Journal of Automatic Chemistry/Journal of Clinical Laboratory Automation, Vol. 9, No. (January-March 1,987), pp. 51-56 New products Robotic workstation The Biomek 1000 is a new automated laboratory workstation from Beck- man, well suited for operation in a variety of laboratory applications. Fast and accurate, this multi-task robotic workstation takes over tedi- ous manual tasks and integrates the work of four different instruments. Biomek 1000 is a sample preparation system, a diluter/dispenser, a plate washer, and even a photometer. Its three-dimensional motion and inter- changeable tools perform virtually any liquid handling operation in research and routine laboratories. Every step of complex methodologies can be performed at this single work- station--including photometry-- which makes the Biomek 1000 ideal for immuno-assays such as ELISA, RIA, FIA, hybridoma screening and selection, and other bio-assays. The Biomek 1000 performs much faster than a human operator. Plate- based enzyme immunoassays, for example, take 12 min from sample transfer to OD measurement, exclud- ing incubations. A 10-fold, 96-tube serial dilution, followed by sample transfer to a 96-well plate with tip changes, can be completed in just over 3 min. Biomek offers multiple pipetting options. Its single and eight tip pipette tools can be used to prewet tip, tip touch, blow out tip, change tip, mix, remove, and deliver sample at a specified well depth. A wide range of standard labware can be accommodated by the system. Biomek 1000 allows pipetting into multiwell plates, cryovials, micro- centrifuge tubes and other tubes up to 13 x 100 mm size. Mix and match modular reservoirs are available, which can be user-customized to suit individual assay requirements. Biomek 1000 can be easily programmed to perform even the most complex methodologies that involve liquid-handling operations. An IBM PC graphic controller with colour monitor displays the Biomek 1000 program in a menu-driven for- mat which is simple enough for a computer novice. The powerful software comprises an array-based assay language which allows the operator to program com- plex methodologies following indivi- dual laboratory techniques. There- fore Biomek is not limited to just a supplied program, since the user can dictate how the assay will be perfor- med. The software guides the opera- tor through each stage of the pro- gram with simple menus and prompts.. Unlike conventional robots, Biomek 1000 does not need to be taught how to perform. Its special anti-collision feature automatically allows for different sizes of pipette tips, tubes, and plates when moving across the work surface. For further information contact Beckman Ltd, Progress Road, Sands Industrial Estate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK. Tel.: 0494 41181. Autosampler/fraction collector devices To complement their 20"080 range of 80-position autosamplers, P S Analy- tical has recently introduced the 20"020 series. Based around the need to hold or collect larger volumes than normally available on commercial systems, the 20"020 series offers vol- umes of up to 100 ml. In the standard configuration it provides 20 60 ml containers. It will either operate in a stand-alone manner, or it can be used to control other devices, or it can be controlled by computer systems through a simple, but flexible, TTL logic interface. Using a patented washpot configuration it offers mini- mal carry-over and all turntable posi- tions can be filled with samples or standards--there is no need to sepa- rate each real sample with a blank or wash solution. A sample bottle detec- tor is included as standard so that only where sample bottles are present will the probe be lowered. At the end of a run the turntable can be reacti- vated by a single contact closure to reanalyse the samples. A signal is available, as the probe enters the sample, which can be used to trigger analytical integration or to set up another sequence of operations--for example activate pump to pull sam- ple through an HPLC valve and subsequently trigger injection. As with the 20"080 series, a range of probes is available: oil analysis, for online dilution, or for collection/sam- pling applications. A waterbath to hold samples at set temperature and a vial piercing mechanism are also offered. The PSA 20"020 offers a number of features which make it an ideal system building block for automatic systems. Its simple but reliable design ensures that it operates con- tinually without malfunction. OEM applications are also welcomed. For further details please contact P S Analytical, Arthur House, Cray Avenue, Orpington, Kent BR5 3TR, UK. Tel.: 0689 31632 An example of the 20"020 series of J’lexible large volume autosampler/fraction col,lec- tion devices. The instruments are suitable for in-house system design and OEM applications. 51
Transcript
Journal of Automatic Chemistry/Journal of Clinical Laboratory Automation, Vol. 9, No. (January-March 1,987), pp. 51-56
New products
Robotic workstation
The Biomek 1000 is a new automatedlaboratory workstation from Beck-man, well suited for operation in a
variety of laboratory applications.Fast and accurate, this multi-taskrobotic workstation takes over tedi-ous manual tasks and integrates thework of four different instruments.Biomek 1000 is a sample preparationsystem, a diluter/dispenser, a platewasher, and even a photometer. Itsthree-dimensional motion and inter-changeable tools perform virtuallyany liquid handling operation inresearch and routine laboratories.Every step ofcomplex methodologiescan be performed at this single work-station--including photometry--which makes the Biomek 1000 idealfor immuno-assays such as ELISA,RIA, FIA, hybridoma screening andselection, and other bio-assays.
The Biomek 1000 performs muchfaster than a human operator. Plate-based enzyme immunoassays, forexample, take 12 min from sampletransfer to OD measurement, exclud-ing incubations. A 10-fold, 96-tubeserial dilution, followed by sampletransfer to a 96-well plate with tipchanges, can be completed in justover 3 min.
Biomek offers multiple pipettingoptions. Its single and eight tippipette tools can be used to prewettip, tip touch, blow out tip, changetip, mix, remove, and deliver sampleat a specified well depth. A widerange of standard labware can beaccommodated by the system.Biomek 1000 allows pipetting intomultiwell plates, cryovials, micro-centrifuge tubes and other tubes upto 13 x 100 mm size. Mix and matchmodular reservoirs are available,which can be user-customized to suitindividual assay requirements.
Biomek 1000 can be easilyprogrammed to perform even themost complex methodologies thatinvolve liquid-handling operations.An IBM PC graphic controller withcolour monitor displays the Biomek
1000 program in a menu-driven for-mat which is simple enough for a
computer novice.
The powerful software comprises anarray-based assay language whichallows the operator to program com-plex methodologies following indivi-dual laboratory techniques. There-fore Biomek is not limited to just a
supplied program, since the user candictate how the assay will be perfor-med. The software guides the opera-tor through each stage of the pro-gram with simple menus andprompts.. Unlike conventionalrobots, Biomek 1000 does not need tobe taught how to perform. Its specialanti-collision feature automaticallyallows for different sizes of pipettetips, tubes, and plates when movingacross the work surface.
For further information contact BeckmanLtd, Progress Road, Sands IndustrialEstate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire,UK. Tel.: 0494 41181.
Autosampler/fraction collectordevices
To complement their 20"080 range of80-position autosamplers, P S Analy-tical has recently introduced the20"020 series. Based around the needto hold or collect larger volumes thannormally available on commercialsystems, the 20"020 series offers vol-umes ofup to 100 ml. In the standardconfiguration it provides 20 60 mlcontainers. It will either operate in astand-alone manner, or it can be usedto control other devices, or it can becontrolled by computer systemsthrough a simple, but flexible, TTLlogic interface. Using a patentedwashpot configuration it offers mini-mal carry-over and all turntable posi-tions can be filled with samples orstandards--there is no need to sepa-rate each real sample with a blank orwash solution. A sample bottle detec-tor is included as standard so thatonly where sample bottles are presentwill the probe be lowered. At the endof a run the turntable can be reacti-
vated by a single contact closure to
reanalyse the samples. A signal isavailable, as the probe enters thesample, which can be used to triggeranalytical integration or to set upanother sequence of operations--forexample activate pump to pull sam-ple through an HPLC valve andsubsequently trigger injection.
As with the 20"080 series, a range ofprobes is available: oil analysis, foronline dilution, or for collection/sam-pling applications. A waterbath tohold samples at set temperature anda vial piercing mechanism are alsooffered.
The PSA 20"020 offers a number offeatures which make it an idealsystem building block for automaticsystems. Its simple but reliabledesign ensures that it operates con-tinually without malfunction. OEMapplications are also welcomed.
For further details please contact P SAnalytical, Arthur House, Cray Avenue,Orpington, Kent BR5 3TR, UK. Tel.:0689 31632
An example ofthe 20"020 series ofJ’lexiblelarge volume autosampler/fraction col,lec-tion devices. The instruments are suitablefor in-house system design and OEMapplications.
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New products
Reusable containers to protect delicate medical and analytical equipment during transit are now availablefrom Skypak Containers Ltd. Theyare designed not only to carry laboratory or field instruments, but also glassware and specimens, chemical, pharmaceutical or clinical.
The internalfurnishings ofeach container consist ofnon-hygroscopic polyethyleneJbam, which provides secure cushioning, is resistant to mostchemicals, including acids and alkalis, and is easy to clean and sterilize. Thefurnishings are precisely cut to the dimensions ofthe equipment,however unusual the shape or the number oJ’pieces to be carried. They retain their strength at low cryogenic temperatures.
.Full details are available from Skypak Containers Ltd, Unit 2, 500 Millbrook Road, Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
On-line analysis in remote loca-tions
Guided Wave Inc. has combinedprocess spectrophotometry, advan-ced fibre optics and data processinginto a unique concept, which nowbeing introduced on the World mar-ket by Guided Wave International inSweden.
In order to monitor and controlchanges in a process the logicalapproach is to make observationsdirectly in the dynamic environment,where the reaction takes place. Thisis true for laboratory and pilot plantsas well as in the production processitself. However, process controlinstruments available today for in situmeasurements suffer from limitedperfornance and sensitivity apart
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from being expensive to maintain.Extracting a sample tiom the processvia manual sampling equipment orautomated sample transport systemscreates other problems, including lagin the measurement and a need formaintenance and cleaning of thesystem on a regular basis.
The Guided Wave innovation offersnew measurement possibilities andeliminates many ofthe problems withtodays instrumentation. The solutionis a system for remote compositionanalysis directly in the process--in situ--via fibre-optic spectropho-tometry.
An optical fibre (waveguide) trans-
mits light to the sensor-probe locatedinside the medium to be monitored.A second waveguide returns the
absorption modified light to theinstrument, where a spectra, contain-ing information about the chenicalcomposition of the medium, is gener-ated. Instrument control and realtime display of the results are pro-vided through an or IBM PC equi-valent computer. The spectralregions covered are both UV, VISand NIR (from 230 nm up to 2200nm).
Distances between the analyser andthe point of measurement can befrom 2 up to 500 meters, dependingon the application and the spectralregion of interest.
For further information contact GuidedWave International AB Box 1264, S-25112 Helsingborg, Sweden. Tel." 46 42 11 1460.
New products
Plant automation
Ionics can assist plant chemists andprocess engineers in consideringaspects of automating analyticaltechniques within their overall pro-cess and in the analysis of planteffluent. Ionics are currently workingwith major companies in the petro-chemical waste-water control andelectro-plating industries. The Dig-ichem process wet chemical analyserhas been used for many years to
perform on-line analysis of bothaqueous and organic solutions.Using various detectors andreagents, it can perform titrametric,colorimetric and ion selectivemeasurements. Calculations are inengineering units to suit the applica-tion.
Such systems enable the processmanager to base his decisions on a
regular round-the-clock assessmentofthe plant’s performance. Thus theycan relieve operators of potentiallyhazardous manual analyses on hot orcorrosive samples and increase theaccuracy and repeatability of analy-ses.
Further details are available from Ionics,10 Statham Avenue, Lymm, CheshireWA13 9NH, UK.
For simplified determination of Chemical Oxygen Demand, Radiometer has introduced theDTS895 COD Analyser System, which, unattended, titrates up to 20 samples in the narrowdigestion tubes. Transfer ofsamplefrom tube to titration beaker is thus eliminated, savingtime and increasing analysis reliability. The system is modular, and comprises a titrator, anautomatic burette, a printer and a sample changer. The sample changer has a removableturntable, making sample collection easy. The measuring electrode is a combinedplatinum sulphate electrode.
The system calculates and prints out the analysis results in mg/l COD. Other units are
user-programmable. Common digestion tubes, such as Strohlein, Behr, Merck, Tecator andGerhardt, can be used with the system. Details from V. A. Howe & Co. Ltd, 12-14 St.Ann’s Crescent, London SW18 2LS.
The LOHE 25007 pump, a new, long coupled vacuum pump claimed to be more compactthan traditional and monobloc pump designs, and to offer a competitive alternative tomonoblocs in many applications. Availablefrom SIHI-Ryaland Pumps Ltd, BridgewaterRoad, Broadheath, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1NB, UK. Tel.: 061 928 6371.
Biotechnology back-up
Labomatic, designed to undertakehigh performance, medium pressureliquid chromatography is ideal fortechnicians seeking to purify chemi-cals up to 100 g. The manufacturerbelieves that this low-cost LC systemwill be of special interest to thoseinvolved in biotechnology. It is an
important addition to Severn’s pro-duct range because it provides a
completely ’inert’ system for purifica-tion of biologically active molecules.The package includes a gradientformer, medium pressure pistonpumps, pulse dampener, peak detec-tors, spectrophotometer, differentialrefractometer, fraction collectors andcontrol instruments MPGC, FCPCand PGC solumns, especially suit-able for silica packings, are alsoprovided.Forfurther information on the Labomatic,contact Steve Mitchell at Severn Analytical,36 Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 lJJ,UK. Tel.: 0452 20306.
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New products
A new, low-cost trace and percentage oxygen analyser manufactured by Systech InstrumentsLtd is being specified by Miller-Howe to monitor gas purity in their glove boxes, and inaddition they are also using it in the testing and commissioning of their eqiupment. Themeasuring principle is the electrochemical reduction of02 to hydroxide; the oxygen diffusesto a lead cathode where thefollowing reaction takes place: 2Pb+ 02+2H20--->2Pb (OH)2.
The absence ofbulk liquid electrolyte in the cell makes the system conveniently portable. Theinstrument weighs 3 kg, and can be mains or battery operated. It can be checkedfor accuracyby using ambient air as the calibration medium, and it is insensitive to Jlow rate changesthrough the analyser. Apartfrom its use to monitor chemical glove-boxes, the EC90 will haveapplications in cryogenics, microbiology, biotechnology, metallurgy, gas purity certificationand semiconductor work. More information from Systech Instruments at GoodsonsIndustrial Mews, Wellington Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3BX, UK. Tel.: 084421 6838.
Electrophoresis
Ultra-Violet Products Ltd (UVP) ofCambridge has announced the UK’sfirst complete electrophoresis systemfor DNA/RNA analysis to sell for lessthan 1000. The Electro-4 includes atransilluminator, gel tank, powersupply and camera which wouldnormally cost more than 1500 whenbought separately. The system will
be able to carry out electrophoresis,visualization and photodocumenta-tion at one station using two squarefeet of laboratory space.
UVP is expecting initial demand tocome mainly from the educationmarket, including universities, poly-technics, schools and research insti-tutes. The system is small enough toallow students to participate in
demonstations rather than justwatching.
Details from Ultra- Violet Products,Science Park, Milton Road, CambridgeCB4 4FH, UK. Tel." 0223 355722.
Quaternary LC systems
The PU4100 series from PhilipsAnalytical ranges from a simple iso-cratic instrument to a fully auto-mated quaternary chromatograph.Full upgradeability features in allmachines. The isocratic system canbe rapidly and inexpensivelyupgraded with plug-in modules,including binary and quaternary sol-vent accessories, column ovens, auto-matic injectors and full detector scan-ning.
The PU4100 Series has been desig-ned for optimal performancewhatever the separation require-ment. Flow rates from tl/min to 5ml/min and a microbore autoinjectorallow full use of low dispersion tech-niques, ideal in forensic and biotech-nology environments.
Models in the range may be orderedas one of nine factory configuredunits. Alternatively, Philips offer thechoice of individually selectedoptions to build a laboratory-tailoredsystem. At the top of the range, thePU4100/44 Research QuaternaryLC offers sample sequencing, highestperformance gradient programming,a highly stable column oven andscanning UV/VIS detection.
With true dual beam optics, thestability and low noise of the PU4110UV/VIS detector are unrivalled. Awide wavelength range (190-700nm) and a unique scanning optiongive exceptional versatility. Thisoption rapidly and automaticallyscans LC peaks in high resolution orsurvey modes, and the eight spec-trum memory store can be automat-ically dumped post-run to a printer/plotter. Capabilities for resolvingoverlapping peaks are offered by thefacility for monitoring first or secondderivative signals.
Both chromatograph and dectectorare controlled from an intuitive userinterface. With 32-character alpha-numeric displays, the prompts are
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New products
clear and the replies straightforward.To increase simplicity still further,method storage is standard.
Spectron Engineering has introducedan upgrade to their industry leadingSE590 field-portable, data loggingspectroradiometer. This portablespectral scanner which is used forremote sensing of agricultural,forestry and geological environ-ments, now has the added ability toautomatically switch between twospectral cameras.
The automatic camera switchingoption will allow near simultaneousacquisition of spectral data from twodifferent spectral range cameras ortwo identical cameras. As an exam-ple, one camera would act as areference and allow for verification ofspectral data, such as with solarvariations in field work. This optionwould allow a researcher to take aspectral scan of the 200 nm-1100 nmrange with as little as a 1.37 nmdispersion per detector element.
This new addition incorporates theirexisting spectral cameras already inthe field which have the ability tosimultaneously acquire data in 256bands in as little as 1/60 s. Thecameras scan in the range of 200 nmthrough 2.5 tm with the ability of theunit to direct the output either to theinternal tape drive or to an optionalRS232C communications port forexternal data manipulation.
Once acquired, a spectrum can bedisplayed on an oscilloscope via thescope output; the amplitude at eachwavelength can be displayed on thebuilt-in LED display; or it can berecorded onto the tape. With options,a ratio may be taken of the current
spectrum to a previously acquiredone (such as a reference spectrum ofbarium sulphate) and the spectrumor spectral ratio can be printed orplotted. Direct referenced computa-tion of spectroflectance ratios givepower unusual even in most labora-tory spectrometers.
Printer, X/Y plotter, ratio computa-tion and other computing optionsexpand the self-contained systemcapabilities to provide hard-copyprocessed data. The system operatesa printer to produce a tabular print-out of spectral or spectral ratio data;it can also print a graphic representa-tion or produce a spectral plot on ax/y recorder.
The controller includes an RS-232Coutput to transmit spectra (with IDcodes) from tape to a remote com-puter system for building the desireddata base for analysis. Analysis soft-ware is currently available for severalmicrocomputers and commercialdata reduction services are alsoexpected to be available.
In addition to providing continuousspectral data, the system is alsocompact and simple to use, ideal forfield use. Built-in optics allow simplyaiming the spectral head at the areaof interest. The spectrum acquiredcan be reviewed in the field on theinternal LED display or by couplinga portable oscilloscope. The spec-trum can be recorded with a singlekeystroke. The unit operates oninternal rechargeable batteries (abattery charger is supplied). Forextended field use, it can be pluggedinto a 12 V to 15 V dc externalsource.
A synchronization pulse is providedto trigger a photographic camera torecord the scanned area, an im-portant feature in aerial work. Anauxilary lens adapter with a degreespot or 15 degree wide angle lens, afibre optic probe, and multiple signalaveraging capabilities are some oftheavailable options.
The standard head continuouslycovers 370-730 nm and custombands can be specified as well. It iseven possible to add discrete IRdetectors; for example, to cover themiddle infra-red bands of the Them-atic Mapper (Landsat satellite pro-gram) out to 2.5 micron.
The compact, portable SE590 spectro-radiometer system has a base price of$9500; delivery is typically six weeks. Forinformation contact: Spectron Engineering,Inc., 800 W. 9th Avenue, Denver, Color-ado 80204, USA. Tel.: 303 623 8987.
Sample preparation
A 150-page book, just published byAnalytichem International, containscopies ofpapers presented at Analyti-chem’s symposium in Philadelphia in1985. Comprehensively illustrated,they demonstrate the use of thetechnology in biomedical, environ-mental and industrial applications.
Specific topics covered in theproceedings volume include therationale of method development;rapid separation of lipid classes inhigh yield and purity; preparation ofurine for analysis of oestrogen conju-gates; sample matrix considerationsin method development; selectiveisolation of PAH and PCB atextremely low levels in watersamples; and the sampling ofprioritypollutants in wastewaters.
In response to customers’ demand foradditional spectral storage capabil-ity, Shimadzu have released anenhanced version of the UV-260Double Beam spectrophotometer.The new instrument is available intwo formats: UV-265FS, singlefloppy disk version, and UV-265FW,dual floppy disk version.
UV-265 resembles the UV-260 inappearance, having a large samplecompartment, accessible from threesides, a VDU which operatesindependently to recorder plus athermographic printer/plotter. TheUV-265 version has a disk driveinserted between the instrumentmain body and the printer/plotter.
The instrument incorporates all thefeatures of the UV-260, to achieve avariety of data processing functions,such as arithmetical calculationsbetween spectra, measurement ofderivative spectra, multi wavelengthmeasurement, calculation of spectraareas, recording of change in pho-tometric values against time, detec-tion of peak wavelength, wavelengthprogramming, plus high level data
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New products
processing via the User Program-mable Command Chain Mode.
The addition of the dual sided,double density (1.2 M byte) floppydisk drives, allows for as many as 75spectra (3500 data points per spec-trum), together with measuring con-ditions, time, date, plus comments tobe stored and recalled at any time forcomparison with spectra obtainedlater. Calculation curves, time coursespectra, command chain programs,plus instrument measuring condi-tions, can also be stored, indepen-dently on a dedicated disk or collec-tively, together with other formats ona multi-function disk.
Further detailsfrom V. A. Howe Co. Ltd,12-14 St. Ann’s Crescent, LondonSW18 2LS. Tel.: O1 874 0422.
XTRA random access
TRAF protected carry-overfree operation
The Technicon RA-XT systembenefits from the technology of theRA-1000 line ofinstruments by usingan immiscible oil- TRAF- toprotect both sample and reagentprobes from carry-over allowingassays to be run in true randomaccess mode, sample by sample.
26 chemistries on line
From a menu of 128 chemistries heldin memory, RA-XT will access from26 chemistries at any one time,including sodium, potassium andbicarbonate by indirect ISE.Although this covers 95% of thecommonly requested tests, change-over to another configuration ofmethods takes less than min.
Refrigeration of40 ml reagent boats
Reagents can be held on-system involumes up to 40 ml. The reagentarea can be kept at 4 C to 8 C withthe use of an optional cooling unit,allowing full use of the large reagentboats in the area of lower work-loadtests.
Touch-sensitive screen, menu-driven soft-ware
Removing the need to commit codesto memory, the touch-sensitivescreen with its menu-driven software
leads the user through the operationof the system, allowing ease of useand rapid training.
Intelligent random access
As an alternative to carrying out testsin user-defined order, the intelligentrandom access mode scheduleslonger-incubation tests ahead ofothers to maximize throughput. Thesystem maintains a sample-by-sam-ple regime to enhance sample to
report times and avoid the delaystypical of the batch approach.
Multiple sample-containerfacilitiesThe sample handling system is de-signed to use a variety of containersincluding original samples andmicro-tubes in addition to traditionalsample cups. These :can be usedtogether in the same analytical run.
Floor-standing module
The Technicon RA-XT system canbe delivered as a floor-standing uniton its own console, especially usefulwhen the refrigeration unit is speci-fied, or when bench space is at a
premium.
Data management and bar code sampleidentificationSecurity of sample identification andrelease from the need to work-list arethe benefits of the bar code readerand data management options onRA-XT. Additionally validation ofresults, work-load management,extensive quality control regimes,patient detail storage, customizedprint-outs and a variety of reportingoptions including cumulative areamongst the features of the system.CAP work-load statistics are alsoavailable on a daily and cumulativebasis.
Compatible methods
Over 90 documented methods, fromphosphate to fructosamine and fromtheophylline to throxine have beendeveloped for the RA-1000/RA-500systems in addition to many more notformally reported. The new RA-XTsystem is fully compatible with thisextensive library ofmethods, offeringthe flexibility needed to service allareas of the laboratory work-load.
Details from Francis Hooley, TechniconInstruments Company Ltd, Evans House,Hamilton Close, Houndmills, Basing-stoke, Hampshire RG21 2YE, UK. Tel.:0256 29181.
Emission spectrometers
Designed for elemental analysis ofirons, steels, aluminium alloys andother non-ferrous materials, thePV8030 Series’ rugged construction,vibration-proof mountings and effi-cient temperature control ensurestable operation in the severest ofindustrial environments.
With full m optics covering a
wavelength range of 177-410 nm, theinstruments offer higher resolutionthan others in their class. Either a50 Hz or 50-500 Hz programmablemonoalternance source unit can befitted, the variable frequency unitallowing determinations to be com-pleted in as little as 4 s.
Variable burn conditions may beprogrammed during the course of asingle analysis. With a 500 Hzsource, this permits simultaneousoptimization of element detectionlimits and accuracy of major con-stituent determinations.
Two factory calibration packages areavailable-one for users whoserequirements are confined to steelsalone, while the other permits theanalysis of both irons and steels.The remaining capacity may be filledwith additional elements to matchthe majority of manufacturers’requirements.
Spectrometer functions are con-trolled and monitored by built-inmicroprocessor electronics operatingin conjunction with an IBM compat-ible Philips P3100 personal com-puter. The software uses menus anddialogues to guide the operatorthrough every stage. Completemeasuring routines can be stored andthen recalled by a single command,so shop-floor personnel can easilyhandle all daily procedures.
