Product News

Bruker Corp. introduces the Tracer 5i handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analyzer, which is more sensitive, flexible, and field interactive than the previous model, while retaining its unique advantages and comprehensive analytical software. The instrument incorporates a more powerful tube and detector, an automated filter wheel, and a manual filter slot. It also includes selectable collimation, Bruker’s patented SharpBeam optimized geometry, pressure and temperature compensation, an internal VGA CMOS camera, an interactive touchscreen with point-and-shoot capability, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The VISHER brand self-sealing crucible makes moisture, volatiles and ash determinations more convenient and repeatable than conventional crucibles and methods. Fisher Scientific say that the crucible can withstand temperatures of up to 1000C and can be used with a wide variety of samples: coal, coffee, food, Self-sealin9 quartz crucible (Fisher Scient(lic Co.). paper, sugar, tobacco and fertilizers for example, Fisher's crucible features a unique self-sealing lid which forms an airtight seal around the crucible's groundglass rim. The lid rises automatically during a volatiles run to expel gasses, then it sinks to restore the seal and form an oxygen-free atmosphere thus preventing sample ashing.
Further information ( Perkin Elmer have added to their SIGMA range producing a machine which 'features the latest developments in computer-aided chemistry'. The SIGMA 115 provides chromatographic control for two chromatographs and will simultaneously integrate up to four detector amplifier signals. With the necessary accessories SIGMA 115 is a totally automated analytical system, which can be developed to allow real-time display of chromatograms, or display from disc storage. Chromatograms can be overlaid forpeak-by-peak comparison, subtracted from one another or manipulated individually. Techmation are the UK distributors of Carle's 500 CGC which 'uses an advanced microprocessor for precise programmable control of all GC parameters'. The 500 CGC includes three temperaturecontrolled ovens--one programmable and the other isothermal, a newly designed flame-ionization detector and thermal conductivity detector which allows switching and automatic flow control and monitoring. The  'Instrument News' Perkin-Elmer's annual Instrument News takes computer-aided chemistry as its theme for 1981. The magazine is a catalogue of the company's products and services and includes information on laboratory information systems, and on machines for atomic spectroscopy, environmental sampling, gas chromatography, infra-red and ultra-violet measurement, liquid chromatography, thermal analysis and polarimetry.

Programmable A-D converter
Dyson Instruments have designed a precision analogue-to-digital converter to take the signals a scientist normally displays on a strip-chart recorder, digitize them and pass them into a microcomputer.
Construction is based on voltage to frequency conversion and its special features are a high accuracy and resolution making it ideally suitable for many demanding laboratory roles, such as chromatography and spectroscopy.
Input range is -5mV to + 10 volts DC (self-ranging). Resolution is one count per /V input in the critical region of + 5 mV, and the crystal-controlled data-slice rate can be manually set at 10, 100 or 1000 ms. who want to broaden their knowledge, and to contractors and managers who are indirectly concerned with analytical instruments. 28 lectures will be given on, for example, process analytical system design, sampling, electronics, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, oil-refinery analysers, microprocessors. Participants will also take part in project work in the evenings. HPL in aliquots of patient sera and 1-125 labelled HPL are allowed to compete for binding sites on a specific antibody. This is raised against human HPL in sheep. The greater the level of HPL in the patient sera, the less 1-125 HPL will be bound to the antibody. The 1-125 HPL/antibody complex is then precipitated out of solution using a second antibody in PEG (Polyethyleneglycol) solution. After centrifugation is discarded and the precipitate is counted to determine the amount ofi-125 HPL bound to the antibody. A standard curve is prepared and the patient's HPL concentration in serum is evaluated by comparing the serum sample counts to the standard curve.

CRT testing
A precision CRT test set is available from Bertan Associates. Model CRT-30 is a three output voltage power supply which is specifically configured as a cathode ray tube test set. The instrument includes all the controls, monitors and protective features which are necessary to the operation and evaluation of CRT performance.
Three independent precision controls provide fine adjustment of the anode, focus and G2 outputs. The voltage and current of each of the outputs can be monitored on the front panel meters. Options are available to expand the capability of the standard CRT-30. They include G and filament outputs, remote programming and monitoring (both digital and analogue) as well as dynamic focus capability. All outputs are provided with 0"01 line and load regulation and with ripple of less than 0.01 pk-pk at maximum output. The temperature coefficient is better than 100 ppm/C.

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Counting on computers A high-speed digital counter with a computer interface, specifically designed for nuclear radiation or other pulse-counting applications, has been developed by ESI-Panax. The instrument, SCALINK 4, can be connected to many desk-top computers, calculators and GPIB controllers using a standard IEEE-488 data bus. In a typical application using a Commodore PET the counting interval can be selected from a 'menu' displayed on the screen, and each result processed or stored as required. Alternatively, the computer can determine the counting interval automatically based on the number of counts received and the required statistical accuracy. SCALINK 4 is fully addressable, allowing up to 16 modules to operate simultaneously with one computer. Programming is simple using BASIC 'INPUT' statements to read the contents of each scaler, the result appears as a numeric variable. The unit requires a single 5-volt supply and is fully compatible with other NIM modules.
Further information from AID Scientific Ltd, Canford Works, Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BHll 8QW, UK. Tunable dye laser Model 2100 Dyescan tunable dye-laser system is the first to incorporate a nitrogen pump laser, dye-laser assembly and complete microprocessor control into one cabinet. The system is intended for spectroscopic applications which require a precision, narrow line-width, scannable, UV-visible source. The nitrogen pump laser eliminates the need for a vacuum system. The dye-laser provides output pulses of ns duration and 25 kw peak power; line-width is 0.03nm at 590nm. Model 2100 Dyescan is under complete microprocessor control. Tuning range is between 360 and 800rim and a frequency-doubling accessory will provide access to the UV region of the spectrum. Scans between operatorspecified limits can be linear either in wavelength or energy units. A unique optogalvanic calibration technique provides rapid, highly accurate wavelength calibration, while the dye-laser power is continuously monitored. All parameters and commands are entered through a simple keyboard. A sample tray takes up to 128 samples and each sample can be subjected to 46 pre-programmed tests (more can be added) within 10 different profiles.
Patient data and tests required are entered using a sample entry station and are recorded on a digital compact cassette. The operator is told where the samples should be placed in the tray; the XYP works out an optimum test sequence taking into account facts like incubation times.
The instrument is patient-oriented and its controlled sample handling, fixed sample location and electronic detection ensures correct patient identification throughout all procedures. Test results are stored and automatically grouped per patient.
The machine is very cost effective. Firstly, it is competitively priced for an instrument capable ofproviding up to 480 results/h. Second it reduces the cost of disposables--the 128-position trays are much cheaper than individual containers.

Particle sizing
Malvern Instruments have recently introduced a new particle sizer into the UK market. The Autosizer measures size between 10 and 300nm and diffusion coefficient. The machine has repeatmeasure facilities so it can be used for real-time study of particle interaction-for measuring agglomeration and the effects of additives and pollutants.