Integrated OES and X-ray solution for rapid and accurate metals analysis

Thermo Fisher Scientific offer an integrated solution for the metals industry combining the power of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) with optical emission spectrometry (OES). The solution optimizes the Thermo Scientific ARL OPTIM'X WDXRF slag analyzer in combination with the Thermo Scientific ARL 3460 Advantage OES metals analyzer. This unique pairing for foundries and metal processing companies offers effective analyses of metallurgic slags and alloys by WDXRF, and quick and accurate investigation of solid metals by OES. With this new Thermo Scientific product offering primary and secondary metals producers are able to utilize two techniques at once and undertake total quality analyses with ease.

Thermo Scientific products offer the most comprehensive systems for the complete analysis of metals and non-metals in iron and steel production. OES provides rapid analysis of carbon and low nitrogen along with all other alloying elements in irons and steel while XRF offers most reliable and repeatable analysis of metallurgical slags, raw materials, including iron ores and sinters and cast irons. In addition, XRF assures high repeatability which makes the technique effective for the control of major elements and expensive alloying elements.

The ARL OPTIM'X spectrometer is a compact, cost effective and reliable XRF solution for all non-metallic samples as well as major and minor elements in metals. As well as providing lowest cost of ownership for a WDXRF instrument with practically no peripheral support (neither internal nor external water cooling, nor compressed air), the ARL OPTIM'X slag analyzer allows quick sample preparation and fast analysis. In addition to common oxides such as CaO, SiO2, MgO, Na2O, Al2O3, S, K2O, Fe2O3, the instrument is capable of analyzing fluorine in slags wherever needed. Slags can be analyzed both as directly cast slags and as pressed pellets after grinding and pelletization.

Fusion beads can also be used for ultimate accuracy and control.

The ARL 3460 Advantage spectrometer is one of the most established OES instruments in the metals industry. Based on decades of experience and continuous improvements, this instrument provides an ideal solution for foundries and metal producers. Offering increased reliability and stability, the ARL 3460 Advantage ensures trouble-free operation with minimal maintenance costs over the entire lifetime of the instrument. With optical configuration optimized to cover most of the analytical requirements in a foundry, users benefit from the highest quality technology to ensure improved metals analysis in terms of quality and productivity in addition to low operational costs.

The ARL OPTIM'X and ARL 3460 Advantage are delivered with factory calibrations for immediate operation and use. Both instruments are driven by Thermo Scientific Windows 7-based OXSAS analytical software helping the user quickly learn and operate the two instruments. Comprehensive training can be provided on both instruments after installation eliminating the need for two separate interventions. They can also be fully automated with ARL SMS solutions for on-line unattended analysis when fast 24/7 throughput is required.

For further information, e-mail: analyze@thermofisher.com or view website: www.thermoscientific.com/metalsolution  Refer to page 232

Tetratex EXTREME - Success that keeps on flowing

Since the launch of their new ePTFE membrane, Tetratex EXTREME, in September 2008, Donaldson Membranes has been determined to add to the range of substrates available to customers.

Tetratex EXTREME displays a significantly higher permeability to previous Tetratex membranes and delivers increased dust collector airflow characteristics and excellent particulate capture rates.  The complex structure of the membrane ensures particulate emissions can be maintained at near-zero levels for the operational life of the media.

For use in industrial fabric filter applications, the aim of all Donaldson Tetratex ePTFE membranes is to maximise filtration efficiency, airflow and operational durability. The engineering of a membrane which satisfies any two out of these criteria is problematic enough; to create a membrane which not only meets, but exceeds ALL of these requirements is an EXTREMEly tough technical challenge, but one which Donaldson has met to date with their existing portfolio of Tetratex products.

The new EXTREME membrane enhances Donaldson's already proven Tetratex ePTFE membrane portfolio, and is available in Polyester, Polyester Antistatic, Pleatable Polyester, Polypropylene Antistatic,  Acrylic, Acrylic Antistatic, Aramid, Aramid Antistatic, Pleatable Aramid, PPS, Pleatable PPS, PPS Antistatic and Polyimide.

To request a sample of any of the new filter media email: membranes-europe@donaldson.com

Thermo Fisher Scientific provides enhanced drinking
water analysis in compliance with US EPA methods using comprehensive environmental GC/MS productivity solutions

Thermo Fisher Scientific DSQ II GC/MS instrument has the enhanced drinking water analytical capabilities of the Thermo Scientific Environmental GC/MS Online Productivity Solutions with respect to United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Methods 524.2 and 525.2. The powerful Thermo Scientific 524 and 525 Productivity Solutions integrate the Thermo Scientific DSQ II GC/MS instrument with layered application software, analytical columns, consumables, standard operating procedures and quick start guides to streamline method development, implementation and validation. The system can instantly be rededicated to a different method as the laboratory grows. The unique capabilities are demonstrated in two application notes available for immediate download via the new Thermo Scientific GC and GC/MS environmental resource centre: www.thermo.com/enviro

The GC/MS analysis of volatile organics in drinking water, according to US EPA Method 524.2, entails a number of analytical challenges, ranging from water handling to very low target compound concentrations. Traditionally a 25 mL purge volume has been used for purge and trap concentration prior to GC/MS analysis, however the best purging efficiency for polar compounds can be achieved using a 5 mL sample volume. This necessitates the use of a highly sensitive GC/MS system in order to achieve the required method detection limits (MDLs). This added sensitivity ensures rapid migration to EPA Method 524.3. In addition, another challenge is the analysis of drinking water for semi-volatile organics of varying polarities. However, using a surged splitless injection on a GC/MS can help laboratories achieve the MDLs required by US EPA Method 525.2.

These comprehensive online resources describe methods and instrumentation needed to successfully meet the quality control criteria of the respective EPA Methods while also generating the required MDLs. The Online Productivity Solutions transform the DSQ™ II system into a dedicated analyser of volatile and semi-volatile organics in drinking water. This enables environmental laboratories to achieve 36 samples per 12 hour shift, greatly improving productivity. Additionally, these productivity solutions provide fast chromatography, with a short run time of 15 minutes, while achieving favourable operating conditions by balancing sample throughput, robustness and ease-of-use. These solutions also achieve excellent sensitivity and allow for the use of a 5 mL purge, achieving desirable purging efficiency in the analysis of volatile organics, making EPA Method 524.3 simple to implement.

The Online Productivity Solutions incorporate all of the consumables information needed to perform instrument validation. The electronic methods and How To Guide with Quick Start Guide can be automatically downloaded to a local computer directly from www.thermo.com/enviro. The GC/MS Productivity Solutions operate on easy-to-use Thermo Scientific EnviroLab Forms software platform, allowing novice users to be instantly productive. This productivity solution approach is designed to streamline laboratory setup and boost instrument efficiency, helping laboratories ensure that drinking water is clean and safe.

The applications of the 524 and 525 Environmental GC/MS Productivity Solutions are detailed in the online resource, designed to provide comprehensive free-of-charge methods and information on how to customize Thermo Scientific GC/MS systems for the appropriate US EPA method as well as how to validate and run each of the methods. 

For further information on the Thermo Scientific 524 and 525 Environmental GC/MS Productivity Solutions or to obtain free-of-charge copies of the new application notes, email: analyze@thermofisher.com or view website: www.thermo.com/enviro   Refer to page 232

Thermo Scientific GFM Pro Flowmeter offers
continuous real-time measurement of gas flows

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., now offer its new Thermo Scientific GFM Pro Flowmeter for continuous real-time measurement of gas flows, ensuring accurate and reproducible chromatography. With the capability to measure both positive and negative vacuum flows from 0.5 to 500 mL/min and -0.5 to -500 mL/min, the CE-certified probe can measure the volumetric flow of any gas with an accuracy of +/- 2 percent, ensuring excellent column to column reproducibility. The unit also protects itself against excessively high flow rates by deploying an automatic shut-off when the measured flow exceeds 600 mL/min. With an explosion-proof rating, this probe is ideal for use with any gas, even those that are flammable or explosive.

Specifically designed for use with gas chromatography (GC) systems, the probe is applied directly to the gas flow stream, and the actual measured flow rate is displayed clearly on the LCD screen. The probe can be used as a bench-top or hand-held unit, and its ergonomic design and side grips provide extended durability. Furthermore, data can be easily saved and stored on a USB device for accurate monitoring of flow values over longer time periods.

The volumetric flow measurement technology of the Thermo Scientific GFM Pro Flowmeter makes the unit compatible with all laboratory gases without the need for any prior knowledge of the gas composition.

For further information, view website: www.thermo.com/columns  Refer to page 232

Ten year commitment to micro product availability
and technical support reflects lengthier design cycles
and product life cycles for medical devices and equipment

Reaffirming its commitment to medical technology innovators as they design equipment to improve health and save lives, Molex Incorporated offers a selected series of core micro products, which will be available for purchase, replacement and technical support for up to ten years, in order to more accurately align with medical industry design cycles.  Micro interconnect solutions, including Molex FFC/FPC, board-to-board, microminiature wire-to-board and memory card connectors, are used in a wide range of medical device applications.

"Molex offers one of the most complete ranges of microminiature fine pitch connectors to support designers and manufacturers in the medical industry," states Anthony Kalaijakis, strategic medical market manager, Molex.  "Our micro connector series now carries a powerful commitment of ongoing product availability and support to help deliver smooth launches and long product life cycles for medical devices and equipment."

Molex innovative micro products align with the trend toward smaller, lighter and integrated solutions for mobile and portable medical applications.  The firm's core micro products include some of the smallest and most innovative connector systems available on the market.  For example: SlimStack™ 0.40 mm pitch, board-to-board system provides approximately a 25 percent overall space savings compared to competitive styles; IllumiMate™ 2.00 mm wire-to-board system supplies the narrowest width of any similar low-power connector systems, along with significant cost and performance advantages; FPC 0.30 mm pitch dual-contact connector offers the shortest length and most secure FPC retention compared with similar competitive versions, while eliminating the need to source a top- and bottom-style connector when routing an FPC to parallel boards; microSD* ultra-small 1.28 mm height memory card connector reduces memory card fly-out and sticking problems in portable devices such as mobile phones.

"From portable electronic defibrillators and handheld blood glucose monitors to drug infusion pumps and medical imaging equipment, Molex offers innovative interconnect solutions to meet the needs of medical technology designers today - and a decade from now," adds Kalaijakis.

By blending proven commercial technologies, cost-effective modified off-the-shelf and custom products, Molex is leading the way in the integration of commercial electronics into medical applications.  Molex works in conjunction with its medical equipment manufacturer customers to develop solutions that economically support industry compliance and healthcare needs.  For further information,  view website: www.molex.com/industry/medical.html