Bench-Top NMR

Bruker BioSpin has introduced HyperQuant, a bench-top NMR reader for precisely quantifying magnetic hyperpolarisation and thermal polarisation of a sample. The HyperQuant applies time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) spectroscopy, a technology similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic hyperpolarisation promises to be a useful technique with potential to boost contrast in MRI and sensitivity in solid state NMR.  

HyperQuant is designed for situations where the polarisation enhancement factor needs to be determined very precisely, and therefore it is crucial to quantify both the hyperpolarisation and the thermal polarisation on the same sample. 

The proprietary HyperQuant utilises a unique permanent magnet combined with an innovative probe design and novel NMR pulse sequences to enable the quantification of the thermal polarisation of ¹³C-labeled samples using volumes as low as 1ml. In this manner, hyperpolarisation enhancement factors can be obtained directly, without having to go via a separate calibration reference.  
ds@bruker.de 

Rocket science

Genevac Ltd of Ipswich, UK, has launched the Rocket Evaporator, designed to dry or concentrate as many as six flasks (each containing up to 450ml solvent) five times faster than conventional 'intelligent' evaporators.

To achieve the dual goals of very fast evaporation, with very precise temperature control to protect valuable samples, the Rocket Evaporator uses low temperature steam to directly heat the sample flasks. By pulling a vacuum on the samples, solvent(s) boil at a low temperature, which is determined by the pressure. Genevac's patented Dri-Pure technology further ensures sample integrity by eliminating solvent bumping that can lead to cross-contamination.

The compact Rocket Evaporator fits neatly onto a laboratory bench or into a fume hood. 

Two styles of flask are available for use with the evaporator - a simple flask for drying or concentrating, and a SampleGenie-style flask, which enables a large volume sample to be concentrated directly into a small vial.

A two stage cold trap provides very high levels of solvent recovery, even with volatile organic solvents. The three litre cold trap drains automatically under the control of the evaporator to ensure that optimal solvent recovery is maintained, no matter what mix of solvents is being used.
salesinfo@genevac.co.uk 

New lab in China

Sino Analytica has opened its second laboratory in Ningbo, near Shanghai, offering independent testing on food safety and an extensive range of laboratory quality control tests. The business can provide field and food processing advice, quality inspections and a sampling service. 

The principal clients are major food exporters who need to know what hazards may be present in their export shipments. The testing is primarily pesticide residue testing, heavy metal determination, microbial testing and veterinary drug assays. 

The Ningbo expansion provides over 2000m²  of additional laboratory and office space for pesticide testing and microbial testing. Nutritional analysis and pesticide formulation testing will be added before the end of the year. 
john.mckenzie@sinoanalytica.com 

Checking gloves 

Marigold Industrial of Bristol, UK, has launched a new chemical permeation chart providing essential glove performance data against 100 commonly used industrial chemicals. 

The chart is an essential reference tool for anyone with responsibility for selecting hand protection for people coming into direct contact with chemicals as part of their job. It spells out clearly and simply not only how long you can safely use gloves with a particular chemical but which gloves provide the highest levels of protection.  

The easy-to-follow colour chart adopts a number rating from 0 to 6 to highlight specific glove permeation performance against 100 chemicals listed. A glove with a score of 6 provides permeation protection of over 8 hours whilst a glove with a score of 0 provides protection of less than 10 minutes and is therefore inappropriate for use with a particular chemical.  
ukenquiries@marigold-industrial.com 

For UV and visible 

Biochrom of Cambridge, UK, has launched an extended range of its Libra UV-Visible spectrophotometers for a wide range of laboratory applications. 

For education and basic QC laboratories, where measurement of coloured solutions in the visible region of the spectrum is required, the Libra S4 and S6 models offer versatility, with the Libra S6 also having an optional 37°C heated cell holder.  

The Libra S11 is capable of accepting accessories, such as a long path length cell holder (for use with very dilute samples), a two position cell changer and a wider range of temperature control options. To make measurements in the UV region of the spectrum the Libra S12 features an additional UV light source.  

The mid-range model Libra S22 is designed for general purpose UV-visible spectroscopy and has a large sample compartment designed to accommodate a range of accessories, including an eight posititon automatic sample changer as standard.  

The Libra S32 and S35 are pharmacopoeia-compliant instruments designed for pharmaceutical QC laboratories that require narrow bandwidth capabilities to fulfil regulatory requirements. 

All models in the Libra range can be connected to a PC for downloading data to a spreadsheet file while most models offer the option of full PC control with extended software functionality. 
chris.chowings@biochrom.co.uk