IBO has compiled a summary of new products (introduced within the last six months) at Pittcon 2017. Part 1 of the survey appeared in the March 15 issue. The list is not intended to be comprehensive.

Atomic Spectroscopy

ELEMISSION introduced a new Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (LIBS), the MISSION:CORIOSITY. It features fast elemental imaging, with a scanning rate of 1 cm² in less than 10 seconds at a resolution of 50 µm, making it one hundred times faster than comparable instruments using laser ablation ICP-MS, according to the company. Advantages include low operating costs, automation capabilities and, interestingly, no need for vacuum or sample preparation. The unit is specifically designed for industrial applications, particularly those in the mining and metals industries. The 1,000 Hz version of the system is currently available on the market at a price of $195,000, with a lead time of about 14–18 weeks.

Renishaw displayed the RA802 Pharmaceutical Analyser, which uses Raman imaging to analyze pharmaceutical tablets, powders, granules and liquids. It requires no sample preparation, and provides detailed, colorful 3D imaging and surface data in order to reveal a sample’s chemical and physical properties. The benchtop unit was released in December 2016 and sells for around $200,000.

XOS showcased the Petra MAX elemental analyzer for petroleum samples. Using High Definitiion X-Ray Fluorescence (HDXRF) technology, the instrument is designed to analyze petroleum samples by providing sulfur measurements and rapid monitoring of other critical elements. Not on the market yet, the instrument is scheduled to be released in June.

Chromatography

CAMAG exhibited a new spraying device, the CAMAG Derivatizer, which is designed for automated derivatization of TLC/HPTLC plates. Being automated, it performs with higher reproducibility than manual processes, while making spots on TLC/HPTLC plates faster with the use of less chemicals. It employs a “micro droplet” spraying technology that ensures a homogeneous application of the reagents onto the TLC/HPTLC plates.

Metrohm displayed its new Eco IC. The Eco IC is based on a cost effective design that is tailored for environmental testing, water testing and education/teaching markets. Metrohm used its existing IC technology to make a more affordable version, which is suitable for the routine analysis of anions, cations and polar substances.

The biotech startup PharmaFluidics introduced a new microchip reversed-phase chromatography unit, the µPAC. Fabricated using lithographic micro-machining methods, the separation bed is composed of an array of precisely ordered pillars, which boosts separation resolution and decreases dispersion level. The µPAC is compatible with all commercial nanoLC instruments, and is capable of handling sample sizes down to 4 nL. It is designed for proteomic and metabolic profiling applications.

Informatics

Autoscribe Informatics unveiled its Matrix Gemini Field Analytics System at Pittcon 2017. The Matrix Gemini Field Analytics System enables the Matrix Gemini LIMS to operate in a mobile manner by extending sample data recording capabilities to in-field via an Android device. The system operates off-line, thereby communicating with the database server through a web service in order to upload or record in-field data in remote locations, while ensuring a secure user authenticated access.

Lab Equipment

As an addition to the Supreme Air line of fume hoods, Kewaunee Scientific introduced Supreme Air VENTURI. This exhaust fume hood system has adjustable LED lights as well as an electromechanical sash stop, ultra-smooth sash system with push-bottom management and a Venturi Port that accelerates airflow in the lower corners of the hood opening for improved containment. The unit is available for a list price starting at $6,000.

LH Technologies displayed the Sapphire Bottle Top Dispenser, with patented Dual-Inlet technology. This technology allows the user to rinse and refill the bottle without dismounting the dispenser. It also features a rotating base that enables the user to dispense from any position. Prices range from $475 to $750.

LH Technologies also announced its new digital burette, the Emerald, a touchscreen–operated burette that allows multiple fluid flow rates, with capabilities for precise drop-by-drop titration. The Emerald is priced at $900 and is expected to be launched in May.

OHAUS displayed the Starter Series ST3100M, launched in January, its first multi-parameter bench meter designed to seamlessly handle all water quality analysis needs. It measures pH, ORP, conductivity, TDS, salinity, resistivity and temperature measurements. It contains a 990-item memory for pH and conductivity measurements, and RS232 connectivity to store and transfer data easily.

Seal Analytical’s new AQ300 benchtop discrete analyzer is a smaller unit than the AQ400, and features a lower throughput, thus targeting customers that need a more economical solution. The system can perform up to 180 different tests without the need of the operator’s intervention, and it is automatically cleaned at three different points. Each unit is priced at $35,000 in the US.

Materials Characterization

Anton Paar also released two new models in the MCR rheometer series. The MCR 72 is designed to investigate the deformation and flow behavior of a sample, while the MCR 92 is recommended for observing a sample’s structure.

TA Instruments introduced three new dilatometer products at Pittcon. The DIL 820 contains a series of vertical push rod dilatometers for precise sintering studies. The DIL 830 has a series of high-resolution horizontal push rod dilatometers for measurement of dimensional changes. The ODP 860 uses optical dilatometry for testing samples without contact. Prices for these systems range from around $30,000 to over $100,000.

Molecular Spectroscopy

AcuTech Scientific showcased the AcuScan 1200, a portable Raman unit for ultrafast raw-material spectra identification. It can interface with a laptop for sample detection and data analysis using reference libraries. The unit began shipping in October 2016 for around $30,000.

AcuTech Scientific also displayed the GemScan 1350, a benchtop and portable Raman system specifically designed for analysis of gemstones and minerals up to a 2 in (5 cm) in height and 4 in (10 cm) in diameter. The system was released in January 2017 and sells for about $40,000.

Anton Paar introduced the Abbemat 3X00 series of benchtop refractometers. The product line serves to provide a series of cheaper, entry-level refractometry systems for laboratories in the food, beverage, chemical and fragrance industries.

WITec revealed the next generation of its TrueSurface optical profilometer, which, combined with surface analysis and the acquisition of Raman spectra, allows for topographic Raman imaging on uneven or rough samples. Compared to previous solutions, the system physically integrates the technique with a microscope. TrueSurface allows a one-pass operation to accelerate 3D Raman chemical characterization. Also introduced was the Suite FIVE informatics system for data acquisition, management, evaluation and post-processing.  Suite FIVE includes the new TrueComponent Analysis feature, which determines the number of components in a confocal Raman imaging sample and analyzes their individual spectra. Hardware for the Suite FIVE consist of the EasyLink, a handheld multifunction controller. Both products will begin shipping this summer, and the company is currently accepting orders.