Atomic Spectroscopy

Bruker debuted the Aurora Elite inductively coupled plasma (ICP)–MS, a high-performance sibling to its existing Aurora M90. The improved ion optics and fast electronics increase the sensitivity of the system, and Bruker considers it the most sensitive single quadrupole ICP-MS on the market. The base price is $178,000, though a complete system with a chiller would run around $200,000. The new system is ready to ship.

Spectro Analytical (AMETEK) marked the official launch of the SpectroScout portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument. While not as small as handheld XRF units, the SpectroScout can offer more reliable and consistent measurements for more complex samples, such as in geology or mining. The first test units are already in the field, with official shipments to start immediately at a price of $40,000–$65,000, depending on the specific application package.

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced a new series in its successful iCAP line of ICP–optical emission spectrometers. The iCAP 7000 series has a solid state RF generator and now runs on the Qtegra software platform introduced with Thermo’s iCAP Q ICP-MS, thus providing a shared interface environment. There are three individual instruments in the series, with differing switching valves and mass flow controllers—the iCAP 7200, 7400 and 7600—with prices ranging from the low $60,000s up to $90,000. Shipments are scheduled to begin at the end of April.

GC

Analytical Pixels (APIX) Technology introduced its first product, the GCAP GC system, which is based on nano-scale silicon component technology licensed from Caltech. The miniaturized components of the system provide greatly enhanced sensitivity, small sample volume requirements and high throughput. APIX currently has beta units in the field, and plans to offer both process and laboratory versions of the system for a wide variety of applications. Commercial production is expected to begin in January of 2014.

General Lab

Xylem launched its YSI 2950 biochemistry analyzer, which is a highly automated version of the 2900 analyzer. The 2950 is configurable with up to three sensor modules capable of measuring up to six chemistries. The system employs YSI’s immobilized enzyme electrodes that allow measurements to be made in about a minute. The third sensor module can be configured for biosensor or ion selective electrode measurements. The system can be used to test for glucose, lactate, glutamine, ammonium and other biochemistry agents. The 2950 system is shipping and is listed at $28,000.

Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Excellims introduced the IA3100 system for coupling ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) with HPLC, allowing for the analysis of co-eluting compounds and two-dimensional separations. The company’s bolt-on IMS system is attached via a metal tower, and the sample flows through an electrospray ionization source. The IA3100 will begin shipping this summer at a price $65,000, excluding the HPLC. The price of the total package, including a Shimadzu HPLC, depends upon the HPLC configuration.

PHOTONIS, a supplier of electro-optical components, introduced the DART-IMS, which is a fully integrated benchtop instrument. The system combines IonSense’s DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) ionization source for solids, liquids and gases with PHOTONIS’s IMS platform, which was introduced in 2012. PHOTONIS’ IMS technology is based on its Resistive Glass Technology, which it claims improves resolution compared with existing IMS instruments. The complete system will be priced at $60,000 and is expected to begin shipping in June.

Informatics

Shimadzu and Integrated Analysis announced the availability of the i3D Enterprise Informatics Service (EIS), a cloud-based bioinformatics platform for MS data. This solution targets MS-based “omic” workflows that typically require high-powered computing and a dedicated IT staff. Using the i3D EIS, lab data is stored and processed off site, enabling faster processing, as well as cost savings for hardware and training. It also allows for data sharing and data mining across labs. Data file formats from major vendors are supported. EIS is available as an annual subscription.

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced version 7.2 of its Chromeleon chromatography data system, which will be available in June. The new version will add MS support. The software will provide full enterprise support for Thermo’s ISQ single quadrupole and TSQ 8000 triple quadrupole GC/MS instruments, plus central processing, reporting, storage and management of LC/MS data. Full native instrument control for its LC/MS platforms will be available later this year. Thermo stated that it is the only company that can provide an integrated software solution for IC, LC, GC and MS.

Laboratory Automation

Wasatch Photonics has incorporated its Raman spectrometer into a microplate reader, equipped with a 785 nm laser. The Chevelle is expected to start shipping soon, at a price under $30,000.

LC

Bio-Rad Laboratories introduced the NGC family of medium-pressure LC systems, which combines an integrated form factor with the flexibility of a modular design. The system features front loading plug-and-play modules that allow users to expand the capabilities depending on throughput requirements. Configurability includes a combination of software wizards and LED indicator lights that help the user plumb the system. The system can be configured with a pump capable of 0.001–10 mL/min. flow rates at 3,650 psi or 0.01–100 mL/min. at 1,450 psi. Detector options include a single wavelength (255/280 nm) and a four wavelength detector (190–800 nm), both integrated with a conductivity detector. The system is currently available with US prices in the $35,000–$80,000 range.

China-based RIGOL Technologies introduced the L-3000 Series HPLC system to the US market. The system features a stackable module design and is capable of up to 8000 psi (550 bar) operational pressure at up to 2 mL per minute. The system is available with isocratic, binary and quaternary pumps, and UV-Vis and evaporative light scattering detectors. The system is priced at around $40,000–$60,000, depending on configuration.

MS

Bruker introduced its COMPACT benchtop Q-TOF MS, which it claims offers levels of sensitivity that are typically associated with high-end triple quadrupole LC/MS systems. The system incorporates a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter that improves the dynamic range, and leverages ion guide and transmission cell technology first used in its IMPACT Q-TOF system. The COMPACT is now shipping. Pricing information was unavailable.

Materials Characterization

Anton Paar introduced the MCR 702 TwinDrive rheometer, which is the first rheometer to feature two independent drives. The two drives interface with the upper and lower surfaces of the sample. Either or both of the motors can be used to drive the system and measure the rheological properties, yielding new measurement modes, such as when the two drives are set to counter-rotate. The system was launched at Pittcon, and is priced at about $200,000 including a full set of accessories.

Beckman Coulter introduced the DelsaMax series of particle and zeta potential analyzers. The DelsaMax Pro has two independent detectors: a single detector for light scattering size detection, and a 31-element array for the phase analysis that provides zeta potential. Similarly, the DelsaMax Core has two detectors: a dynamic light scattering detector for size analysis, and a static light scattering detector for molecular weight. The systems can provide analysis of both parameters in two seconds. The Core model only requires 1 µL of sample. The DelsaMax Pro is priced at under $70,000, while the Core is approximately $40,000. The DelsaMax Assist component is an optional pressure system to eliminate bubbles that can cause spurious measurements and is available for $10,000.

Formulaction presented its Turbiscan Tower for analyzing the stability of emulsions and suspensions. It is composed of six individual Turbiscan units combined into a tower architecture for increased throughput. The system will begin shipping by mid-May at a price of $70,000–$80,000.

Quantachrome’s new Autosorb iQC-TPX allows multiple related techniques to be performed on a single integrated platform. The system is designed for catalyst analysis and measures active metal area, dispersion and several temperature-programmed methods, in addition to surface area and pore size. If an external MS is attached to the unit, no additional vacuum system is required. The system is now available at a price ranging from $70,000 to $100,000.

Molecular Spectroscopy

BaySpec introduced the Agility transportable benchtop Raman system, which uses a 1064 nm laser to avoid fluorescence problems that prevent Raman from being useful for many applications. The indium gallium arsenide detector helps improve sensitivity, the touchscreen interface provides usability, and the system can be configured for measuring solid samples, cuvettes or with a fiber optic probe. Introduced in January, the Agility is shipping at a price of $28,000 for the 1064 nm model and $26,000 for a version with a 785 nm laser.

COSA Xentaur introduced the ScanSwift IR FT-IR spectrometer, with attenuated total reflectance and an analysis time of less than three minutes. Manufactured by Smiths Detection, the ScanSwift is branded as COSA Xentaur to appeal to users in COSA’s core markets in petrochemical and related applications. The system will soon begin shipping at a price in the mid-$40,000s.

Korean spectroscopy supplier Mecasys had on display its new OPTIZEN alphahybrid UV-Vis spectrophotometer, which was introduced in November 2012 and offers the ability to add an array detector as an option, combining the strengths of both scanning and photodiode array instruments. The system, which is priced at $10,000, runs on the Android platform and communicates wirelessly with a tablet controller or PC.

NMR

CEM introduced the HYBRID Trac analyzer, which began shipping in December 2012. The analyzer can be used in the lab or at line to assess wet and dry samples. The HYBRID Trac couples NMR technology with CEM’s microwave moisture analyzer to produce fat and moisture content results in two minutes. The analyzer requires three calibration samples. Pricing was unavailable.

Sample Preparation

FOSS introduced a new pair of devices for Soxhlet analysis of fats featuring new automation features, which also provide safety benefits and greater economy. The Hydrotec 8000 unit hydrolyzes up to 12 samples and is priced at $21,500. The Soxtec 8000 performs up to six extractions and is priced at $35,000. The systems use a shared sample handling device of six linked analysis caps. The pair is available for a combined price of about $51,000, and will begin shipping at the end of March.

Horizon Technology introduced the XcelVap, an automated benchtop evaporation/concentration system. Automated pressure profiling allows users to gradually ramp up gas flow as the solution volume decrease. The XcelVap system is priced at around $8,000 and will be available in July.