Québec, Canada,March 9th 2009 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, is proud to unveil its new MB3000-PH FT-IR spectrometer for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries at PITTCON 2009 Expo in Chicago, IL. The MB3000-PH is designed for QA/QC, formulation, research and development laboratories. It features the new Horizon MBTM FTIR software and combines all the attributes of a research grade instrument – in particular an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio – while maintaining a minimal cost of ownership. The MB3000’s new design and metrology allow the user to operate the instrument without any scheduled maintenance for a period of 10 years. The MB3000-PH can be viewed at booth #2213 at McCormick Place in Chicago from March 9 – 12, 2009.

Addressing modern laboratory challenges

As modern analytical instruments get more advanced and complex, it is important to make sure they are easy to operate and maintain. They must also comply with current good laboratory practices and regulatory guidelines. The new MB3000-PH FT-IR spectrometer has been designed around these key principles, the result of more than 35 years experience in FT-IR spectroscopy as well as over 10 years of presence in Life Science analytical laboratories.

Experience and innovation: the winning combination

“Robustness has always been one of the trademarks of ABB FT-IR instruments. We are proud to continue this heritage with the MB3000-PH, the most reliable FT-IR analyzer on the market.” states Frédéric Despagne, Life Sciences Industry Manager. “While the exceptional stability of the wishbone principle with corner cube mirrors ensures reproducible data, the interferometer design has been further refined with the introduction of an innovative double-pivot concept derived from our aerospace technology, offering outstanding robustness. As a result, the permanently aligned optics do not require alignment and the interferometer has a lifetime warranty.”

Maximum simplicity at a minimum cost of ownership

Whether operating in QA/QC, analytical development, R&D or formulation laboratory, users can enjoy the simplicity and ease of use of the MB3000-PH. Thanks to its universal sampling compartment, the analyzer is highly versatile and accommodates a wide range of accessories. The new Horizon MBTM FTIR software suite offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface allowing immediate adaptation for new users.

While the MB3000-PH novel vertical design provides a minimal footprint, it is also the FT-IR analyzer with the lowest cost of ownership: the pre-aligned source module with electronic stabilisation does not require replacement for 10 years. The new diode laser-based metrology module does not require any scheduled maintenance. These unique features are combined with an extensive built-in health monitoring system in the instrument.

When performance matters

Robustness and ease of use are of little value when they are obtained at the expense of analytical performance. ABB engineers have paid great attention to ensure that the MB3000-PH delivers the high-quality type of spectra that have contributed to the world-class reputation of ABB analyzers over the years, as illustrated by the outstanding signal-to-noise specifications of the MB3000-PH: typically 50000:1 RMS noise (60s, 4 cm-1).

ABB Analytical Leadership in Spectroscopy

Celebrating over 35 years of innovation in spectroscopy, ABB Analytical Business Unit (www.abb.com/analytical) is one of the top companies in IR instrumentation: designing, manufacturing and marketing high performance FT-Mid-IR/Near-IR analytical solutions and spectrometers for the following applications:

Analytical solutions for the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences industries since 1997:

· FT-IR and FT-NIR spectrometers for QA/QC laboratories (qualitative analysis, structure elucidation, raw material identification, tablet content uniformity)

· At-line and on-line analyzers for PAT method development (identification of critical quality attributes)

· In-line analyzers for real-time monitoring of applications like fermentation, drying, blending, reaction monitoring, solvent recovery and the most current pharmaceutical unit operations in the manufacturing environment.

· Complete solutions for PAT data management and integration of analyzers with control systems

· Calibration and pharmaceutical validation services

ABB Analytical Business Unit, located in Quebec City, designs, manufactures and markets high-performance FT Mid-IR/Near-IR analytical system solutions and spectrometers for Petroleum, Chemical, Life Science, and Remote Sensing/Aerospace markets. The company also markets analyzers for hydrogen and inclusion measurement in liquid aluminum. More information is available at www.abb.com/analytical.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 119,000 people. In Canada, (www.abb.ca), ABB employs over 1,800 people in 24 locations from coast to coast.