control software forms the core of this system by trading instrumental methods and data with two expert systems. The Diamond system optimizes solvent selectivity in reversed phase LC using only 10 experiments by tracking peaks across an isoeluotropic plane. No standards are necessary as interpretation is undertaken entirely by the software which develops chromatographic methods by using Iterative Target Transfer Factor Analysis (ITTFA) in conjunction with the control software.   Sample volumes of several millilitres can then be applied to graphite furnace AAS, improving detection limits for the hydride-forming elements and mercury by a factor of between 50 and 500.

Robotic system
The Perkin-Elmer Thermal Analysis 7 Series/UNIX DSC 7 RS Robotic System operates under the 7 Series/UNIX software platform with industry-standard DECpc 433dx LP personal computer systems for automated Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) testing. The system permits analysis of up to 48 samples of the same or different type, for increased efficiency and lower cost per analysis.
An add-on autosampler designed to be used with the DSC 7 Differential Scanning Calorimeter, the Robotic System can use multiple experimental methods and run multiple methods on a single sample. Samples may be analysed using any previously stored method in userdefined sequence. The system also has multiple ramping capability in a single method, as well as automatic peak, glass transition and onset analysis.
Further information from Perkin-Elmer (above).  Users of the HP 5890 Series II Plus will have the same level of digital programming capability and ease of controlling gas flows as they are accustomed to in column oven control. This results in enhanced GC performance and precision, increased productivity and reduced operating costs. Two EPC channels are dedicated to inlets and operate in several modes, including constant pressure, constant flow in capillary columns, pressure programming and vacuum compensation for use with mass spectrometers. The four auxiliary EPC channels can be used to optimize performance for a variety of applications. They provide control for carrier gases, reagent gases and detector make-up and fuel gases. They also control flows from sample introduction devices such as the HP 7694 headspace sampler and purge-and-trap units. Pressure programming can reduce sample discrimination and decomposition by controlling sample expansion volume; and it can facilitate efficient transfer of the sample on to the column. This can also result in higher sensitivity by allowing larger injection volumes to be used in splitless injection. Precise flow control of detector gases improves the performance and stability of the detector. EPC reduces retention times, lowers elution temperatures and reduces thermal stress on columns. It also increases system throughput by programming the pressure at the column head to compensate for increasing gas viscosity during an oven temperature program. EPC also permits faster, more efficient transfer of the sample from external sampling devices (the HP 7694 headspace sampler for example). With EPC, the operator spends less time on method set-up, so the system as a whole is easier to use. The system can be reset to previously-stored parameters quickly and easily. EPC reduces wastage by automatically slowing the flow of expensive reagent,, carrier and fuel gases during stand-by periods. The EPC Gas Saver mode reduces carrier gas consumption during off hours and controls split vent flow. When used with the HP 3365 Series II ChemStation (Revision 3.33), single-point control is available over all GC parameters including split ratio and split vent flow. The digital control provided by EPC means that each chromatographic run is performed under the same set of conditions. Reproducibility is therefore improved from run to run, from instrument to instrument and from operator to operator.
All GC parameters are logged automatically, and an audit trail ofdata and test conditions help the laboratory comply with good laboratory practice (GLP) requirements. The HP 5890 Series II Plus with six-channel EPC, combined with the HP 7673 automatic injection/sampler system and the HP 3365 Series II ChemStation, provides a fully automated GC system for research and quality control. As such, it will have applications in petrochemical and chemical manufacturing plants, in food and pharmaceutical production, in environmental laboratories and other areas where fully automated gas chromatography is required.
Professional chemists live longer Professional chemists apparently live longer than average and, in general, die less often from cancer. Research into the causes of death of professional chemists, published in the May 1993 issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, shows, however, that chemists contract certain cancers more frequently than expected. In the 25-year study, conducted by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the causes of the deaths of 4012 chemists (out of a membership of 14 884) were analysed.
The results show that while chemists have a higher-thanexpected rate of death from: lymphatic cancers; leukaemias; gastrointestinal cancers; duodenal, kidney, and skin cancers; their overall mortality from cancer is less than in similar professional classes.
The results also show a larger than expected incidence of mental disorders and diseases of the nervous system.

Micro-volume flame analysis
Multi-elemental analysis on a limited volume sample by flame atomic absorption has always caused problems. Shimadzu has introduced a micro-volume flame analysis system with their new AA-6501 Series Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers, which uses a typical 60 I1 sample volume. The technique can be fully automated with the use of the ASC6000 semi-intelligent preparation station. Standard curves can be produced from a single stock standard, essential matrix modifiers added automatically and analysis performed on up to 60 samples. This micro-volume technique is also useful when sample concentration is necessary, it is easier to concentrate 10 ml to lmlthan 100mlto 10ml.

Temperature checks
The Thermapen pocket thermometer gives a clear digital reading of temperatures from -50C to / 300C, with an accuracy of better than 0.3C. When not in use, the hinged probe simply folds away so the Thermapen can be slipped into a pocket until next required. Even corrosive substances, including acids, can be tested using the PTFE coated stainless-steel probe (an option, in addition to the standard stainless-steel probe). Two different Thermapen pocket thermometers are available with either 0.

Optical emission spectrometer
Perkin-Elmer's Optima 3000 is a computer-controlled, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The 3000's detector, designed specifically for plasma emission spectroscopy, and patented optical system permit simultaneous measurement of spectral background and each analyte line. Sixty elements can be measured in less than min at multiple wavelengths, with no loss of precision or sensitivity. The Optima 3000 includes over 5000 emission lines so that alternate interference-free lines can be selected for superior results.
The spectrometer combines detector, 40-MHz freerunning RF generator with new power control system, and temperature-controlled plasma pneumatics in a free-standing, easily-serviced, one metre square package. All instrument functions are computer-controlled, and specialized software stores all relevant operating parameters with an automated optimize function to simplify method development. The software stores the analytical results and provides post-analysis data processing of stored spectra.

Sample changer
Radiometer Analytical's SAC90 provides automated analyses of a large number of samples. Depending on the analyses to be performed, the user can handle from six to 99 samples with the basic SAC90 version. The smaller the sample size, the more samples that can be analysed. It is possible to double or triple the sample capacity by adding up to two side tables.
If daily analyses are based on titrations, the user can choose between two control u.nits in the TitraLab titration product range--the VIT90 Video Titrator or the TIM90 Titration Manager. If the user primarily performs pH or ion-selective measurements, the SAC90 can be controlled by two of the pH meters in the MeterLab product range--the PHM93 Refernce pH meter and the PHM95 pH/ION Meter.
The VIT90 Video Titrator and SAC90 combination allows up to six different methods to be run simultaneously in the same sample. The user also has the choice of separating the samples into six groups for analysis using different methods.

Network servers
Hewlett-Packard's ChemServer 4900 series family of network servers, are the first open-systems based server systems designed specifically for the analytical laboratory. HP ChemServers allow laboratory managers and chemists to perform a wide range of analytical networking, processing, reporting and communications tasks while improving adherence to regulatory requirements and the overall productivity of analytical laboratory data systems.
Using HP ChemLAN networking products, HP Chem-Servers can bring together information from Hewlett-Packard and other vendors' analytical data systems. This allows laboratories to use existing computers and data handling devices, enabling them to share and use data from various analytical instruments.
HP ChemServers are based on client/server technology. Rather than one system handling the range of analytical tasks associated with an application, client/server computing allows multiple computers on a network to perform tasks in parallel. As a result, computers on the network can perform the task for which they are best suited. HP ChemServers are designed to work with existing laboratory instrument controllers and data systems. Specifically, they can enhance the productivity of HP Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), HP ChemServers can also be connected to mainframe and business systems to provide complete system integration within a companywide networking strategy. HP ChemServers use HP ChemLAN networking products, which makes it quick and easy to install and customize a network to accommodate the various instrument controllers within the laboratory. HP ChemServers are designed to enhance a laboratory's ability to comply with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), ISO 9000 and other regulatory guidelines. Since the HP ChemServer systems are password-protected, they provide secure access to data and resources on the laboratory network. The system administrator can restrict personnel from accessing sensitive data or working on unauthorized tasks. Additionally, the HP ChemServers' automated backup capability ensures accurate and consistent archiving. HP ChemServers are true multitasking systems. For example, users can archive data from one instrument while they view incoming in-process data from another instrument. The HP ChemServer graphical user interface (GUI) makes the system easy to use, with common tasks such as processing or reviewing data performed by clicking on the relevant icon.
Hewlett-Packard offers a choice of HP ChemServer models, with two different systems currently available.
The HP ChemServer Model 4910, the Laboratory Network ChemServer, allows users to share information by functioning as a central archive for important laboratory information. It suggests Pascal, MS-DOS* and UNIX* lased client computers, allowing laboratories to enhance the usefulness of their current data systems. This HP ChemServer is particularly suited for chemists and technicians who work with single-user systems and require additional resources for archiving data and the ability to connect to systems outside the laboratory. The HP ChemServer Model 4910 allows users to share peripherals such as colour and black-and-white printers, allowing higher quality output at a lower cost and saving valuable bench space; automatically back up laboratory data, without needing to back up each workstation in the laboratory daily; and administrate the network easily through the HP VUE GUI. The HP ChemServer Model 4920, the Data Analysis and Reporting ChemServer, brings together the processing, review, maintenance and reporting of chromatographic, mass spectral and multiple wavelength liquid chromatographic data on a single high performance laboratory workstation. This HP ChemServer is for laboratories that require higher productivity and need to meet stringent quality assurance (QA) and regulatory standards. The HP ChemServer Model 4920 includes all the capabilities of the Model 4910 and also allows users to review data in a consistent fashion from different instruments and analytical techniques throughout a laboratory workgroup; improve QA by making it possible to work with up to 30 different quality control sample types, to specify detection and other limits and to generate a range of reports that help pinpoint quality problems within the analytical process; and generate an audit trail of all changes to methods and data.

Royal Society Medals
The Council for the Royal Society has awarded the following medals for 1993: The Copley Medal to Dr J. D. Watson, For.Mem.R.S., Director of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, USA, in recognition of his tireless pursuit of DNA, from the elucidation of its structure to the social and medical implications of the sequencing of the human genome.
The Davy Medal to Professor Jack E. Baldwin, F.R.S., Waynflete Professor of Chemistry in the University of Oxford, distinguished for his contributions to bio-organic chemistry, in particular to an understanding of the biosynthesis of beta-lactam antibodies.
The Hughes Medal to Professor G. R. Isaak, Professor of Physics in the University ofBirmingham, in recognition of his pioneering use of resonant scattering techniques to make extremely precise measures ofDoppler velocity shifts in the solar photosphere.
The Leverhulme Medal to Professor J. s. Rowlinson, F.R.S., Dr Lee's Professor of Chemistry in the University of Oxford, distinguished for this contributions to thermodynamics, in particular to an understanding of the physical chemistry of gas-liquid interfaces and surfaces.