The winners of IBO’s portable analytical instrument design awards are products that are not only compact and stylish but address the unique challenges of doing analyses outside of the laboratory. A portable instrument is defined as one that is battery powered and is designed to be transported and used outside of a lab.

Gold Award

908 Devices’ M908 High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS) system is the winner of IBO’s 2014 Gold Award for portable analytical instrumentation. The system advances the portability and flexibility of MS technology for the field, measuring 220 x 190 x 80 mm (9 x 7 x 3 in) and weighing only 2 kg (4 lb). M908 worked with an outside design firm on the system. Designed to analyze potential hazards under harsh conditions, the casing and large screen communicate approachability as well as robustness. Large, marked buttons and a framed panel provide a sturdy base and an intuitive and simple interface, indicating usability.

The M908 is based on a microscale ion-trap MS and can detect liquid, solid and vapor forms. The battery provides four hours of operation. HPMS technology enabled the compact size. “HPMS affords us the opportunity to use dramatically smaller pumps, ionizers, detectors and electronics than existing laboratory- or person-portable mass spectrometers,” said Michael Jobi, director of Product Development for 908 Devices.

Functionality is embedded in the design. “The removable rubber boot wraps around the product, protecting all edges and corners, while providing for a more secure and comfortable grip.” Custom components were used to accommodate the compact design. The system can be operated while wearing thick rubber gloves, and the screen is easily visible when wearing protective gear. “The usage conditions also led us to prioritize simplified sample introduction,” he explained. A shoulder strap allows for hands-free use. Other sample-introduction options are a vapor-probe attachment and a thermal-desorber hatch.

Silver Award

The winner of IBO’s 2014 Silver Award for portable analytical instrument industrial design is Smiths Detection’s ACE-ID Raman spectroscopy system. Design features, such as the rounded edges of the casing and the balance of colors, indicate the system is compact and rugged yet elegant and inviting for the user. The design allows ACE-ID to be operated with one hand, fit in the pocket of a military jacket, and be picked up and used with gloved hands and operated while wearing hazmat protection gear. Measuring 89 x 127 x 56 mm (4 x 5 x 2 in) and weighing 0.45 kg (1 lb), the ACE-ID detects solids, liquids, gels and powders, and can identify as many as two components of a mixture.

Smiths Detection worked with Nexus Design on the industrial design of the ACE-ID. “Aesthetics were to reflect the requirements of ruggedness and practicality, yet with the sophistication of a high-quality technical instrument that could be recognized as a Smiths family product,” said Marina Kittredge, Product manager at Smiths Detection. “The major influence in the industrial design of ACE-ID is the drop protection provided by the removable, nested ‘shock case,’” she explained. “The case provides a strong aesthetic character, an easily gripped ‘nonslip’ shape and is the key contributor to the four-foot drop protection.”

Bronze Award

The 2014 winner of the Bronze Award for IBO’s Industrial Design Awards for portable analytical instrumentation is Rigaku’s Progeny Raman spectroscopy system. The 81 x 299 x 74 mm (3 x 12 x 3 in) system weighs 2 kg (4 lb) and has an average price of $45,000–$55,000. Based on a 1064 nm laser, it allows for single-handed use, even when pointed into barrels. Progeny’s industrial design was developed in collaboration with Boston Device Development.

The slim shape and graceful angle invite the user to hold the system, evoking consumer products, while the large touchscreen and soft keys provide a familiar user interface. Designed for pharmaceutical raw-materials identification and first-responder applications, the Progeny’s design blends a modern look with traditional instrument design. “Progeny’s lightweight, aluminum housing is sealed against moisture, dust and other potential contaminants to prevent cross-contamination, and enables use in any environment with an IP-68 protection rating, and a weight of 3.5 lb,” said Jen Lynch, Marketing director at Rigaku. It can be operated while wearing protective gloves. A docking accessory is available for benchtop use.

Honorable Mentions

Hanna Instruments’ edge Laboratory Meter