Optical oxygen sensor

Ocean Optics of Duiven, the Netherlands, has launched the NeoFox Sport, a portable, handheld optical oxygen sensor for measuring dissolved and gaseous oxygen pressure in a variety of media. 

The sensor uses a proprietary sol-gel coating that is embedded with an oxygen indicator and can be applied to patches or probes. Patches are useful for measuring headspace gases and other parameters inside packages and containers; probe options range from slender, 300 m m diameter fibre assemblies for fine spatial resolution applications to robust, 0.25inch OD stainless steel configurations for process environments. Coating formulations are available for general lab use, high-sensitivity applications and hydrocarbon-rich sample environments. 

The NeoFox Sport is comprised of a probe- or patch-based oxygen sensor, fitted to a phase fluorometer, and includes an onboard microprocessor with low-power OLED display, a user interface and a battery pack. 
info@oceanoptics.eu 

FT-NIR 

ABB, of Quebec, Canada, has launched the MB3600-PH, a benchtop, research grade FT-NIR (fourier transform near infrared) spectrometer for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.  

The MB3600-PH analyser is easy to use and can be fitted with a variety of accessories such as liquid vial holders or probes for accurate sample analysis across a broad range of applications, such as: laboratory QA/QC analysis, raw material identification and qualification, research and development, NIR method development, and at-line process analytical measurements.  

The MB3600-PH has an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio and its universal sampling compartment makes it highly versatile. It can be operated without any scheduled maintenance for a period of 10 years.  

Its aluminium casting also provides the level of protection needed for intensive use of an analytical instrument in an industrial environment.  
nancy.c.rochette@ca.abb.com 

New generation DART ion source

Jeol USA has introduced a new ion source for the DART (direct analysis in real time) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer - the DART SVP (simplified voltage and pressure). 

The AccuTOF-DART with iDART automation sets voltage, gas and pressure for the DART source and simplifies operation with a simple graphical user interface on an Apple iPod. This lets an operator select ion polarity, temperature, and sample position. 

Sample automation is integrated with a flexible set up that can be combined with a variety of sample holders for precise and automated analysis of samples.

A wide selectable range of distances between the source and the atmospheric pressure interface (API), allows for off-axis analyses of surfaces. Direct interfacing between the DART SVP source to the AccuTOF API mass spectrometer prevents chemical interferences from altering the analytes prior to analysis. The DART SVP is rugged. easy to operate, uses less energy, and enables the use of low cost nitrogen gas.

The JEOL AccuTOF-DART SVP provides accurate mass measurements that can be used along with the isotopic information generated in the data to readily determine the elemental composition of unknown analytes. The system also features an electrospray ion source (ESI) so it can be connected to a liquid chromatograph, and optional atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation, nano-ESI, and micro-ESI sources.
salesinfo@jeol.com

Tabletop electron microscope 

Hitachi High-Technologies has introduced a new tabletop microscope - theTM3000. Designed to succeed the TM-1000, it offers improved ease of operation and magnification while being housed in a more compact box. By paying greater attention to compact design, the microscope's footprint has been reduced by roughly 20 per cent. The operation of the TM3000 has also been simplified thanks to auto start, auto focus and other automated onboard functions.

The magnification has been expanded to 30 000X, enabling even higher-magnification imaging. Moreover, the TM3000 can be easily controlled and samples viewed on a connected PC, making it simple for even first-time electron microscope users to operate. Built-in measurement functions allow dimensional information to be quickly acquired.

The TM3000 also provides stereoscopic image observation with high depth of focus and there are three possible settings for observation condition: surface, normal, and high-brightness/contrast.

Benchtop automation

Thermo Fisher Scientific of Waltham, US, has introduced a new benchtop microplate mover - the Orbitor RS. Powered by Thermo Scientific Momentum 2.0 laboratory workflow software, this high speed microplate mover offers reliable performance with flexible plate handling. The combination of robotics, peripherals and scheduling software is ideally suited to small, flexible automated systems or dedicated benchtop applications.

Extensive vertical reach allows multiply-stacked or high-density instruments to be loaded in a small footprint, and a bidirectional telescopic arm provides superior reach, improved user safety and unlimited base rotations within a 360° workspace

The Momentum 2.0 software eliminates a common compromise between efficient automation usage and unpredictable system behaviour ensuring robust automation control.

The new Orbitor RS benchtop mover provides industrial reliability with robust plate motion and control. As a central mover with the ability to rotate 360°, the Orbitor can connect a broad range of scientific devices, making it an extremely versatile platform.
analyze@thermofisher.com 

Colorimeter

Camlab of Over, UK, has launched the Camlab Water MC500 multiparameter colorimeter, designed to test more than 70 clean- and waste-water testing parameters for the cost equivalent to two single-parameter colorimeters 

The MC500's design combines the mobility of a portable photometer with the characteristics of a modern laboratory photometer. 

The MC500 enables rapid and reliable analysis of water samples for a variety of application markets, including utilities, power, field measurement, aquaculture and industrial manufacturing. 

The MC500 features automatic wavelength selection, operates with six interference filters and uses long-life LEDs as a light source; it has a memory capacity that is able to store up to 1000 data sets. An optional infrared interface for the MC500 enables data to be transmitted to a computer or printer. 

Electrode

Metrohm of Runcorn, UK, has optimised its rotating Pt-disk electrode for cyclic voltammetric stripping applications; it has a platinum diameter of 1mm. The electrode can also be used in research for recording cyclic voltammograms.  

The electrode is particularly recommended for users who want to accelerate their measuring procedures without compromising on accuracy, and is also said to offer good reproducibility of the measurements and resistance to acids, oxidants and organic solvents.