Atomic Spectroscopy

PerkinElmer added to its PinAAcle series of atomic-absorption spectrometers. The 500 is a corrosion-resistant, flame-only system designed primarily for environmental applications that require robust performance, such as the mining and petrochemical industries. The system will begin shipping in June at a price in the low $20,000 range.

Bruker introduced the S2 Puma as a replacement for the S2 Ranger benchtop ED-XRF spectrometer. Improvements include an enhanced x-ray source with 20% greater intensity and an expanded sample chamber to accommodate larger samples. The system has a 1 mm spot size and will begin shipping in June at a price of about $100,000.

SPECTRO Analytical (AMETEK) introduced a new MultiView version of its ARCOS ICP spectrometer. While most manufacturers now provide systems that can perform both axial and radial measurements, there are some tradeoffs in having the torch in the same orientation. The MultiView instrument allows users to manually rotate the torch (in a process taking less than two minutes) to provide either axial or radial views in a more optimized fashion. The system also has a new RF generator and options for recirculating argon to save on purge-gas costs. Shipment will start soon at a price of about $100,000.

GC

LECO launched the Pegasus GC-HRT 4D, which combines GC x GC technology with TOF-MS identification of unknown species and analysis of complex samples. The system features an easy switch function from GC to GC x GC and is targeted to metabolomics, petroleum and environmental applications. The system is currently available at a price of about $250,000–$300,000.

General Analytical Techniques

Dexsil displayed its next-generation chlorine analyzer, the L2000 DXT. Primarily used for the testing of chlorinated organics like PCBs in soil and water samples, the system uses an ion-selective electrode to detect chlorine in the samples. The new version incorporates touchscreen control and other improvements. It will begin shipping in late summer at a price to be determined.

Informatics

Labware announced the release of Labware 7, an enterprise-level platform that brings together the capabilities of LIMS and ELN. The system features more than 500 new enhancements, including an interactive dynamic user interface utilizing the latest HTML5 and JavaScript web technologies. The dynamic dashboards can present near real-time business analytics, while the design studio enables the creation and management of visual workflows and dashboards without the need for programming skills. Labware 7 began shipping in February.

Waters announced its NuGenesis Laboratory Management System (LMS), an informatics suite that combines a scientific data management system, ELN and sample management. Currently available, NuGenesis LMS links lab data to enterprise business operations with functionality, such as sample submission and results review, stability testing, scientific search, multivendor software connection, laboratory inventories, data retention and legal hold, and laboratory execution methods.

Life Science

Davinch-K introduced a new high-resolution version of its in vivo imaging system. The system provides 16 megapixel fluorescence and NIR imaging with a number of emission and excitation filters and light sources. While it can be used as a general-purpose imager, the system provides heating and anesthesia inlet systems for use with mice. The system began shipping early in 2015 at an undisclosed price.

LC

The LC-4000 Series is the next iteration in the long line of HPLC systems offered by Jasco. The system platform provides pressure options from 500–1300 bar, effectively covering the bases for conventional HPLC to UHPLC. New detectors include an FP-4020 fluorescence detector with a signal-to-noise ratio of over 2300:1. The unit is controlled with ChromNAV 2.0. Additionally, each unit is modularized so that the end-user can choose from a range of detectors, pumps, auto samplers and column ovens.

MS

A few months ago, Excellims began shipping its MA3100 ion-mobility spectroscopy (IMS) module at a price of $85,000. The product acts as an introduction system for a MS system, in particular the Thermo Fisher Scientific Orbitrap. The system software also offers selective integrated control of both the IMS and MS systems. IMS provides an initial separation to help increase the utility and selectivity of the MS measurement. The company intends to adapt the system for use with other commercial MS systems.

Materials Characterization

Malvern Instruments introduced new products stemming from the acquired MicroCal business (see IBO 6/15/14). The PEAQ ITC isothermal titration calorimeter is available in both manual and automated versions. In addition to providing fast data analysis, the system is equipped with simulation and modeling software for planning experiments. The system is available now at prices ranging from about $125,000 up to $268,000 for the fully automated version.

Molecular Spectroscopy

BioTools’ novel pair of portable Raman microscopes has a small footprint and is capable of analyzing samples through multiple sample modes. The µ-BioRaman model is targeted towards protein analysis, while the Mobile µRaman is for more general uses, such as the analysis of fibers, liquids and particles. The system comes in two ranges: extended range, with range of 200–2300 cm-1 and resolution of 8 cm-1, and high resolution, with range of 200–2,000 cm-1 and resolution of about 4 cm-1. The unit utilizes an adjustable 0–100 mW laser operating at a wavelength of 785 nm. It is available with a battery pack for use in the field.

The WITec Apyron is the company’s next-generation confocal Raman microscope with many improved features, particularly in the automation and control of the instrument. Laser selection and switching is automated at the touch of a button, as are other features such as the control of the filters, camera and spectrometer. There are many laser options available, spanning 355–785 nm. Due to the column-stack design of the lasers on the Apyron, there is no technical limit to the number of lasers the system can utilize. The system will begin shipping in June at prices ranging from about $149,000 up to $500,000 for a fully kitted-out version.

The BRAVO Raman spectrometer from Bruker is a handheld Raman unit integrating a fluorescence-mitigation package to enable measurements of a broader range of raw materials. The unit is specifically designed for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for raw-materials analysis. The BRAVO features Duo LASER excitation with two wavelengths, as well as automated wave-number calibration ability, wireless data exchange and automated measuring-tip recognition for raw-materials analysis. The unit is priced at $45,000, plus $10,000 for pharmaceutical-validation costs.

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Gemini is a combined FT-IR and Raman spectrometer integrated into a handheld unit for chemical identification. The compact instrument allows FT-IR and Raman analysis of samples and comparison of results, and is designed for field-based applications within the general public-safety industry. The Gemini spectrometer features a comprehensive onboard library for chemical identification and spectra referencing, and stores all data onto an onboard SID card. Additionally, the system makes use of a motorized anvil to adjust for sample pressure onto the detection sphere for in-field samples, minimizing human-prone error in sample analysis. The Gemini is available immediately at a base cost of approximately $90,000.

Sample Preparation

The Discover SP-D Gold by CEM is an advanced microwave-digestion system, capable of digesting a large variety of samples, with quartz vessels that can withstand temperatures and pressures of up to 700 psi and 300 °C, respectively. It can process difficult samples such as crude oil, plastics and precious metals, and prepares samples sequentially. The proprietary ActiVent technology controls the vessels’ pressure, allowing samples up to 2 g to safely digest in the system. The system also features individual method programming for each sample, allowing the end-user a larger range of control over their digestive needs. Complete with autosampler, the Discover SP-D Gold is available for about $36,000.