Follow thejournalofind on Twitter

Laboratory research and development - instrumentation

Cropico has the measure of industrial temperature testing

Precision temperature measurement in industrial applications is provided by a range of high-accuracy digital temperature indicators now available from Cropico.

Temperature affects many processes involved during industrial manufacturing and production stages, so the accurate calibration of sensors is critical to quality control. This can be provided using the Cropico 3000 range which utilises platinum resistance thermometer technology to achieve greater accuracy. For further information and download information, view the company's website: http://www.cropico.com/products/Digital_Thermocouple_and_PRT_thermometer.asp

Platinum resistance thermometers provide a stable temperature coefficient and being a noble metal are not susceptible to contamination. Pt100 (PRT) is the most commonly used and has a temperature coefficient of 0.00385 (European standard) which corresponds to an average resistance change, over the temperature range 0 to 100°C of 0.385Ω per degree Celsius.

The 3000 series offers a choice of inputs for platinum resistance thermometers and all popular thermocouple types.

The 3000 model has inputs for Pt25 and Pt100 platinum resistance thermometers and thermocouple. The 3001 offers the same flexibility as the 3000 but does not include the PT25 input option. The 3002 is designed for use with Pt 100 platinum resistance thermometers only.

Dual channel input allows the comparison and cross calibration of probes and sensor types and a variety of linearisation standards can be selected including user coefficients.

Special features include the ability to eliminate thermal EMF and self heating errors along with the provision to store the calibration data of up to 20 PRT probes.

An internal data memory facility can store up to 4,000 temperature readings for display or direct transmission to a PC or printer. Statistical analysis of stored data can also be undertaken to provide mean, max, min, peak and standard deviation information.

Fully portable with built-in rechargeable batteries providing some 14hr operating time and enclosed in a rugged aluminium case, the 3000 temperature measurement instrument has an accuracy of 0.01°C and resolution of 0.001°C, with SPRT (ITS-90) conversion as standard.

The unit can also be supplied with an optional 19" rack mounting kit to allow the unit to be fitted into any standard enclosure for full system integration. To help with this the unit has options of RS232 or IEEE for communications.

An optional scanner can also expand the instrument to have up to 10 input channels for multi point temperature measurements. The scanner option allows the user to mix different types of scanner cards, to give the 10 input channels. The user can have 4 PT inputs and 4 TC inputs, with the capability to incorporate all common thermocouples from B through to T.

Cropico precision temperature indicators are able to measure with both Pt100 and Pt25 PRT sensors and form part of a comprehensive range of precision measurement instruments available from Cropico Ltd, part of the Seaward Group.

For further information, view website: www.cropico.com   

Versatile syringe pump offers extremely smooth flow rate

Dolomite, the world leader in microfluidic design and manufacture, recently launched the Mitos Syringe Pump Extra Smooth (XS), a versatile pumping solution making complex and powerful microfluidic technologies possible. This innovative new pump system has been built on the success of the original Mitos Syringe Pump, but now incorporates a virtually pulse free flow rate.

Designed for applications such as droplet generation, reagent dispensing, cell manipulation, microreactions and any application where precise control over fluid flow is required, the Mitos Syringe Pump XS removes pulsation through advanced drive electronics to provide an exceptionally smooth flow.

With the ability to programme two six-port valves and two syringes to operate in a number of different configurations, a broad range of fluid delivery capabilities are possible. Furthermore, the unit can be controlled directly via the intuitive user interface or the PC software. Fluid can be dispensed either by volume or flow rate over a definable period of time with the ability to create unique flow profiles. With an extremely small footprint (260 x 160 x 250 mm), the Mitos Syringe Pump XS addresses the requirement for a smooth-flow microfluidic system without occupying valuable laboratory space.

The Dolomite Centre Limited in profile
Dolomite is a global leader in the design and manufacture of microfluidics devices. With offices in the UK, US and Japan and distributors throughout the rest of the world, its clients range from universities developing leading-edge analytical equipment, to manufacturers of chemical, life sciences and clinical diagnostics systems.

Excellent microfabrication facilities that include cleanrooms, precision glass processing facilities and applications laboratories were established with £2m in funding from the UK Department of Trade and Industry's Micro and Nano Technology (MNT) Manufacturing Initiative. Dolomite's expertise includes top quality engineering and scientific staff with strong backgrounds across the broad range of disciplines required for success in bringing microfluidics applications to the market, including chemistry, biotechnology, control system development, electronics, physics and instrument design and supply.

For further information, view website: www.dolomite-microfluidics.com   
Refer to page 280

New Single quadrupole GC-MS with removable ion source

The new Thermo Scientific ISQ single quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system has a unique, non-venting full-source removal capability. Featuring the new ExtractaBrite ion source, the ISQ system offers simplified operation and maximum uptime for uninterrupted productivity across routine GC-MS applications including forensics, toxicology, food safety and environmental.

The ISQ GC-MS is a highly robust and rugged system that provides high-throughput sample analyses and 24/7 operation. The new ExtractaBrite removable ion source is designed to provide maximum uptime and productivity by extending the length of time between required source maintenance. When the system requires maintenance, the time-consuming and labor intensive procedures including breaking the vacuum, cooling off, cleaning, reassembling and restoring associated with conventional systems are eliminated. The entire ion source can be removed without venting the analyzer. The new ISQ single quadrupole GC-MS also offers an extended mass range, from 1.2 to 1100 u, for analyses across a varied range of compounds.

Thermo Scientific's ISQ single quadrupole gas chromatography  mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system has a unique, non-venting full-source removal capability, and features the new ExtractaBrite ion sourcey, 

The ISQ system is ideally-suited for today's fast-paced gas chromatography methods. Advanced electronics allow the ISQ to acquire and write data to disc at accelerated rates for truly high-speed acquisition in real-world applications. The sequential full scan/selected ion monitoring (SIM) capability provides qualitative and quantitative analyses in a single injection, for confirmation and screening in the same analytical run.

With the ISQ GC-MS, labs are able to operate continuously and productivity can be considerably improved. The innovative ISQ GC-MS represents the most advanced technology available today while providing the opportunity for future upgrades and options. The ISQ mass spectrometer is offered with either the Thermo Scientific FOCUS GC for routine GC-MS or with the full-featured TRACE GC Ultra for improved flexibility and performance.

The ISQ GC-MS comes standard with the latest version of the Thermo Scientific QuanLab Forms GC-MS acquisition, analysis and reporting software package. QuanLab Forms 3.0 is an easy-to-use software solution that improves productivity through workflow-oriented acquisition, review and reporting features. Two additional software options, Thermo Scientific EnviroLab Forms 3.0 and ToxLab Forms 3.0, are also available with the system.

For further information, e-mail: analyze@thermofisher.com or view website: www.thermo.com/getready   
Refer to page 262

New ServoCal Calibration Gas Kit ensures
onsite calibration is quick, easy and cost-effective

The new ServoCal Calibration Gas Kit from Servomex delivers engineers an easy and cost-effective solution to analyser calibration.

Designed for meeting the quality requirements of Servomex products, but also highly  suitable for use with other analyser brands, the ServoCal kit consists of two 112 litre aluminium cylinders of specified calibration gas and a single fixed flow regulator, all packaged in a robust carry case for convenient transportation.

Portable and lightweight, the briefcase-style design allows easy, quick and safe calibration on site without the need for lifting gear, trolleys or outside storage.

Compatible with all major manufacturer regulators, ServoCal offers a long shelf-life with no complicated tools required for use. The non-refillable cylinder design removes the need for rental charges to be paid or fillable cylinders to be tracked, while refills are available for quick delivery worldwide. Empty cylinders can easily be recycled on site to reduce unnecessary shipping and administration costs.

ServoCal kits offer several logistical advantages to customers, including stocking at one location to enable easy gas management, delivery to commissioning sites independent or in advance of products, or direct shipping to an engineer to reduce the time and cost of collecting a kit from a depot.

Quality approved to ISO:9001 2008, all ServoCal gas mixtures are manufactured gravimetrically to NIST or NPL air kerma standards. A full range of analyser calibration gases are available for order, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane.

Servomex Group Ltd in profile
As the world expert in gas analysis, Servomex has established itself as the leading provider of reliable, accurate and stable gas measurement solutions to industries across the globe.

An acknowledged innovator in gas analysis technologies for more than 50 years, Servomex is the originator of and world leader in paramagnetic sensing technology and has an exceptional reputation in the development of zirconia, laser (TDL), gas chromatography, FID, coulometric, photometric and thick film technologies. With a leading edge in R&D and manufacturing maintained by two Technical Centers based in Crowborough, UK and Boston, Massachusetts, the  result is high-performance, cost-effective gas analysis, delivered through a portfolio of dependable products ranging from portable gas analyzers to complex process solutions.

Servomex has extensive experience working with multi-national companies across a range of industries including hydrocarbon processing, industrial gas and OEM markets, ensuring our knowledge and expertise closely matches the requirements of our customers.

Servomex's commitment to providing a complete industry solution to gas analysis extends across our business, with our Hummingbird Sensing Technology brand delivering our sensor technology to OEM partners and the recently-acquired Delta F Corporation extending our product offering through high quality oxygen and moisture analysis technologies.

Servomex is committed to providing excellence in customer service, offering full sales and service support through global business centers based in Houston, Texas; Zoetermeer, Netherlands; Shanghai, China; São Paulo, Brazil; and Mumbai, India. By combining global expertise with local support, Servomex delivers a complete package of product and service that ensures customers improve output quality, maintain plant and process safety and meet legislative requirements.

For further information view website: www.servomex.com   
Refer to page 284

THE JOURNAL OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY  PAGE 260