Each year, IBO selects from the large number of new products exhibited at Pittcon three analytical instrument systems or laboratory products as the top new products of the show. New products are defined as products introduced within the past six months. The top new products are selected based on their innovation, claimed technical merits and potential for commercial success. This year’s best new products showcase new approaches to laboratory problems and provide a notable improvement in performance.

Shimadzu Tracera GC

Shimadzu introduced the Tracera GC system, featuring a newly developed barrier discharge ionization detector (BID) technology, which is integrated with its GC-2010 Plus capillary GC platform. Based on plasma detection technology, the BID detector was developed specifically to eliminate the need for multiple types of detectors. The system is capable of detecting a range of both organic and inorganic compounds, excluding helium and neon. Shimadzu claims the BID has a detection level of 0.1 ppm and achieves over 100 times the sensitivity of thermal conductivity detectors and more than twice the sensitivity of flame ionization detectors.

The development of the new detector by Shimadzu is noteworthy because it is a major technological improvement in GC detector technology. Because the new detector offers performance improvements over other types of GC detectors and reduces the number of detectors many end-users may require, the system has strong commercial prospects. The BID does not require any routine maintenance. The Tracera GC is available for shipping, and pricing varies, depending on valve configuration and application, from $20,000 to $27,000.

Senova Systems pHit Scanner

IBO selected the Senova Systems pHit Scanner, which updates a traditional laboratory technique by employing a different technology. The result is easier use, cost savings and new applications. The pHit Scanner is the first pH meter that does not require calibration. The system has no glass electrodes, allowing for easier maintenance, reduced solvent costs and a greater range of applications, according to Senova.

The system utilizes a sensor consisting of a molecular layer on a carbon substrate. The application of electrical voltage causes the molecules to bind to the sample’s hydronium ions. The amount of such ions is based on the voltage of the binding reaction. The system exhibits no signal drift and provides for the easier use of pH probes in applications such as in biologics manufacturing, agriculture and with viscous samples. The system is priced at $1,650, and a replacement cartridge costs $250. Senova estimates that a typical end-user would be required to replace the cartridge once or twice a year. A general purpose laboratory model is currently available, while other configurations are expected to be released in the future.

Waters ACQUITY APC System

Waters unveiled the ACQUITY Advanced Polymer Chromatography (APC) system, a dedicated system for gel permeation chromatography/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) for the chemical materials industry, which was developed with Dow Chemical. With this product, Waters continues to expand its ACQUITY technology to new markets, while improving the capabilities of GPC/SEC. The system is optimized to take advantage of sub-3 µm particle columns, which provides advantages for the analysis of low molecular-weight polymers and oligomers, including shorter run times, reduced solvent consumption and higher resolution. The APC system features a refractive index (RI) detector that employs a smaller flow cell, providing low noise and drift performance for accurate integration for quantification and reproducible results, according to Waters. The RI detector is also available for other ACQUITY systems.

Priced at a 30% premium over typical GPC/SEC systems with RI detectors, the system will begin shipping in June. Also available are new APC columns containing bridged-ethyl hybrid sub-3 µm particles, which work with multiple types of solvents.