Wyatt Technology, the world leader in absolute macromolecular characterisation instruments and software, introduces its Eclipse separation system. Designed for the analysis of protein, biopolymer and colloidal materials, the Eclipse system has been developed as an alternative to conventional column chromatography and is based on asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4). Samples can be separated according to hydrodynamic radius in a selected channel.

The new Wyatt Technology Eclipse channel technology significantly improves resolution whilst increasing peak height in the detector, without compromising resolution or peak shape.

The Eclipse is the only AF4 system that requires only one pump to generate all three flow rates that are required for the analysis.

Additionally, the absence of pulsations is even more vital when the channel volume is reduced.

Developed for the pharmaceutical industry, the Eclipse is able to characterise antibody preparations with respect to aggregation and allows for impurities or contaminants, like aggregates, to be identified at a lower detection limit, as well as featuring a reduced dead volume.

Separation is achieved by interacting with a cross-flow permeating through the bottom wall, while the sample is transported by the longitudinal flow towards the channel outlet and the detectors.

Endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a necessary check of Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) analysis, there is no stationary phase which would result in the absorption or degradation, thereby enabling the separation of soluble molecules from colloidal constituents.

As well as enhanced resolution and peak height, consumption of eluent and analysis time is also reduced.

The smaller channel is easier to handle for membrane replacement and has faster equilibration time, resulting in less down-time and increased sample throughput.

Coupled with the new generation of Wyatt Technology MALS detectors, the HELEOS and TREOS, characterisation of proteins and biopolymers at nano-gram concentration range is feasible.

For more information on Wyatt Technology's new product innovations and services, please visit the website.

The new SG7-USP/EP handheld conductivity unit is dedicated to measurements in pure and ultra-pure water according to the European and US pharmacopoeia. The kit fulfils these strict requirements thanks to the advanced measurement range and extended GLP compliance of the meter, coupled with the outstanding performance of the electrode. The SevenGo pro SG7 is a professional conductivity meter which is highly accurate and easy to use - ideal for regulated areas.

The InLab740 electrode is a stainless steel conditioned cell, with integrated temperature sensor - perfect for very low conductivity measurements.

When combined with the glass flow-through measuring cell and appropriate tubing (non-gas permeable), the kit can be used at line to verify the USP paragraph 645 stage 1 test and is ideal for USP paragraph 645 stage 2 tests.

What do you expect from a pH meter 'Made in Switzerland'. Should it be: * Precise like a Swiss watch? * Multifunctional like a Swiss army knife?

* Rock-solid like the Swiss mountains?

The 827 pH lab has it all! With its modern housing, it continues the Metrohm 60 years of tradition as manufacturer of reliable high-precision pH meters that are made to last.

* wipHi - Wireless communication with printer and PC.

* 'Point and shoot' connection to printer and PC via IrDA-interface.

* Various GLP-compliant reports and printouts.

* Data transfer to Metrodata VESUV 3.0 or LIMS comfort - Designed for easy operation.

* Form and function - modern design and high-quality materials.

* Easy operation - cursor-controlled text-guided menu dialog pHidelity - 'Swiss made' technology you can rely on.

* High-precision measuring input with a resolution of 0.001 pH.

* GLP at its best: three-point calibration with automatic buffer recognition and temperature compensation.

* User and sample identification.

* Result memory for 200 measuring values (incl.

date, time and identification).

* Automatic reading or sending of measured values immediately after a keystroke, drift controlled, after a predefined time interval or after reaching a predefined difference to the previous measured value.

* Robust metal stand rod.

The novel Long Life Primatrode is ideal for use with the 827 pH lab.

This electrode is equipped with a plastic shaft and an NTC temperature sensor and combines accuracy with outstanding robustness at a reasonable price.

The Metrohm Vinotrode pH measurement demonstrates the superiority of the fixed ground sleeve diaphragm, especially suited to use in juice, beverages or wine. It is almost immune to contamination, requires only little maintenance and can be used in almost every type of sample. From ion deficient solutions to highly concentrated suspensions or emulsions.

Above all it excels in precision measurement, providing stable potentials that are completely independent of ionic strength and stirring speed both of which give rise to precise and fast titrations.

The benefits of the fixed ground sleeve diaphragm are enhanced by the Metrohm E-glass, the new membrane glass that has been developed especially for titration electrodes and adds durability to the package.

On-line spectrometry has found its way into the monitoring and management of modern water treatment plants. Since s::can introduced this method to the water market 6 years ago, more than 800 instruments are already in place, and other manufacturers are trying their first steps in the technology today. Despite the short timespan since the advent of this new method, it is becoming increasingly evident that on-line spectrometry will replace many of the classical analysers for organics like COD or TOC, as well as for Nitrite, Nitrate, TSS, and other parameters, mostly because of its cost-efficiency, reliability, and low operational costs.

Triggered by the potential to operate, for example, a nitrate-sensor for many months without touching it, the challenge arose for other measuring systems to achieve comparable maintenance-free periods.

Following this, homogeneous maintenance intervals and service plans can be set up, crucial for the cost efficient operation of a modern plant.

With a new optical O2-analyser - the oxi::lyser - as well as a new Ammonium-Analyser - the ammo::lyser - s::can completes the range of intelligent, low maintenance sensors, and integrates them in an easy-to-use and cost-efficient digital environment.

spectro::lysers are suitable for monitoring a wide range of waters from the cleanest drinking waters to industrial process effluents.

There are 3 housing materials available: a most resistive and light aluminium alloy, a bronze alloy for seawater and the stainless steel V4 / ISO1.4571 for industrial applications.

The measured parameters are COD, COD-filtrated, BOD, TOC, DOC, UV-254, NO3, NO2, TSS, Turbidity, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Phenol, many pesticides, and other chromophores, all based on the spectro-photometric principle using just one measuring instrument.

Ammonium (NH4): The new ammo::lyser is based on a new potassium-compensated, ion-selective sensor, developed in co-operation with the Swiss specialist Nadler.

The sensor has proven superior to all other ion selective NH4-sensors during 3 years of continuous measurements in sewage, activated sludge, effluents, rivers and a fish farm, plus it was evaluated positively by several European Universities.

Calibration is recommended twice per month, although there are examples of WWTP applications where it is only necessary twice per year; change of membrane is recommended twice a year.

Like all other s::can sensors, the ammo:lyser runs on 12V, RS485 protocol, compressed air or water cleaning and is fully integrated into the validated s::can software.

optical O2: The new oxi::lyser measures the quenching of a fluorescing complex in a sol-gel matrix.

In contrast to other equipment available on the market, the sensor works accurately even at O2 levels below 0.1mg/l.

Different to other optical O2 sensors on the market, it is not damaged by exposure to sunlight, there is no regular calibration necessary and there is no need to replace the membrane every year, which reduces operational costs to almost zero.

Routine sensor cleaning is typically not required, but the instrument can be directly plugged onto the s::can hydraulic cleaning system.

The oxi::lyser is a smart sensor and is compatible with all types of s::can software and terminals and fully integrated into all s::can systems.

pH, conductivity and Redox potential: Depending on the application, different high quality smart sensors are available from s::can for wastewater and for clean water applications.

All of them are intelligent, fully integrated sensors, that can be equipped with compressed air or water cleaning if necessary.

Measurement Without Calibration.

All s::can instruments except the NH4-sensor can be operated without initial calibration.

New methods were developed by s::can together with University partners, allowing both to use the instrument in a very simple and robust 'plug-and-play' mode ('Global Calibration'), but also to explore the full potential of UV-Vis chemometry, based on PCA/PLS analysis.

The unique concept of 'Global Calibration' allows the measurement of chemical parameters like COD, NO3 or O2 for the first time without calibration.

It was developed using thousands of spectra from thousands of samples, with s::can software tool based on PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and PLS (Partial Least Square Fit).

There are pre-settings for many different applications and situations, to be defined with the order.

Examples are: WWTP influent, WWTP effluent, WWTP aeration basin, river, ground water, paper mill, brewery, dairy.

It allows simple plug-and-play use of most s::can instruments.

If local calibration should be needed, it is done automatically while the instrument stays submersed in the water.

User interfaces are available on several performance levels: With the new stainless steel 'con::stat-III', s::can established a new standard for industrial process control terminals.

Via a large colour display and a touch panel it allows menu-driven, user-friendly communication with all intelligent s::can sensors and basically any other digital (RS485) or 4-20 mA sensor of different make, as well as the operation of distributed systems, either via telephone, radio, GSM, or GPRS telemetry: all available in one terminal.

Recently, s::can has added another terminal to the range: The 'con::lyte', a compact terminal for less demanding applications and smaller budgets, for the operation of up to 4 sensors.

Thus, s::can now offers complete plug-and-measure, turnkey systems for every budget.

All systems come factory-calibrated and often do not require any additional calibration for their lifetime.

After easy installation, parameter concentrations from several probes are transmitted via 4-20 mA or RS485 to the PLC system, at measuring intervals of down to 15 sec.

Waste Water Treatment Plant Applications.

The new wastewater plant of Vienna, Austria, is considered to be one of the most innovative and most efficient plants in Europe.

The plant is capable to treat 4million inhabitant equivalents at a removal efficiency for BOD of 98%, and the second stage treatment facilitates the almost complete removal of Nitrogen.

After 2 years of intensive tests, the plant managers selected s::can instruments as being best suited for the control and monitoring of the plant, particularly superior as compared to conventional UV probes.

27 nitro::lysers and spectro::lysers now monitor the Nitrification/Denitrification process (NO3 and TSS) and influent and effluent (COD, NO3, TSS) for control of the plant.

A special challenge in this project involved the spectral compensation of ferric oxides precipitating at the optical surfaces of the probes.

Commissioning took place in June 2005 and included 8 instruments running in parallel over 2 weeks.

All instruments showed identical concentration values respectively in nearly perfect accordance, and inter-instrumental comparability as well as accuracy were clearly within the specified limits.

In opposition to another recently introduced, more complicated spectrometer buoy, with s::can probes the speed and quality of the measurement is independent of the settling properties of sludge .

This success is a milestone for on-line sensors and further evidence for the suitability of on-line in-situ probes as an efficient means for the control and management of wastewater treatment plants.

Papermill Norske Skog Bruck/Mur.

Norske Skog Bruck/Mur is one of the largest paper mills in Austria, and well known for their innovative technology approach.

Their location in a narrow Alpine valley does not allow the efficient enlargement of the local two-stage biological treatment plant.

Thus the staff of the plant developed a new control strategy of nutrition dosage, aiming at the minimisation of Nitrogen discharge and at the same time the improvement of the efficiency of the plant.

Measured Parameters are COD, TSS, and NO3, by 3 spectro::lysers along the plant profile.

The data are directly transmitted via an RS485 bus to the PLC system.

Already at the end of the first year of operation under this new control strategy, the average yearly Nitrogen discharge was reduced by 20% and the dosage of urea-Nitrogen was reduced by 32% or more than 200 tons per year.

Thus, the amortisation period of the investment was extremely short.

Hydrocarbon Alarms for the Petrochemical Industry.

The former Slovak state refinery, Slovnaft, has been investing strongly into the modernisation in an effort to elevate the efficiency of their water treatment plants to European environmental standards.

After an intensive validation process, they have equipped several of their process- and plant effluents with s::can UV spectro::lysers in the beginning of 2005.

The instruments are monitoring NEL and Benzene concentrations at detection levels as low as 10 ppb, transmitting the data to a central station via GPRS.

This most cost-efficient, low-maintenance and simultaneously sensitive method, allows Slovnaft to react to any kind of abnormal situation at the highest security level possible today, and in an early stage, thus preventing any kind of spill over to the environment .

This success should encourage other European refineries toward equipping plants with s::can instrumentation for oil spill / hydrocarbon alarms.

SBR reactor.

NH4 and O2 were monitored simultaneously in an SBR reactor in Vienna, Austria.

The sensors measured in-situ, directly in the reactor.

NO3, TSS and COD were monitored additionally by a spectro::lyser.

The O2-sensor did not require any cleaning or maintenance and was not connected to the cleaning system.

The NH4 sensor was cleaned on an hourly basis by the compressed air cleaning system.

The calibration of NH4 was checked on a weekly basis, and adjusted over 2 weeks.

The correlation coefficients r2 obtained for NH4-N and O2 respectively were near to 1, in comparison with laboratory results.

The measurements worked well at all solids concentrations.

Several characteristic points of an SBR cycle were monitored.

Compared to a fixed time schedule the times for settling, denitrification and nitrification can be minimised and therefore the volumes of treated water can be maximised.

By mounting the instrument at the flexible part of the decanter the amount of withdrawn water can be increased.

Article provided by DI Andreas Weingartner - President s::can Messtechnik of Vienna, for use by PMA.

This article was first presented in the November/December 2005 issue of the International Environmental Technology journal.

The various uses of the colon symbol in the various product names such as in spectro::lysers is a characteristic of s::can descriptions.

Monitoring the degradation of the antioxidant in transformer insulating oil can result in substantial savings by extending the service life of the oil and by slowing down the transformer aging process. 2,6 ditertiary-bytyl paracresol (DBPC) and 2,6-di-tert-Butyl Phenol (DBP) are common inhibitors that prevent oxidation of the electrical insulating oil in transformers. Periodic testing is typically not done as often as it should, because of the time and expense involved to transport samples to a laboratory.

The InfraCal Filtometer from Wilks Enterprise is an inexpensive, easy to use fixed filter infrared analyser for use by non-technical personnel for these measurements.

It not only encourages more frequent testing, but also allows tests to be made on-site with a substantial cost savings over laboratory analysis.

The InfraCal Filtometer is rugged, compact (6.5 x 6.5 x 5inches), weighs less than 5 lbs, and requires just 12 volts of DC power - making it ideal for use in the field for on-site measurements.

With a user friendly operation, it is easy for non-technical personnel to use with minimal training.

For more information on the InfraCal Filtometer for measuring antioxidant Inhibitor in transformer oil, contact Wilks Enterprise, vis the brochure service or direct.

Rockwood Additives is set to standardise on ABB AP200 pH probes supplied by ABB Instrumentation Alliance partner WH Good following successful trials of the instruments at its plant in Widnes, Cheshire. The move follows years of maintenance headaches associated with pH probes from other manufacturers. The Widnes plant manufactures active clay products, including the Rockwood Fulacolor and Laponite ranges.

Fulacolor is used in carbonless paper systems while Laponite is used to alter the flow characteristics of products as diverse as household cleaners, toothpaste and ceramic glazes.

The company needs to monitor pH closely at various stages of production, but particularly in its effluent control plant in order to comply with discharge consents under the Pollution Prevention and Control regulations.

First the acidic effluent from Fulacolor production is mixed with the alkaline effluent from Laponite production to achieve partial neutralisation.

The resulting slurry remains extremely acidic, with a pH of between 1 and 2.5.

This then passes through two balancing tanks, where the addition of magnesium hydroxide continues to raise the pH.

The first tank raises the pH to around 4.5 and the second brings it up to around 7.

The neutralised slurry is then clarified and the liquid is discharged, while the solids are concentrated in filter presses before being disposed of or recycled.

Rockwood had been experiencing on-going problems with the existing pH probes in the balancing tanks.

'The original probes were failing regularly as a result of poisoning by the liquid in the tanks,' explains control technician Paul Berry: 'We were eventually forced to replace them with flowing junction-type probes.

These worked OK but they were so fragile that they kept breaking whenever we tried to carry out routine maintenance.

We then replaced these with more robust probes from a second manufacturer, but these were still flowing junction-type probes that required frequent topping up and were also very bulky'.

Then ABB Instrumentation Alliance Partner WH Good suggested trying AP200 probes from ABB.

'We were initially cautious because of the poisoning problems we had experienced with the other manufacturer's probes,' explains Berry: 'But we trialled a couple of units and they've now been working trouble-free for six months'.

AP200 probes are based on a solid polymer system that offers a high resistance to poisoning and pressure cycling.

With wetted parts manufactured from Ryton, the probes withstand very aggressive environments at up to 130C and 6bar.

'We've used the trial units in various situations with very harsh conditions and they've been working well.

We'll be installing more in the next few weeks,' says Berry.

The AP200 has a robust autowash system, which was another advantage for Rockwood, according to Berry.

The magnesium hydroxide that the company uses to neutralise the acid in the balancing tanks tends to coat any probes, so regular cleaning is essential.

'The old probes included a wash system, but it frequently got clogged and it was so fragile that the ends used to snap off when we tried to unscrew it for cleaning.

The ABB units don't clog up so easily.

They also have a bayonet fitting that makes them easier to dismantle and they don't break if we do need to take them apart,' he says.

The ABB AP200 pH probes provide high reliability measurement even in the toughest environments.

The rugged assembly is built to bear the rigours of weather and process.

Parts in contact with the process comprise chemically-resistant PPS Ryton and stainless steel, or PPS Ryton and Hastelloy C.

Flow-through holders are available in polypropylene, while the PPS Ryton insertion adapter enables installation in alternative material pipelines.

Insertion and flow-through systems tolerate temperatures up to 130C (266F) and pressures up to 6 bar (90 psi).

The inner electrode connections are ingress-protected to IP67/NEMA 6P exceeds (NEMA 4X).

For more information about this application story or to request a brochure on the ABB pH offering, use the brochure request service.

New combined company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, creates the leading provider of products and services in the high-growth life, laboratory and health sciences industry. Thermo Electron Corporation and Fisher Scientific International have announced that the merger of the two companies has been completed, creating Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science. The companies combined in a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction following anti-trust clearance received from the European Commission earlier today.

The new company, headquartered in Waltham, Massachussetts, has approximately US$9 billion in revenues and 30,000 employees.

Thermo Fisher Scientific will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'TMO'.

'This is a historic day for both companies, as two industry leaders join forces to create Thermo Fisher Scientific,' said Marijn E Dekkers, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

'The new company combines Thermo industry-leading analytical instrumentation with world-renowned Fisher laboratory reagents and consumables.

As a result, we can deliver advanced technological solutions and integrated workflows to help our customers push the boundaries of scientific discovery, with increased efficiency.

In addition, we have unprecedented access to our customers across the globe through the largest sales force in the industry, and through our catalogue and e-commerce channels.

With a seasoned leadership team in place, we now look forward to realizing the benefits of this combination quickly and seamlessly, while working toward the long-term success of our new organization'.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fisher shareholders received 2 shares of Thermo common stock for each share of Fisher common stock they own.

Thermo shareholders own approximately 39 percent of the combined company, and Fisher shareholders own approximately 61 percent.

'With this transaction, we have created the world's only provider of fully integrated, end-to-end solutions in the life, laboratory and health sciences industry,' said Paul M Meister, chairman of the board of Thermo Fisher Scientific and previously vice chairman of Fisher Scientific.

'We are uniquely positioned to accelerate earnings growth for our shareholders, enhance our capabilities for customers and multiply opportunities for our employees'.

The Hydramotion VS10 process viscometer provides high sensitivity combined with high performance and excellent repeatability, even at viscosities below that of water

In the world of viscosity measurement, small changes can make big differences. The Hydramotion VS10 process viscometer has been designed specifically for the engineer looking for high sensitivity combined with high performance and excellent repeatability, even at viscosities below that of water. It is the first and only on-line viscometer capable of dealing with such low viscosities reliably.

Factory-calibrated to the customer's desired range, the VS10 is a field-hardened instrument with a sensitivity many times greater than that of most laboratory viscometers.

This makes the VS10 the instrument of choice wherever high sensitivity, focused range and the ability to deal with low viscosities are required.

Ideal for use with volatile or highly mobile solvents, the VS10 is already proving its worth in the measurement of polymer slurries and fuel oils, amongst other applications.

A research institute in Japan is using a VS10 to detect changes of as little as 0.01 centipoise (cP) in fluids of viscosity less than 1 cP.

The single probe terminates in a disc-shaped sensor only 3mm deep.

It is simple to install, unaffected by flow rate or plant vibration, and can be used in a tank or pipe of any size at any temperature or pressure.

The VS10 can be supplied with any process fitting, e.g threaded, sanitary or flanged.

When the instrument is hooked up to an external thermometer, measured viscosity can be corrected to a reference temperature.

Outputs include a 4-20mA analogue viscosity signal and a serial data link.

As with all Hydramotion viscometers, the VS10 requires no on-site calibration and is virtually maintenance-free.

The new UNS-RG40 level switch from Barksdale is designed for versatile applications in shipbuilding and plant engineering, and is fitted with an IP68 test button
The construction comprises a rugged housing with integrated flange connection in one piece without any seals or welding seams and all welded stainless steel float. The housing cover is sealed with an O-ring to provide the protection class IP68.
The float, test button and screw plug are manufactured 1.4571 stainless steel and consequently corrosion-resistant, durable, with superb shock and vibration capability.
The mounting position is primarily top or lateral on the tank.
The principle of the operation is that one permanent magnet forms part of a float assembly which rises and falls with changing liquid level.
A second permanent magnet is positioned within the switch so that the adjacent poles of the two magnets repel each other.
A change of liquid level which moves the float through the permissible travel will cause the float magnet to move and repel the switch magnet to give the snap action switch operation.
The level switch can be used for seawater, drinking water, fuel as well as various oils.
The unit can be modified into an EExd classified version, which simplifies procurement, installation and minimises stock holding.
The maximum proof pressure for floats is 42 bar, and the minimum density of the liquid media can be as low as 0.46 g/cm3.
Various options are available to offer a complete switch range, for heavy duty liquid level control.