Parallel synthesis

Heidolph UK, a business division of Radleys, from Saffron Walden, has launched the Synthesis 1 - a flexible system that can be configured for parallel solid and liquid phase synthesis as well as multiple evaporation experiments.  

Up to 24 chemically resistant reaction vessels (8-50 ml) can be accommodated in four separate heating zones, each with its own independent temperature control. Direct, in-vessel sample temperature feedback from each zone ensures accurate temperature control to within 
± 1ºC.  

All the transparent reaction vessels are mounted around the circumference of the heating block to provide users with exceptional sample visibility and access.    

The temperature of experiments can be precisely set anywhere from 160ºC down to -80ºC. Unattended operation is aided by a built-in process timer and the facility to perform automatic ramping experiments with up to nine programmable steps.  

Efficient mixing of samples is delivered by frequency controlled shaking at speeds from 100 to 1000rpm. A central connection for vacuum and inert gas supply enables reactions to be conducted under an inert atmosphere.  
sales@heidolph-uk.co.uk   

Total N, S and Cl

Thermo Fisher Scientific of Delft, the Netherlands, has launched the Titan 4000 total nitrogen/sulfur/chlorine (TNSX) analyser.

This analyser, up to 60% smaller than competing analysers, incorporates innovative detectors that increase analysis speed and accuracy and reliability of results.

The Titan 4000 NSX covers total nitrogen/sulfur/chlorine applications from low ppb (parts per billion) to high ppm (parts per million) concentrations. In addition, the use of a powerful combustion method allows the analyser to cater for a wide range of applications in refinery and chemical samples, including naphtha, aromatics, automotive fuels, biodiesel fuels, gaseous and LPG samples.

The Titan 4000 NSX analyser is capable of analysing TN/TS samples within two minutes and TX samples in under four minutes. It features a unique, patent-pending chromium plated copper spray injection design, which is able to inject high boiling point component samples without blocking the injection system.

The sample introduction and combustion technology, with pre-soot detection (patent pending), ensures optimum analysis and result precision, reducing lead time and minimising matrix effects. 
analyze@thermofisher.com 

Ultra small valves and pumps

Dolomite of Royston, UK, has introduced a new range of microfluidic solenoid valves and metering pumps which can be used in isolation, in subsystems, or built into fully integrated systems.    

The pumps are incredibly small yet powerful tools in microfluidics, offering the ability to provide very precise fluid control, whilst maintaining a small overall system size.    

They are made from inert materials such as PTFE and PEEK for maximum chemical resistance and are designed with the smallest possible dead-volumes to maximise sample availability.  
mike.hawes@syrris.com

Balance software

Mettler Toledo of Greifensee, Switzerland, has launched a new version of its user-friendly software for balance management and data handling , LabX balance v 1.5. 

More than 25 built-in job templates are included to simplify common tasks, such as the preparation of reference standards, assessing moisture or ash content, filter weighing and pipette calibration checking. 

Customised templates for standard operating procedures can be easily created and the software is fully compatible with Windows Vista. 

Sodium analysis

Applikon Analytical and Metrohm UK have launched the Alert ion analyser for measuring sodium concentrations in high purity water. It features a sodium ion-selective polymer electrode, from Metrohm, for buffer-free operation and high sensitivity at low concentrations. 

The Alert ion analyser requires only a sample supply and a sodium standard solution, used for automatic calibration. The Dynamic Standard Addition (DSA) methodology enables each result to be validated. 

It is delivered set up for analysis of sodium in the range 3-10 micrograms per litre, but can be modified by changing the concentration of the sodium standard. 

It is available in single- or dual-stream versions as standard and can be further enhanced with the ADI Multistream Unit to add up to six sample streams.
analyzers@applikon.com 
enquiry@metrohm.co.uk  

Benchtop QTof MS

Waters Corporation of Milford, US, has launched the Xevo quadrupole time-of-flight (QTof) mass spectrometer (MS) - a very sensitive exact mass MS/MS benchtop instrument. 

Paired with Waters' Acquity UltraPerformance Liquid Chromatography, the Xevo QTof MS offers UPLC/MS^E performance - a novel, patented method of data acquisition that captures 'all of the data, all of the time' at unparalleled speeds to maximise the amount of information collected from minimal amounts of sample. 

Ultra-fast MS

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments of Milton Keynes, UK, has launched the LCMS-2020 single quadrupole mass spectrometer. 

Using patent pending ultrafast (UF) technology, the LCMS-2020 boasts increased measurement speed and 50 to 300 percent higher sensitivity than any other single quadrupole analyser. This provides more accurate detection of trace impurities in pharmaceuticals, environmental pollutants and other contaminants. 

UFscanning technology achieves mass spectrum measurement speeds of 15,000 u/sec without sacrificing sensitivity or resolution, while UFswitching technology achieves 15ms polarity switching, enabling accurate data from even the fastest chromatographic peaks without any loss of peak height.  

It also has improved high mass operation with sensitivity increased by more than 500 per cent for masses above 1000.