In February, SEAL Analytical, a Porvair company, introduced the AQ1 Discrete Analyzer. Discrete analyzers measure the alkalinity, as well as chloride and nitrate content of a sample, among other analytes, in individual reactions using automated colorimetric analysis. This is particularly relevant to the environmental market for applications such as nutrient, water and wastewater analysis. Discrete analyzers also use minimal sample amounts, with the AQ1 using 500–600 µL of combined sample and reagent per test.

The main draw of the AQ1 can be summed up in one word: price. Although Stuart Smith, president of SEAL US, could not reveal the AQ1’s price, when describing company’s rationale for introducing the AQ1, he told IBO: “We saw a gap in the environmental market, in particular—as [it is] our main business market—for a lower-cost, entry-level, reliable discrete analyzer that still gave low detection limits, which is the kind of performance that our customer base is focused on.” The AQ1 measures 58 x 60 x 73 cm (22.8 x 23.6 x 28.7 in.) and is much smaller than the company’s AQ2 discrete analyzer while offering the same performance. According to Mr. Stuart, this is the basis of the AQ1’s “entry-level” appeal. “The size was one aspect of giving it that appeal, because a lot of laboratories that may be interested in it are generally very small. Currently, the data that we have today shows that the ranges and detection limits for measurement are as good as our larger AQ2, which is our leading product in the environmental market.”

Mr. Smith stated that the AQ1 might help the company enter new markets. “The food market is a market where we may want to introduce the AQ1 also. The low volume for reagent usage makes it ideal for that market.” The company, which has received orders for the AQ1, primarily from Europe and Asia, since announcing the new product at Pittcon, expects shipping to begin by the end of May.