A manufacturing process for producing PLOT columns with
concentric stabilized adsorption layers, significantly improve particle stability

Traditional porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns are built with a 5-50 micron layer of particles adhered to tubing walls. Because this layer of particles generally lacks stability, the columns must be used very carefully to avoid particle release which causes unpredictable changes in retention time and flow behaviour.

Restek changed all that when they introduced a new manufacturing process that produces PLOT columns with concentric stabilized adsorption layers - significantly improving particle stability. This generation of PLOT columns exhibits a constant flow behaviour and have significantly improved mechanical stability, resulting in easier operation, better chromatography, more reproducible retention times, virtually no spiking and delivers longer column lifetimes.

This Restek innovative stabilisation chemistry technology is currently applied to RT®-Alumina BOND,  RT®-MSieve 5A,RT®-Q-BOND, RT®-QS-BOND, RT®-S-BOND and RT®-U-BOND columns.

For applications where flow is important, such as with Deans switching, this  PLOT column manufacturing process results in greater consistency in both column coating thickness and flow restriction. Restek's flow restriction factor (F) allows users to evaluate flow restriction reproducibility. It is based on the retention time of an unretained compound and can be used to assess the degree of restriction of the column and to evaluate the reproducibility of the column coating process.

This particular generation of PLOT columns exhibits a constant flow behaviour and significantly improve mechanical stability, resulting in easier operation.

This significant advance in PLOT column technology from Restek is an important gain especially for the petrochemical industry, where more efficient, reproducible analyses of permanent gases, solvents and hydrocarbons can now be achieved.

Thames Restek is a leading specialist provider of quality gas chromatography equipment and accessories. With 20 years experience in the industry, Thames Restek provides an unrivalled range of products from key manufacturers including the US Restek Corporation as well as Parker Balston, Valco and Hamilton.

For further information on Thames Restek, view website: www.thamesrestek.co.uk   Refer to page 280

Labsphere's TOCS LED Measurement System
conforms to LM-79 and LM-80 with single instrument

To more easily meet new reporting specifications, Labsphere's new Thermal/Optical/Electrical LED Measurement Systems (TOCS) enables measurement of optical properties as a function of temperature and operating current using a single instrument. The TOCS complies with IESNA LM-79 and LM-80 standards, delivering accurate and reproducible LED measurements.

Refer to picture: Labsphere's new Thermal/Optical/Electrical LED Measurement Systems provide complete simultaneous thermal, optical, and electrical characterization of light sources.

Available in a range of integrating sphere sizes from 20 to 76 inches, the TOCS systems are designed for both 2pi and 4pi measurement geometries. A lamp measurement integrating sphere, high resolution CCD array spectrometer, thermal plate with temperature controller, auxiliary lamp, calibration source, power supply and Labsphere's powerful TOCS-SS software comprise the basic system. Owners of current Labsphere and SphereOptics spectral lamp measurement systems may purchase an upgrade retrofit to the TOCS system to achieve LM-79 and LM-80 compliance.

Labsphere's TOCS-SS is a powerful, accurate software which automates procedures for measuring spectral characteristics, and controlling current and temperature. Users control LED temperature and operating current at specified ranges, measuring and characterizing the device under test over a wide temperature range. The simultaneously collected electrical, optical and thermal data is graphed for quick on-screen viewing and can be exported to Excel format for in-depth analysis.
The TOCS can be customized with the integrating sphere size, calibration source and accessories to fit testing needs.

Labsphere a Halma company, is a world leading designer and manufacturer of precision radiometric and photometric test and measurement products addressing the specific needs of the aerospace, electronic imaging, LED, lighting, medical imaging and optics industries. The company offers a broad line of integrating sphere systems, uniform calibration sources, spectroscopy accessories and diffuse reflectance materials and coatings.

For further information, e-mail: labsphere@labsphere.com or view website: www.labsphere.com  Refer to page 275

Comprehensive range of solid phase extraction products

Thermo Fisher Scientific's  HyperSep Online SPE Products form a  comprehensive range of solid phase extraction products, designed to improve laboratory efficiency, enabling fast and effective clean-up and concentration of target compounds. Clean-samples can be injected directly into an LC column, eliminating time-consuming analysis steps. Available in a variety of different formats, these easy-to-use products provide extremely clean eluants for efficient and effective HPLC, making them ideal for a wide range of biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Compatible with all conventional HPLC systems, the HyperSep Online SPE Products are available in three different configurations: the Thermo Scientific UNIGUARD Direct-Connection Guard Cartridge Holder and Cartridge; the Thermo Scientific Javelin Direct-Connection Guard Columns; and the Thermo Scientific 20 mm HPLC Column Hardware and Fittings. Additionally, these are all available in a range of HyperSep SPE chemistries: Retain PEP, Retain CX, Retain AX and Hypercarb. Therefore, the online products can be tailored for a number of different applications, including basic, acidic, polar, extremely polar and non-polar analyte retention.

Customers can save 30% on their first order of Thermo Scientific Hypersep Online SPE Products by entering the promotional code ONLINE2009 when placing an order before September 30^th 2009.

For further information or to place an order, view website: www.thermo.com/onlinespe   Refer to page 267

Camlab's range of low profile, submersible magnetic stirrers

The innovative, maintenance-free 2mag range of submersible magnetic stirrers and stirrer hotplates are available in the UK from Camlab.

The high quality magnetic stirrers feature state-of-the-art inductive drive technology which eliminates the need for traditional wire wound motors.

The compact inductive drive construction allows for a choice of low profile stirrers with a high ratio of stirring points per platform. In addition, the revolutionary drive system provides smooth, jerk-free startup, requires no maintenance and offers years of trouble free operation.

The range includes fully submersible designs, 15 place platforms, biological stirrers and the hotMIX 1, which has a footprint of only 120 x 140 x 80mm (WxDxH) and Camlab believes this makes it the smallest hotplate stirrer in the world.

Camlab's Head of Business, Water and Environmental. David Miller, commented: "The 2mag range has been added for our 2009 catalogue but interest has been so high we have sold some units before we have even finished printing".

Camblab in profile
Camlab is one of the UK's leading scientific suppliers, with 50 years' experience in the laboratory market place. Already UK market leader in Water Testing, the company is ideally positioned for catalogue and geographical expansion, organically and by acquisition. Complementing the many leading brand names to be found in Camlab's catalogues are its own branded products, Camlab Chemicals, Camlab Water instruments and reagents and a range of innovative own-manufactured laboratory plastics. Unusually for a laboratory supplier, Camlab has its own manufacturer-trained in house service organisation.

For further information, view website: www.camlab.co.uk   Refer to page 272