Journal of Automatic Chemistry Vol. 12, No. 1 (January-February 1990), pp. 41-47

New products

Thermal conductivity gasAnalyserThe Caldos 5, a novel thermal con-ductivity gas analyser, is now avail-able from Applied Automation, amember of the Hartmann & BraunGroup. It can continuously andquantitatively determine the con-centration of a single gas componentin a binary or quasi-binary gasmixture.

The Caldos 5 gas analyser canmeasure a wide variety of inert orhighly corrosive gases. Commonlymeasured components include Ar in02, H2 in Ar, H2 in N2, H in blastfurnace gas, CO2 in N or air, SO2 in

N or air, NH3 in H or air, H2 in C12,H2 in HC1, C12 in HC1, HC1 in CI,and CH3 in CO2.Applications for the Caldos 5 includegas purity monitoring, continuousmonitoring of flue and inert gases,and blast furnace and converterexhaust gas monitoring. The ana-lyser can also be used for processmonitoring in air separation andchlor-alkali electrolysis plants, aswell as in ammonia synthesizingplants and for room air monitoring.

The Cados 5’s output signal is pro-portional to the volume per cent ofthe gas being analysed so it can alsobe used as a control signal generatorfor limiting gas concentrations.Sample gas flows through twoopposite chambers, each of whichcontains a temperature-dependentresistor of a bridge circuit. The twoother resistors of the bridge circuitare in contact with a zeroing refer-ence gas. When resistors are heated,slight differences in thermal conduc-tivity of sample and reference gasesdisrupt the temperature-dependentbridge balance. The resulting bridgediagonal voltage is then processeddigitally to yield concentration.

The response time of the thermalconductivity gas analyser can be aslow as 6 s. The Caldos 5 featuresrugged construction, long-life glass-encapsulated filament sensors, andautomatic or manual range cali-bration. It can handle up to three

internally selectable linear measur-ing ranges.

Details from: Applied Automation/Hartmann & Braun, PO Box 9999,Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74005-9999,USA. Tel.: 918 662 700.

Computer-controlled powersupplyThe MultiDrive XL is a versatile,easy-to-program power supply withunparalleled safety features.

MultiDrive XL is ideal for mostelectrophoretic techniques, includingisoelectric focusing (IEF),SDS-PAGE, DNA sequencing, blot-ting (both tank and semi-dry tech-niques), and pulsed field gel electro-phoresis. It supplies constant currentto 400 mA, constant voltage to3500V, and constant power to200 W. Nine methods, each contain-ing nine steps, can be programmedand stored in the non-volatilememory.

MultiDrive XL offers a choice offourcontrol modes: time, volt-hour inte-gration, milliampere-hour inte-gration, or the derivative of currentwith respect to time. Voltage-ramping can be programmed foroptimal sample run-in. Four highvoltage outlets allow four separationsto run simultaneously.

Unique high voltage connectors withcoded sleeves (patent pending), pro-tect separation units against voltageoverload and ensure personal safety.Other safety features include auto-matic power shut-off when groundleakage greater than 0"5 mA isdetected, when an outlet plug isremoved or if the thermostatic circu-lator fails.

More informationfrom: Pharmacia LKBBiotechnology AB, ElectrophoresisDivision, Box 305, S 161 26 Bromma,Sweden. Tel.: 46 8799 80 00.

New IRDHewlett-Packard’s recent infrareddetector (IRD), the HP 5865A, has a

sensitivity believed to be severaltimes greater than any other vapour-phase system currently available.Coupled with the recently-launchedHP 5890 Series II GC and HPChemStation controller, the newIRD- the successor to the originalHP 5965A IRD- makes low-costcapillary GC/FTIR analysis bothsimpler and quicker to run.

The new IRD features an arrayprocessor that displays the total-response chromatogram and absorb-ance spectrum of each peak, and upto four’ selected wavelength chroma-tograms, in real time. This allows thechemist to monitor a run contin-uously for key compounds, ensuringoptimum separation, characteriza-tion and identification.

The array processor increases thenumber of scans per minute, soenhancing measurement sensitivity-the IRD detects 5 ng of isobutylmethacrylate or dodecane at a signal-to-noise ratio of 30: 1. Absorbancedata can be stored instead ofinterfer-ograms, requiring less disk storagespace.

For fast data reduction, the HP 9000Model 340 computer designedspecificially for instrument controland scientific data handling- has 4Mbytes of core memory as standard.A large, high-resolution colourdisplay makes it easier to view andmove data on screen.

The enhanced HP ChemStationRevision 3.2 software offers manynew capabilities, and provides a fullset of GC/IRD applications for dataacquisition, editing and reporting.Screen prompts assist in methodbuilding, and peak qualification pro-cedures automatically confirm ordeny compound identification.Expanded calculation routines allowautomatic integration of chromato-grams; and a variety ofmathematicaland algebraic functions are included.

The new, soft-key-driven graphicsenvironment enhances the presen-

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New products

tation ofdata. Peaks may be labelled,axes drawn, grids displayed inseveral formats and colour dataspecified. Notation can be added in achoice of character, font and size.

Soft-keys provide single push-buttoncontrol of most operations, such asthe choice of short, long or extendedreport formats. Custom reportformats are created using the macro-writing facility. The new softwareincludes file management routines toback up data files on disk or tapeautomatically.

Enquiries to: Verena Haller,Hewlett-Packard SA, 150 Route duNant-d’Avril, CH 1217 Meyrin (GE) 2,Switzerland.

Modular, expandable processcontrol systemContronic P, an application-proveddistributed process control systemwith an established internationalbase of users worldwide, is availablein the US from Applied Automation,a member of the Hartmann & BraunGroup.

Using standardized, modular com-ponents, Contronic P manages allprocess control functions, includingcontinuous and discreet control. Itcan be structured to meet specificneeds of a wide variety of industrialtypes and sizes.

Although sophisticated, the systemwas designed for use by controlsystems technicians without specialcomputer experience. A layeredmenu structure makes system con-figuration and parameter inputsimple.

The Contronic P includes auton-omous process control stations con-taining modularly extendable pro-cess interfaces linked to transmitters,signal transducers and process-correcting equipment. In addition,blocks for state correction, quantityacquisition, signal sequence acqui-sition, disturbance variable feed-back, sequence control and dosingcircuits are also available.

A serial bus system handles all com-munications data up to 127 stations

at the rate of MBaud. At the centraloperator station, equipped with mul-tiple colour video display units, key-boards and light pens are used toselect process points, to adjust setpoints, output or alarm variables,and to initiate logs and acknowledgemessages.

The Contronic P also includes acomputer interface station, couplingto higher-level mainframe systemsfor process optimization, planningand balancing.

Details from: Applied Automation/Hartmann & Braun, PO Box 9999,Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74005-9999,USA. Tel.: 98 662 7000.

High-performance photometersA new generation of non-dispersiveinfrared (NDIR) industrial pho-tometers- the Uras 3 series isavailable from Applied Automation.The instruments are intended forcontinuous measuring of a variety ofinfrared-absorbing gases, includingacetylene, ammonia, carbon dioxide,carbon monoxide, carbon disul-phide, ethylene, hydrogen cyanide,methane, nitric oxide, nitrous oxideand sulphur dioxide.

To ensure the Uras 3 provides accu-rate readings even in high-vibrationenvironments, a lock-in technique(phase-selective rectification) isemployed for electronic signal pro-cessing. Additional protection insevere operating conditions comesfrom the rugged cast light alloy, two-compartment case that is dust- andsplash-proof.

Most adjustments can be made inplace with no special tools. Should itbe necessary, the entire opticalsystem can be removed by simplyloosening two socket-head screws,connectors and gas lines.

All models of the Uras 3 series aresupplied with corrosion-resistantmeasuring cells, one linearized meas-uring range, an electrically isolatedsignal output of 0/4 to 20 mA or 0/2to 10 V, and a power supply require-ment of 110 V/60 Hz.

The measurement ranges and resolu-tion vary with the specific type ofgasbeing analysed. As an example, CO

measuring ranges are 0-100ppmwith a reproducibility of 0"5 ppm.

Details from Applied Automation (aabove).

Intelligent sample changerThe SC-150 is an intelligent per-ipheral device which is compatiblewith the company’s line of sequentialICP emission spectrometers, as wellas its range of atomic absorptionspectrometers (AAS). For AAS ana-lyses, the ISC-150 automates theanalysis of trace and ultratracemetals since it is compatible withboth flame and furnace atomizers.The ISC-150 accommodates up to150 samples plus an auxiliary rackfor blank controls, standard prep-aration, and matrix modification.These preparatory functions can beexecuted by interfacing the ISC-150with the company’s PS-150 PrepStation. A flow-through rinse stationis also available.

The ISC-150 is also available as anOEM product which can be con-figured as desired through micro-processor control.

For more information contact ThermoJarrell Ash Corp., 8E Forge Parkway,Franklin, Massachusetts 02038, USA.Tel.: 508 520-1880.

Computer-controlled workstation

The MilliLab 1A Workstation iscontrolled by an optional, externalcomputer. The MilliLab 1A packageis based on the latest generation ofpersonal computers- the 386. Itoperates with a very clear, menu-driven format that can control up tofour MilliLab Workstations andaccommodates multiple terminals.As a true multi-tasking system, oper-ators may edit or compile onemethod while running another.Samples may be processed serially,batch and automatically in the ’Sol-vent Saver’ mode for minimum sol-vent consumption. A set of samplescan be subdivided to run more thanone method per group.

The MilliLab 1A contains a modemfor on-line support and connectioninto a MilliLab Users’ BulletinBoard. There is method and systemvalidation, as well as error checking.User access control is also provided.

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New products

The MilliLab 1A is based on an NECAPC 601C 386 computer with1"2 MB floppy and 40 MB hard disk,APC 650 1MB additional memory,one serial and one parallel port,keyboard, 1200 Baud Modem, theXenix Operating System V for 386,MilliLab 1A Application Programfor single workstation control, blackand white or colour EGA monitor.Options available include a 2400baund modem, DOS emulator, mul-tiple system control, printer andextended-length cable for remotecontrol.

The MilliLab 1A will be suitable forinstallations in which there will besubstantial new methods work, mul-tiple workstation operation or therequirement for hard copy documen-tation of methods and results.

A menu-driven format enables theuser to work directly from thecomputer screen and keyboard with-out any knowledge of computer pro-gramming. It is self-prompting. Eachchoice automatically moves to thenext level of the program and indi-cates the information which isrequired. All information isexpressed in common laboratory andchemistry terminology. The userbegins in the main menu, choosingfrom six categories:

Run method: Run existingmethods which have been storedin the MilliLab 1A.

Edit method: Revise existingmethods, or create additionalmethods.

Step method: Perform each step ofa method as it is being reviewedor Created to verify that theintended operations are beingdone. User initiates each step.

System maintenance: Enter orchange instrument configur-ation.

Reports: Display, print and savemethods and results.

Other: Access MilliLab UserBulletin Board, third-party pro-grams for word processing,spreadsheet etc. and DOSemulator.

Adding computer control to theMilliLab Workstation .has madeautomated sample preparation easier

and more efficient. Multi-taskingcapability with the MilliLab 1A con-figuration makes the MilliLabWorkstation operate even more effi-ciently since some operations areperformed simultaneously. Methodsoperated without computer controlhave been reduced by 25% to 40% inoperating time.

The ability to batch samples or batchportions of a sample preparationoperation, such as conditioning allsolid phase extraction cartridges withone solvent before switching to thenext, can significantly reduce operat-ing time and solvent consumption. Acomparison of solvent consumptionand waste generation in a procedurefor separating food colourings showssignificant reduction in solvent usagewith partial batching or the auto-mated ’Solvent Saver’ modes, basedon processing 10 samples.

Solvent usage (ml); dye separation method10 samples. 1A operating mode.

SolventSerial Batch saver

20% MeOH 134 89 80100% MeOH 278 188 179100% H20 399 311 253Total waste 527 301 226Total solvent 811 588 512

Prior to running a method, the usercan choose to have the MilliLab 1Ado a system and method check, toensure that the user has.prepared thesystem with adequate cartridges,filters, tube sizes, solvents and re-agents. As a program is running it isalso possible to have an active run-time status report presented on themonitor screen.

All of the capabilities of the MilliLabWorkstation for performing auto-mated sample preparation areretained by the MilliLab 1A configu-ration. These include: filtration, solidphase extraction, liquid/liquidextraction, serial or single dilution,addition of standards and reagents,mixing, evaporation, trace enrich-ment, feeding analytical instrumentsor autosampler carousels.

Details from Dave Collis, WatersChromatography Division, Millipore(UK) Ltd, The Boulevard, Ascot Road,Croxley Green, Watford WD1 8YW, UK.Tel.: 0923 816375; fax: 0923 818297.

SmartCell

The SmartCell product line com-bines hardware and software to allowdiscrete units ofwork to be interfacedinto a totally automated workstation.Varying degrees of laboratory auto-mation are possible for example:limited instrument interfacing; spe-cific application workstations; multi-ple workstation networks; and labor-atory robotics.

For more information contact Art Martin,Source for Automation, Commerce ParkN3, 115 Cedar Street, Milford,Massachusetts 01757, USA.

Continuous monitoring of mer-cury in air

Working in association with theUniversity of Ghent, Belgium, PSAnalytical has developed a fullyautomated continuous monitoringanalysis system for mercury in air.The Merlin Fluorescence Detectorprovides a very sensitive detectionsystem, which, when linked with thePSA 10.511 Galahad Adsorber/Desorber system, allows rapid re-sponses to changes in mercury level,even when low mercury concen-trations are involved. Air is drawnover the specially designed trappingunit and the mercury collected as anamalgam. On completion of therequired collection time, determinedby the flow rate of air over the bed,valve manifold switches the gas flowsso that the air contained in thesystem is flushed out with argon priorto the mercury being revaporized andfed to the Merling Detector forquantification.

PS Analytical has integrated the airmonitoring system into itsTouchStone software operating theadsorber/desorber and collecting thedata automatically. An efficientmeans of calibrating the system in anabsolute manner is also included inthe method held on computer file.Detection of mercury down to thelevel of 10 pg per cubic metre isachieved. With such an approach,changes in mercury levels can bepicked up with extremely short sam-pling times, i.e. in the order of 10-15 min. Mercury can also bemeasured in a range ofother gaseousenvironments using similartechnology.

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New products

Further details from PS Analytical Ltd,Arthur House, B4 Chaucer Business Park,Watery Lane, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, KentTN15 6QY, UK. Tel.: 0732 63416; fax:0732 61340.

Chromacol ’s latest addition to theSNAP-CAP range ofdisposablepolyethyl-ene plugs, the 8-PEPC2. Conventionalplastic plugs sufferfrom two main disad-vantages. They can beforced out ofthe vialsby pressure build-up associated with vol-atile samples, and they can creep out if theinside of the vial neck is wet. TheSNAP-CAP plugs have been designed toovercome these problems by having a finnedshaftfor better sealing, and a special skirtwhich locks around the vial collar. They areboth easy and economical to use. Fulldetails from Chromacol Ltd, Glen RossHouse, Summers Row, London N12 OLD.

Chromatography at PS Instru-ments

PS Instruments Ltd is a new com-pany aimed at marketing specialistanalytical and preparative scaleequipment in the UK. It has con-cluded an agreement with the VarexCorporation to market the Varexrange ofchromatography products inthis country, including both prepara-tive scale HPLC and GC systems,and the award winning laser lightscattering mass detector for HPLC.The company will also be promotinga range of consumable items andaccessories for chromatography.

The new company is part of the PSAnalytical Group, which is alreadywell known for its range of accessor-ies for elemental analysis, and, most

particularly, for its environmentalanalysers used extensively by theNational Rivers Authorities and inthe water industry. The PSInstrument Group is based in new

premises in Sevenoaks in Kent.

The Chromatography ProductManager of the new company is RayDobson who has over 30 years’experience in chromatography,including many years with PhilipsScientific in Cambridge. He will beparticularly promoting the ELSDdetector which offes a solution tomany detection problems, for exam-ple polymers, carbohydrates, surfac-tants, steroids, antibiotics, lipids andphospholipids. Being a non-specificdetector it can be used in place of anRI detector and it has also foundmany applications in supercriticalfluid chromatography.

Forfurther details andproduct informationcontact Ray Dobson, PS Instruments Ltd,Arthur House, B4 Chaucer Business Park,Watery Lane, Kemsing, Sevenoaks TN156QY, UK. Tel.: 63416;fax: 0732 61340.

Filter for river water analysersA system for prefiltering river watersprior to on-line measurements fornitrates and other inorganic com-ponents is available from Ionics. TheSAMPREP II can be used with mostmanufacturers’ monitors, providingan uninterrupted sample flow. Itconsists of a proprietary crossflowmembrane filter which removes par-ticles down to 0"5 microns, includingbacteriological matter.

The filter is easy to clean. Theoperator simply redirects the sampleto a standy-by filter module, while hecleans the one in use.

SAMPREP II has a maximum in-ternal pressure of 80 psi, and canoperate on samples in temperaturesto 95 C. A minimum sample flow of12 to 15 1/min generates a filtrateflow rate from 100 to 300 ml/min.

Further details from Ionics UK Ltd,Carrington Business Park, Carrington,Urmston, Manchester M31 4DD, UK.

Portable mini-lab

A prototype of a new portable labor-tory is being field tested by Beckman.This assembly, which fits conve-niently into a case a little larger thanthe average briefcase, contains asmall, but powerful, centrifuge spin-ning samples of whole blood at16500 rpm and separating plasmafrom cells within 30 s.

The SAMPREP H analyser from IonicsUK Ltd. One of these analysers has beeninstalled by Thames Water Authority to

filter water prior to analysingfor nitrates.

From one drop of blood the portablelaboratory equipment can evalautehaemoglobin, haematocrit, glucose,urea, uric acid, cholesterol and trigly-cerides- a combination which canmake this mini-laboratory ofvalue inthe evaluation of cardiac risk factors,as well as other applications. Otherdeterminations, such as enzymestudies, could also be achieved withinthe portable laboratory concept.

It is likely that the new portablemini-laboratory concept will be wel-comed in a variety of areas, particu-larly for veterinary use, for somegeneral and field laboratory appli-cations, domiciliary visits, and inmobile laboratories, private clinicsand near patient-testing situations.

Further information from: Beckman,Progress Road, Sands Industrial Estate,High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK.Tel.: 0494 441181.

Differential portable pressuregaugesTwo new hand-held pressure gaugesare available from Kane-May whichprovide differential measurement.Each of the two instruments isswitchable to give readings over threedifferent scales. The KM5012 differ-ential pressure gauge measures bar,

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New products

over a recommended working rangebetween 5 and 100% of syringenominal volume. Moreover,. a singledigit selector allows nine differentoperating speeds with syringestroke times from 2 to 12 s.

A total of 10 different syringes will fitthis instrument. They enable onediluter to be used for dispensing anysample volumes over a 2-5000range, and diluent volumes between50 tl and 25 ml. Threaded connec-tors permit quick and easy syringeinterchange.

Space-saving design, with accurate andreliable time proportioning control, areamong thefeatures ofthe ’CAL 8000’ seriesminiature analogue temperature controller,which is believed to be the first miniatureanalogue instrument to be manufacturedusing the advanced technology of surfacemounted components. Designed to meet a

variety of applications, including labora-tory packaging, plastics, furnaces, ovens,processing and refrigeration, the unit is48 mm square (1/16 DIN). Several optionsare available to maximize the potential ofthe instrument, including either plug-in orpush-on connection and eight temperatureranges between -IO0C and 1600C.Full information from CAL, Bury MeadRoad, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1RT,UK.

kPa and psig, and the KM5013measures mbar, inches water gauge,and mm water gauge. Both units aredesigned for optimum accuracy,linearity and temperaturecompensation.

Instruments are compact and robustand are supplied complete with tubeand coupling in carrying case and arecompetitively priced.

These instruments are ideal for use ingeneral industrial applications, forpreventive maintenance of pipework,to balance and check flow in airconditioning and dehumidifiersystem, and in processing industries.

More information from Kane-May Ltd,Swallowfield, Welwyn Garden City,Hertfordshire AL7 1JP, UK. Tel.: 0707331051; fax: 0707 331202.

Differential pressure meters fromKane-May Ltd.

Liquid dispensingHook & Tucker Instruments hasintroduced the Compudil D as a fastand accurate means to eliminateroutine applications. The CompudilD is a twin syringe dispensing system-essential for the widest possiblerange of dilution ratios and quickerin use than a one-syringe method.Operation can be via a footswitch orby means of a light, easy to manipu-late handset. The latter incorporatesa useful miniature LED which illumi-nates immediately before liquidrelease.

By turning a four digit thumbwheelswitch, any volume can be selected

Dispensing accuracy and precisionare good- typical performance givesa CV <0"1%. Although it ismicroprocessor-controlled, there isno need for complicated program-ming. Once power is on and volumeselectors have been set, the instru-ment is immediately ready for use.

Further details from Hook and TuckerInstruments Ltd, Vulcan Way, New.Addington, Croydon CRO 9UG, UK.Tel.: 0689 43345.

Biocompatible LC autosamplerA biocompatible version of theAlcott/Micromeritics Model 728Autosampler is now available.Designated the 728B, it containsbiocompatible materials in key sam-ple transfer areas. The.needle block isfashioned from Titanium, connectingtubing is of PEEK, and the user canselect an injection valve from anumber of different biocompatiblematerials, such as Titanium, PEEK,or Hastelloy C.

The 728B is based upon thepatented, positive displacementdesign introduced by MicromeriticsInstrument Corporation (Norcross,Georgia) in 1976 on one of the firstviable autosamplers for HPLC.Automated sample injection is poss-ible without the need for connectionto any accessory gas source. The728B can inject up to 192 times from64 different samples. All units con-tain standard RS-232 interface andboth fixed and auxiliary contact clo-sures. The autosampler can be usedto control an integrator or can becontrolled by an integrator, datasystem or computer. It is designed forinterface with any LC system.

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New products

Spectra FOCUS: a real-time scanning UV-vis detectorfor liquid chromatography. A ’forward optics’ designfor high performance offersadvantages over current diode array detectors, such as high sensitivity for trace analysis, and versatility for single or multi-wavelengthoperations. Any LC application can beperformed by using an easy-to-changeflowcell-from analytical, micro, biotech orprep LC to capillaryelectrophoresis.

Spectra FOCUS Chromatography Software which runs on the IBM PS/2 computerprovides multi-tasking operating systemfeatures: dataacquisition, quantit.ation/reintegration, LC instrument control, 3-D plotting, peak purity., overlays of spectra, derivatives and multi-wavelength chromatograms.

Detailsfrom Spectra Physics Autolab Division, Boundary Way, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 7SH, UK. Tel.: 0442 232322;fax: 0442 68538

The biocompatible Alcott/MicromeriticsModel 728 autosampler

More information from AlcottChromatography, 5300 OakbrookParkway 100, Norcross, Georgia 30093,USA. Tel.." 404 279 2521; fax: 404 2799153..

Accuracy conductivity meter

Compact and lightweight, thePalintest PTll5 water conductivitymeter is battery operated, has amembrane-switch keypad and uses anew type of composite stainless steeland PVC measurement probe. Themeter automatically displays con-ductivity readings corrected to astandard 25 C, for all solutions attemperatures between 0 and 50 C.

The temperature adjustment factorfor water, and most aqueous solu-

tions of salts, is 2%, and for mostreadings the compensation controlcan be set at this level. However, theeffect of temperature on conductivityis not the same for all solutions. Forthis reason, automatic temperatureadjustment can be set between 0 and2"5%. This will ensure accurate read-ings with all types of solutions at anytemperature. The control setting canbe calculated by a simple formula.

The meter has four measurementranges from 0"1 microsiemens to199"9 millisiemens. This will coversolutions from distilled water toseawater. Resolution is to 0" micro-siemens and accuracy is plus orminus 1%. Readings are digitallydisplayed on a 13 mm high LCD.

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New products

Measuring 180 x 83 x 40 mm andweighing 400 g, a single 9 V batterywill provide 80 h of continuous use.

More information from Wilkinson &Simpson Ltd, Palintest House, Kingsway,Team Valley Estate, Gateshead, Tyne &Wear NEll ONS, UK. Tel.: 091 4910808; fax: 091 482 5372.

Electrodes

Hints and tips on the selection,application, safe use and aftercare oflaboratory electrodes are given in aguide available from RadiometerLtd. This 24-page Guide to ReliablepH, Ion and Conductivity Measurementsshould help electrode users achievethe best possible performance. Acomprehensive chart specifies theappropriate pH electrodes for morethan 30 given sample types- from’alkaline solutions’, through ’microsamples’ and ’surfaces’ to ’Yoghurtand curdled milk’.

The Guide gives relevant data for allRadiometer Analytical meters, elec-trodes and accessories for measure-ment of pH, ion and conductivity.Code references are also included tofacilitate ordering.

Although the Guide is based onRadiometer’s own product ranges,much of the advice is equally appro-priate to instruments of allmanufacture.

Some hints given- such as the needfor proper periodic calibration andmaintenance- may always be viewedas ’basic’ but are nonetheless oftenoverlooked. These and other tips,such as on the use of ion selectiveelectrodes and on choosing the cor-rect conductivity cell for each appli-cation, make the Guide a useful labor-atory reference.

Copies are available from Ed Lemon,Manager Analytical Division,Radiometer Ltd, The Manor, ManorRoyal, Crawley, West Sussex RHIO 2PY,UK. Tel.: 0293 517599.

Paramagnetic oxygen analyserA continuously operating paramag-netic oxygen analyser for determin-ing the concentration of oxygen ingas streams has been introduced intothe US by Applied Automation, amember of the Hartmann & BraunGroup. Applications for the Magnos3 include flue gas monitoring, processmonitoring in chemical plants andrefineries, and vehicles emissionstesting.

New and demanding requirementshave been imposed on oxygen-measuring devices to make themapplicable in more and more en-vironments and to meet increasinglystringent standards and Magnos 3offers selectivity, and advanced stab-ility, sensitivity and reliability.

The Magnos 3 is packaged as a

complete analyser system with sep-arate electronics and optical com-partments- both of which can bepurged with air or inert gas. Theentire configuration is housed in adust- and splash-proof fibre-reinforced polyester case.

Details from Applied Automation (asabove).

Miniature temperature con-trollers

Two British miniature temperaturecontrollers have recently beenannounced. The digital, auto-tuningCAL 9900 series and the analogueCAL 8000 series use surface mounttechnology, to pack the maximumfeatures into the space-saving 48mm2 formats. Both units are assem-bled automatically to ensure reliabil-ity at competitively low prices andare designed to combine accuracywith flexibility across a broad varietyof industrial processes. With theability to save up to 75% of the panelspace required for earlier types ofcontrollers, they are ideally suited tomulti-zone applications needing pre-cise thermal profiles.

The CAL 9900 is a dual setpoint,microprocessor-based unit whichautomatically auto-tunes its own P, Iand D values and permits user selec-tion of any common thermocouple,resistance thermometer, linear vol-tage or current process transducerinput. Users may also make rangeadjustments within the full tempera-ture span from -200 to + 1600 Cand can select display resolution to

or 0" in units ofC or F.

The second setpoint can be config-ured as a PID cool channel with air-or water-cooling options, or alterna-tively, as a deviation alarm in high,low or out of limits mode, or as anentirely independent process alarm.

The CAL 8000 series is believed to bethe first 48 mm2 analogue tempera-ture controller on the market toemploy smt. It features accurate andreliable time proportioning controlaimed at meeting an extensive rangeof applications, including packaging,plastics, furnaces, ovens, laboratoryand food processing machinery.

It can be calibrated for use withvarious types of thermocouples orPT100 RTD sensor, and, like the9900, features an optional secondsetpoint which can be used in high,low or out of limits mode or in simpleheat/cool applications. Otheroptions include plug-in or push-onconnection and nine temperatureranges from 100 to + 1600 C.

All units include a five-step LEDdeviation display and manual resetadjustment. They also offer tamper-proof security features to preventunauthorised or accidental readjust-ment. In the case of the 9900, fasciaprotection to IP54 is provided asstandard.

Details from CAL, Bury Mead Road,Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1RT, UK.Tel.: 0462 436161; fax: 0462 451801.

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