Headspace vials 

Chromacol of Welwyn Garden City, UK, have introduced a new range of screw- and crimp-top vials for use in headspace procedures and sample preparation methods where multiple additions to the sample vial are required. 

The magnetic properties of the caps make then suitable for use with CTC CombiPAL autosampler headspace seals, whilst the selection of thicker septa enables the use of robust headspace seals for high-temperature conditioning, or thinner seals where more delicate solid phase microextraction fibres may be used with the same screw cap. 10ml and 20ml sizes are available, in clear and amber versions. 
enquiries@chromacol.com 

Pearly effects 

At Interpac 2008 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Ciba launched the Ciba XYMARA XPS anti-yellowing pearlescent effect pigments designed to enhance the appearance and prolong the life of a broad range of plastics, including cosmetics bottles, jars, containers and other functional and decorative items.  

Ciba XYMARA Silver Pearl XPS19 gives a white satin lustre, and Ciba XYMARA Silver Pearl XPS23 combines the satin sheen with a discreet glitter. XYMARA XPS products reproduce the special lustre and colour of natural pearls. 

These pearlescent effect pigments are coated to inhibit yellowing and can be used together with other effects and colours to produce individual and exclusive designs.
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PCR plates 

Eppendorf, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, have launched their twin.tec real-time PCR plates. With their opaque white walls, these PCR plates enable detection of significantly lower levels of fluorescence and enhance the reproducibility of real-time PCR data. Titanium dioxide gives an opaque bright white which both greatly increases the reflection of fluorescence and reduces interfering background fluorescence. Therefore lower levels of fluorescence can be detected by the same instrument and the homogeneity of replicates is increased, compared with using clear or frosted wells. 

The reduced wall thickness of twin.tec real-time PCR plates gives optimal heat transfer while maintaining high mechanical stability, and the rigid, fully skirted frame version is designed for automated handling. The raised rims are ideally suited for effective heat sealing and use of adhesive films.  
Go to website.

Sale 

Oxford Diffraction, of Abingdon, UK, a leading supplier and innovator in the field of x-ray diffraction, has been sold to Varian Inc., a leading worldwide supplier of scientific instruments and vacuum technologies for life science and industrial applications. 

Oxford Diffraction products will now be distributed on a global basis via Varian's worldwide distribution network, while Varian can now offer customers more powerful solutions through combinations of x-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).  
sales@oxford-diffraction.com; custserv@varianinc.com 

Analysis of explosives 

Exeter Analytical of Coventry, UK, has developed a new,
safe and accurate method for determining the percentage nitrogen content of explosive materials such as pentanitrocellulose, dekanitrocellulose and pyroxylin, based on its Model CE440 Elemental Analyser. The new method provides values of nitrogen which compare closely with data obtained using a nitrometer using the standard method MIL-STD-286B (T-209.9). 

The Exeter Analytical CE440 Elemental Analyser uses thermal conductivity detectors to simultaneously analyse for nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen content. Interferences are removed through column packings and the combusted sample is converted into non-toxic carbon dioxide, water vapour and nitrogen. 
info@exeteranalytical.co.uk  

Portable FT-IR 

A2 Technologies of Danbury, US, has introduced its PAL FT-IR systems designed for the analysis of the level of water in lubrication oils, in the range of 50-5000ppm, with an accuracy of better than 5 per cent. This analysis is as accurate as the standard Karl Fischer titration method, but is far less time consuming, requires no hazardous or expensive reagents and can be carried out on-site. 
vlopez@a2technologies.net 

Thin films 

Horiba Jobin Yvon of Stanmore, UK, has launched the Auto SE, which permits automatic analysis of thin film samples in a few seconds; it provides information on film thicknesses, optical constants, surface roughness and film inhomogeneities. The Auto SE includes an automatic XYZ stage, real-time imaging of the measurement site with MyAutoView vision system and automatic selection of spot sizes. 
info@jobinyvon.co.uk 

Compact ion chromatography 

Metrohm have launched a new compact ion chromatography (IC) instrument, the 881 Compact IC Pro Anion MCS. It can be used to determine anions, cations or organic acids in a variety of sample matrices from per cent levels down to the ppb range. With sequential suppression for anions, detection limits of 1ppb can be realised.  

The 881 can be completely automated with, for example, the 863 Compact IC Autosampler. 
enquiry@metrohm.co.uk