Gas chromatography column selection by
application, manufacturer and regulatory methodology

Thermo Fisher Scientific's intuitive gas chromatography (GC) column selection tools are described fully in its 2010-2011 Thermo Scientific Chromatography Columns and Consumables catalogue.  The 'GC Column Selection' pages within the new catalogue provide a number of tools to aid in selecting the most appropriate product from the Thermo Scientific TRACEÔ family of GC columns for either existing or regulated methods.

The 'Thermo Scientific TRACE Phase' selection table lists details for the wide array of phases offered in the TraceGOLDÔ, TRACE and TracePLOTÔ GC column ranges. The 'GC Column Selection by Manufacturer' table provides a quick cross reference for TRACE columns to GC columns from other manufacturers. If an ASTM, NIOSH or US EPA method is being followed, then the 'Column Selection by Method' tables indicate the best Thermo Scientific product.

The GC Column Selection pages also offer hints and tips for method development selection in terms of column phase, internal diameter, film thickness and column length. Meeting such requirements, the Thermo Scientific TRACE family of GC Columns offers high temperature stability and exhibits low bleed and long lifetimes. From general purpose non-polar to polar columns, TraceGOLD, TRACE and TracePLOT columns provide excellent quality and performance, with guaranteed reproducibility.  

Offering 540 pages of innovative and proven chromatography tools, including many novel and unique additions, the new catalogue offers the broadest collection of products and techniques to meet all needs, from sample preparation to separation and analysis. This makes it a must-have reference for laboratories utilizing any form of chromatography. To view the catalogue online, order a new catalogue or receive further information, View website: www.thermoscientific.com/catalog

Thermo Fisher Scientific gas chromatography columns

Thermo Scientific's TraceGOLD GC Metal Columns represent a range of gas chromatography (GC) columns, which set a new benchmark in high-temperature performance. These robust, metal capillary columns are designed for higher temperature ranges than standard GC columns and can process highly active samples and analytes without incurring any damage. The new TraceGOLD™ GC Metal Columns are optimized for use in high-throughput analyses because they are resistant to the column breakdown and bleed that is often caused by repeated sample runs. Providing added flexibility for analysts with highly demanding applications, TraceGOLD GC Metal Columns deliver quality separations and excellent value.

To accommodate a wide variety of analytical protocols, TraceGOLD GC Metal Columns are available in three stationary phase formats: TG-1MT, TG-5MT and TG-WAXMT, with a range of column lengths, internal diameters and film thicknesses. GC is a common technique used in the analysis of volatile and semi volatile compounds, and TraceGOLD GC Metal Columns are optimized to enhance analytical workflows, particularly for petrochemical, environmental, forensic science and food safety applications in which high sample volume or activity are common.

Highly demanding workflows impose stresses on standard GC capillary columns, causing column bleed that leads to high background readings, peak spreading and tailing. The range of TraceGOLD GC Metal Columns withstands common stresses and prevents the column breakdown or column bleed that ultimately compromise the quality of separations.

For further information, view website: www.thermoscientific.com/tracegold   Refer to next page

Ocean Optics enhances Raman product line

Miniature spectroscopy pioneer Ocean Optics has enhanced its line of Raman offerings with the addition of new options for handheld, laboratory and educational applications, with retail pricing on some Raman analyzer models reduced by up to 40%. Modular, turnkey and application-ready kits are among the options available for 532 nm and 785 nm Raman laser analysis of aqueous solutions, powders and surface media.

Modular options allow users to configure custom Raman systems, tailored to their application. The Ocean Optics high-sensitivity QE65000 Spectrometer is a good foundation, with additional options that include Bragg grating-stabilized 532 nm and 785 nm diode lasers, probes for solid or liquid samples and add-on software modules for sophisticated data analysis. Among the software options are a package for chemometric analysis of various substances, including complex mixtures; a tool for creating and managing spectral libraries; and a tool for supporting compliance with 21 CFR 11, a Food and Drug Administration guideline on electronic records and signatures.

Ocean Optics has expanded its range of fully integrated Raman systems. All system options include the spectrometer, a 532 nm or 785 nm laser, operating software and sampling accessories for probe- or cuvette-based analysis. The 532 nm laser version has spectral range of 200-3400 cm-1 (Stokes shift) and spectral resolution of ~10 cm-1. Several 785 nm laser options are available, including an economical system ideal for teaching labs and a pair of robust laboratory-grade systems with slightly narrower spectral ranges (150-1800 cm-1 and 150-3200 cm-1) and spectral resolution of ~6-10 cm-1. In addition, Ocean Optics offers the RSL-Plus, a budget-friendly handheld Raman system that includes an onboard mini-computer, fibre optic probe and sample compartment.

To learn more about Raman offerings from Ocean Optics, view website: www.OceanOptics.eu   Refer to page 253

New spectrophotometers are an icon of usability

Jenway offer a new range of entry level spectrophotometers; the 73 Series spectrophotometers. These new instruments use icon-driven software and have an improved navigation system, making these instruments extremely simple to use.

The new range includes four spectrophotometers; models 7300 and 7310 cover the visible region of the spectrum; models 7305 and 7315 use a flash xenon lamp to extend the wavelength range into the UV region of the spectrum. All four models have a spectral bandwidth of 5nm and an absorbance range of -0.3 to 2.5A. The two basic models, 7300 and 7305, feature measurement modes for absorbance, % transmittance and concentration. The advanced models, 7310 and 7315, introduce additional measurement modes such as scanning, kinetics and quantitation.

The advanced models incorporate an easy access USB port on the front of the unit, enabling results to be stored directly to a USB memory stick for fast transfer of data. These spectrophotometers can also store up to 240 methods which may be copied from one unit to another using the USB capability.

The advanced 7310 and 7315 models have enhanced security features allowing the instrument and methods to be locked, preventing unauthorised changes to the instrument settings and method parameters. The home page can also be customised and selected modes restricted - ideal for teaching laboratories.
All four models are supplied with free bi-directional PC software which enables the units to be controlled via PC. The software suite also provides enhanced post-measurement tools and easy exportation of results to Microsoft Excel.

The entire range has been designed to allow the user to quickly and easily set up and navigate the measurement modes. Soft keys adjacent to the intuitive icons remove the need to use arrow keys to navigate the instrument and the removal of language-based text means there is no need for translation. The new 73 Series spectrophotometers are all covered by a three year warranty including the xenon lamp.

For further information, e-mail: info@bibby-scientific.com  Refer to page 274

Thermo Fisher Scientific develops method
to detect dangerous carbonyl compounds

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., has developed a powerful method for the trace-level analysis of carbonyl compounds in a wide range of matrices. Carbonyl compounds, hazardous pollutants released from diverse sources including motor vehicles and industrial emissions, have been shown to have adverse effects on human health. This new UHPLC/UV method enables the separation, detection and quantitation of parts per billion (ppb) concentrations of low molecular weight carbonyls in complex samples, safeguarding human health and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The new method is detailed in an application note entitled "Quantitative Analysis of Carbonyl-DNPH Derivatives by UHPLC/UV," downloadable at: www.thermoscientific.com/carbonyl 

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., has developed a powerful method for the trace-level analysis of carbonyl compounds.

Carbonyl compounds from motor vehicle and industrial emissions are precursors to ground-level ozone, a major component of smog, and are strongly associated with respiratory and pulmonary problems. They are also found in food and drinking water and various indoor living and working environments. Formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant, is released from numerous sources including plywood, furniture, paper products, glues, cosmetics, tobacco smoke and many others. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde have been classified as probable or known human carcinogens by regulatory agencies including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International Agency of Cancer Research (IARC).

In accordance with the Clean Air Act, the EPA enforces ambient monitoring of three carbonyl pollutants - formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone - and recommends surveillance of several others in areas with persistently high ozone levels. In addition, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) sets legal permissible carbonyl exposure limits in the workplace. This has created demand for sensitive and accurate methods for trace-level analysis of carbonyl compounds in a range of matrices to determine exposure pathways, health outcomes and effective pollution control strategies.

The new Thermo Fisher UHPLC/UV method is a powerful alternative to other techniques currently used to analyze carbonyl compounds including conventional HPLC-based procedures, which may be limited by long run times, poor resolution and low separation efficiencies. In the Thermo Fisher method, UPHLC/UV analysis is performed on a Thermo Scientific Accela UPHLC system coupled with sub-2µm Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD columns. The use of sub-2µm particle, high-performance columns facilitates rapid analysis of challenging samples by improving chromatographic resolution, speed and sensitivity. The Accela™ 1250 also offers flexibility of performing both HPLC and UHPLC analyses and is capable of operational pressures of up to 1250 bar due to its very low internal back pressure.

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