Celebrating the Unique: A Random Glossary Inspired by Lewis Carroll

January 26, 2012

Tomorrow, January 27, marks the birthday of fantastical English author, Lewis Carroll. Writing in the genre of “literary nonsense,” Carroll penned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass, and other writings.

In appreciation for Carroll’s whimsy and enchanting perspective (one of few authors to title a chapter “The Lobster Quadrille”), we thought we’d take a few minutes to consider other truly unique discoveries, talents, places, and more.

Quarks: Fundamental particles that combine to form composite particles. Quarks cannot be directly observed and come in six types, referred to as “flavors.” They also have intriguing names like “charm” and “strange.”

Chef Ferran Adrià: Coined “the Salvador Dali of the kitchen” by Gourmet magazine, Chef Adria applies science to cooking in a form of molecular gastronomy that delights patrons. He created culinary foam and formulated liquid olives.

Rotorua, New Zealand: With hot springs, geysers, and boiling mud, tourists visiting this wonderland, built over a geothermal hot spot, gain a slightly different perspective on sightseeing. Rotorua resides in the center of Taupo Volcanic Zone and is nicknamed Sulphur City due to its hydrogen sulphide emissions.

The Daxophone; Mounted on a tripod, this instrument contains a slender wooden blade holding one or more microphones. Its sound, which is described as “comical,” is amplified by the microphones. It was invented by Hans Reichel and it is not to be confused with the more-mainstream sounding saxophone.

Tarsiers: Found in Borneo, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, these wide-eyed creatures have hind legs that are twice the size of their torsos. According to sources, each of their eyes is the size of their entire brain. They have long fingers and eat insects mostly, catching them by jumping at them.

What do you find truly unique?

Of course, Cole-Parmer prides itself on offering unique products, of which we have tens of thousands. Stop by and take a look.

——————-

Don’t Forget to Take Our Survey!

We want to hear from you…

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22E8XJCEQLR/

Leave a Comment » | Too Cool for School | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

Masterflex® Pump Decreases the Risk of Heavy Metal Exposure

January 19, 2012

Mercury, a highly reactive and toxic substance, can damage the central nervous system, kidneys, lungs, and brain when one is exposed to high enough doses. Mercury poisoning may trigger symptoms including swelling, peripheral neuropathy, and skin-shedding. Scientists in the Remote Systems Group of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) who have handled elemental mercury transfers are well aware of its hazards.

The team initially conducted mercury transfer as part of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) project and later the MERcury Intense Target (MERIT), a high-energy physics collaboration for demonstrating a flowing mercury-jet target in an intense magnetic field. More recently, ORNL researchers investigated the structural integrity of decades-old mercury storage flasks which required transferring mercury into new flasks.

Far-reaching implications

ORNL is a US Department of Energy (DOE) facility that delivers technical breakthroughs in clean energy and global security. As the largest DOE science and energy laboratory, ORNL’s research and development in neutron science, materials science and engineering, and nuclear science and technology have far-reaching applications. ORNL’s examination of the properties of materials at a subatomic level, using the SNS, may ultimately lead to improved medicines, metals, plastics, and ceramics.

Yet, mercury transfer can be a risky business. The project’s engineers and technicians don side-shield goggles, nitrile gloves, lab coats, and safety shoes according to ORNL’s safety standards. With precautionary respirator training and the use of snorkels and fume hoods to mitigate vapors, scientists are relatively well-protected. However when using centrifugal and/or vacuum pumps to transfer the substance, the pump mechanics became contaminated. The team needed a better solution.

“At the time, we investigated ‘blood pumps’ which are used in the medical and food industry,” explained Philip Spampinato, an ORNL senior engineer. “That search led us to peristaltic pumps, which led us to the Masterflex® pump.”

The right technology for the task

The Remote Systems Group has used Masterflex pumps for fluid transfers since 1999. More recently, when it came to transferring 76 pounds of mercury from a standard storage flask into containment vessels, the Masterflex I/P® Precision Brushless Drive with Analog Remote proved to be advantageous on many levels. Along with the Masterflex I/P Easy-Load® pump head and compatible Tygon® long-life tubing, the pump system solved several of the group’s dilemmas at one time.

“The quantity of mercury flow can be controlled by varying the pump speed and occlusion,” said Spampinato. “The mechanical components of the pump do not become contaminated. The mercury only comes into contact with the tubing. This decreases the risk of exposure to elemental mercury and its vapors. We only need to be concerned about safely discarding the tubing when it becomes necessary to replace it. Finally, because the tubing is clear, the operator can visually observe the transfer. This provides an added level of confidence that the process is working well.”

It also automates a process that might have otherwise been handled manually, a prospect that is both ineffective and potentially hazardous.

“The Masterflex pump system is a significant advantage compared to pouring mercury out of a flask that weighs about 80 pounds,” said Spampinato. “While the viscosity of mercury is similar to water, its density is 13.6 times that of water and it is a nonwetting liquid. Therefore, controlled pouring is virtually impossible.”

——-

Don’t Forget to Take Our Survey!

It only takes a few minutes…

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22E8XJCEQLR/

Leave a Comment » | Cool Tools, eNews | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

It’s All About Balance(s)

January 13, 2012
Mettler Toledo Moisture Balance HG63

Mettler Toledo Moisture Balance HG63

Moisture balances determine the moisture concentration of a particular substance. For example, you may check the moisture content of bread to ensure adequate shelf life or that the bread is not too dry. Or, you may analyze the moisture content to ensure just the right amount of water or moisture is contained within the final food product. Moisture balances operate under the principle that the weight of a substance is measured before and after, to determine the loss of water or loss on drying (LOD).

There are four main methods of determining the moisture concentration in a solid:

Infrared Coil

This method uses direct infrared radiation instead of hot circulating air to dry the sample. The infrared rays are absorbed by the sample and the absorbed energy causes the desired heating of the substance.

Halogen Lamp

This method is a further development of infrared drying. The radiator technology is based on the new halogen radiator principle.

Convection Drying

Here, a sample is dried by means of hot circulating air. To tighten up the drying conditions or to protect thermally unstable substances, drying is frequently performed under vacuum. The moisture content is determined by a differential weighing before and after drying.

Microwave Drying

This method is based on the absorption of microwave radiation by the water molecules of the sample. This absorption generates heat and leads to vaporization of the volatile components. Measured variable is here also the total amount of volatile components. This is determined by weighing before and after drying.

Helpful hints to improve your weighing accuracy

  1. Before weighing ensure your balance is leveled correctly.
  2. Keep your balance clean at all times. Visually check for debris spillage prior to use and, if spotted, clean using a balance brush.
  3. Never use your hands to place tare weights or samples in the weigh chamber. Use appropriately sized and shaped tweezers or tongs to handle weighing vessels.
  4. Use vessels of an appropriate size and material for your samples. For moisture analyzers, use aluminum sample pans due to the heat generated from the heating elements.
  5. When placing objects on the balance weigh pan, aim for the same place each and every time, i.e. try to aim for the middle of the pan each time you weigh. This cancels out any effects caused by eccentricity (corner load error).
  6. Be aware of how your balance is affected by your working environment.

When you finish weighing, check that the weigh chamber is clean and free of any spillage.

These simple tasks will help maximize your measurement scheme and make the most of an electronic balance.

Leave a Comment » | Cool Tools, Hot Product Alerts | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Scott

What Do You Want? (Let Us Know, in a Survey Designed Just for You)

January 5, 2012

More research? More tech challenges? We want to hear what you want to see in the Cole-Parmer blog this year.

And, we have a few other questions to ask that will help us tailor our blogs to best meet your needs. It will only take a few minutes!

Let us know what you want, by clicking below.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22E8XJCEQLR/

Leave a Comment » | Announcements | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

12 Resolutions for 2012: A Checklist for Lab and Process Professionals

January 3, 2012

The new year has begun. A fresh start. A clean slate. A whole new day. Get started right with this checklist, designed to jog your memory about those items that can be easy to forget.

1)    Take stock of your lab supplies. What are you missing? What needs to be replaced? What has expired?

2)    Check your equipment. It performs best when it is regularly maintained and recalibrated. Are any instruments due to be recalibrated?

3)    When was the last time you cleaned and spinned your pH electrodes? For a fast and easy demonstration, watch the video.

4)    Order or update your safety gloves. If you’re not sure what materials are compatible with the chemicals you work with, check the Safety Glove Chemical Compatibility Database.

5)    Have you signed up for the quarterly Cole-Parmer eNEWs? It is your source for technical articles, tech challenges, special promotions, and more. It’s free. Sign up here.

6)    The bandages and medications in your first aid kit were likely depleted throughout the year. Restock your kit.

7)    Make sure you’re in compliance. Call an Application Specialist to get answers to updated regulatory compliance issues.

8)    Look at the expiration date on your pH buffer solutions. Is it time to replace them?

9)    Are the hazards in your facility properly labeled? Choose signage that clearly advises employees.

10) Examine your water purification cartridges. Swap them out with new cartridges for purer water.

11) Still using glass thermometers containing mercury? Don’t jeopardize your health! Switch them with environmentally-safe, nonhazardous liquid-filled glass thermometers.

12) Scrutinize your pump tubing for any cracks or fissures. Order new or backup tubing to prevent production losses.

Leave a Comment » | Public Service Announcement, Safety Tips | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

Season’s Greetings from Cole-Parmer

December 22, 2011

Cole-Parmer extends warm wishes and happy holidays to you, from each of our international offices:

From our Canada office:

Joyeuses Fêtes

From our China office:

新年快乐，万事如意，恭喜发财，身体健康！

Happy New Year; may all your wishes come true; may you have lots of fortune; and may you be healthy all along!

From our India office:

We, at Cole-Parmer celebrate with you many significant achievements, enhanced opportunities, and promising developments you experienced in 2011. As the year comes to a close, we thank you for your association and wish you and your family a very happy new year and a safe holiday.

From our United Kingdom office:

Season’s Greetings to everyone!

Leave a Comment » | Announcements | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

Have You Used a Pump Today?

December 15, 2011

If you are reading this, then the answer is yes. Everyone uses some type of pump every day. Pumps are so commonly used that we hardly realize how important they are to us. A pump is any device that moves a fluid from one location to another.  Therefore if you have a heart, then you are using a pump at this very moment to pump blood throughout your body. Your heart pumps blood similar to a diaphragm pump and your arteries and intestines act like peristaltic pumps. Within your heart, muscle tissue displaces blood while valves help control the direction of blood flow, ensuring a consistent unidirectional flow of blood. Both arteries and veins have smooth muscle tissue to maintain the flow and pressure of blood moving throughout our bodies.  The smooth muscle tissue acts like the rollers of a peristaltic pump to contract arteries (like tubing) to move blood flow in a specific direction.

How Peristaltic Pumps Work:

Peristaltic pumps operate on a simple principle. The alternating pattern of squeezing and releasing the tubing moves the fluid through the pump. One of the many advantages offered by peristaltic pumps is the ability to isolate fluid within the tubing (much like our blood flow).

As a roller passes over the tubing, it is first occluded (squeezed), then released. The progression of this squeezed area Peristaltic Pump Rollersforces fluid to move in front of the roller. The tubing behind the rollers recovers its shape, creates a vacuum, and draws fluid in behind it. As the roller moves faster, vacuum pockets are created more quickly and the fluid moving through the system picks up speed. The rollers act as check valves to prevent siphoning or loss of prime.

The distance between the rollers creates a “pillow” of fluid. This volume is specific to the ID of the tubing and the geometry of the rotor. Flow rate is determined by multiplying pump head speed by the size of the pillow by the number of pillows per revolution. This pillow volume stays very constant except with highly viscous fluids. Among pumps with the same diameter of rotor, pumps with large pillows will deliver higher volumes of fluid per revolution. A greater degree of pulsation exists with these higher flow rates, not unlike the pumping profile of a diaphragm pump. Pumps with small pillows deliver small volumes of fluid per revolution.

Applications:

Using this knowledge of how peristaltic pumps transfer fluids through enclosed tubing, many entrepreneurs have found

MasterFlex B/T Tubing Pump

MasterFlex B/T Tubing Pump

ways to incorporate similar pump systems into their business.  One resourceful maple syrup producer in upper New York found a clever use for a peristaltic pump. Rascher’s Sugar House installed seven miles of food-grade plastic tubing running from maple trees on his property.  Rascher ordered a Masterflex® B/T® Variable-Speed Pump from Cole-Parmer and by using his peristaltic pump, he was able to pump maple sap from his trees, through the tubing, through filters, and into a holding tank.

We want to hear from you.  Have you used a pump today?  Please share your unique pump applications.

Leave a Comment » | Announcements, Jobs | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Cole-Parmer

No Small Thing: Microfluidics

December 8, 2011

Microfluidics is generally used to describe any technology that moves microscopic and nano-scale quantities of fluid through channels on a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System). Devices in this realm are expected to have the capabilities to accurately manipulate minute volumes of fluid well below the microliter range.

Microfluidics encompasses many different areas of research. With its foundation laid in the 1980s through the research that occurred in inkjet print heads, DNA chips, and lab-on-chip technology, microfluidics has expanded into many new fields. Along with its continuing use in engineering, physics, and chemistry, the latest microfluidics growth is occurring in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research.

Why use Microfluidics?

  • Reduction of cost per experiment by consuming a much smaller volume of reagent
  • Significant reduction of time and cost per test
  • Safer chemical experiments and reactions
  • Improved data quality
  • Increased resolution of separations

Cole-Parmer offers a range of products for Life Science including items for Microfluidic research. These include nanoliter syringe pumps, electrophoresis products, microplates, and lab-on-chip products.

 

 

 

1 Comment | Latest and Greatest | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

Take the Tech Challenge

December 1, 2011

Test your knowledge and see if you’re right: 

Measuring the pH of a soil sample

Whether for commerce or recreation, gardeners are expressing a growing interest in taking accurate pH measurements of soil samples. The pH of soil indicates more than its alkalinity or acidity strength, it affects the relative availability of nutrients, the soil life, and the type of plants that will thrive. What is the best method to measure the pH of a soil sample? Most pH electrodes are designed to measure a liquid sample which presents a challenge.

A:  You can use almost any pH electrode to measure soil. Just insert the probe into moist soil and wait a few minutes for a measurement. It just takes longer for the readings to stabilize.

B:  Only conductivity measurements should be used in soil testing.

C:   You can use almost any pH electrode to measure soil. You will need to mix the soil with deionized (DI) water before measuring.

D:   Only pH paper (litmus paper) can be used for measuring the pH of soil.

 View the answers

Leave a Comment » | Tech Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

The Holiday Menu for Managing Meat Temperatures

November 23, 2011

During the holiday season, food preparers are warned early and often about safely cooking their feasts to prevent foodborne illnesses. Yet, the FDA acknowledges that holiday food preparation still gets rather sloppy. From garnishes to stuffing to pies, improperly handled food can transmit disease-causing organisms with symptoms appearing within a few hours up to as long as 28 days later. A major culprit can be mishandled or undercooked meat. With the volume of turkey, ham, duck, and other meat dishes on the menu throughout the season, safe preparation is essential for avoiding less-than-happy holidays.

Cole-Parmer offers several options to ensure safe temperatures of food, especially meat. The Taylor® Food Service Thermometers determine if the correct food temperature has been met and maintained. The Cole-Parmer® Stainless Steel Pocket Thermometers offer easy-read dials. NSF-Approved Digital Pocket Thermometers deliver a quick response (about 30 seconds) for most readings and a digital reading. The Cole-Parmer® Thermometer with Alarm/Timer (shown) allows users to view temperature, time, and set point simultaneously and also accurately program the alarm for easy use. Each of the models contains probes to penetrate dense meat surfaces.

Leave a Comment » | Announcements, Cool Tools, Eats and Drinks | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

Biofueling Up: Biodiesel, Biodiesel Blends, and Bioethanol

November 17, 2011

With airlines launching commercial biofuels flights, the interest in and demand for biofuels research and production ramps up. Add to that the continuing quest to rely less on global fuel sources and biofuels research is a topic of fevered conversation. 

Biofuels are categorized in three types: biodiesel, biodiesel blends, and bioethanol. ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) developed product quality specifications and testing standards for biofuels.

Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils or animal fat and must conform to ASTM D6751. Biodiesel blends are biodiesel mixed with diesel fuel and must conform to ASTM D7467. Bioethanol is denatured fuel ethanol, derived from algae, corn sugar cane, and cellulosic plant material that is blended with unleaded gasoline and must conform to ASTM D4806.

For a sample of biofuel to be assigned to one of these three categories, the sample must go through specific tests described in each of the ASTM methods mentioned above. Each method has specific equipment that must be used to complete each test.

Check out Cole-Parmer’s Biofuels page to learn more and find equipment, catalogs, and other necessary information to help you meet your testing requirements. Equipment include microplates, cell culture media, electrophoresis equipment, thermal cyclers and more.

Leave a Comment » | Announcements, Hot Product Alerts, Latest and Greatest | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

Get Your Objectives in Order

November 10, 2011
Cole-Parmer Compound Microscope

Cole-Parmer Compound Microscope 48923-20

Properly storing your microscope and keeping your microscope objectives clean are essential to extending the life of this valuable laboratory instrument.  Most microscopes purchased include a dust cover. Be sure to use it every time you store your microscope.

How to clean your optics:

Set up a tool kit with common cleaning items to keep near your microscopes. Clean your microscope objectives routinely, and be sure to wipe off excess immersion oil after each use.

Air Bulb or Air Puffer

Air puffer or squeeze bulb

Your cleaning tool kit should minimally contain an air puffer or squeeze bulb  to remove particles on the surface of the objectives.  Do not begin cleaning the surface of the objective if objects are present.  Small dust particles, dirt, or remaining specimens could be present and scratch the lens during wiping.

Camel Hair Brush

Camel Hair Brush

If particles remain on the objectives after using a puffer, a soft camel hair brush may be used.  Gently brush the objectives in a single motion.

When cleaning the lenses, avoid commercial facial tissue or Kimwipes® as these may contain silicone fillers that can damage the objective glass.

Use only lens paper on microscope objectives. To clean the objectives, place a sheet of lens paper over your objective.

Transfer Pipette

Transfer Pipette

Apply a small amount of cleaning solution directly to your lens paper with a plastic transfer pipette.  Draw your wetted lens paper across the objective in a single continuous motion. Do not wipe back and forth with the lens paper.

The process may be repeated multiple times with new lens paper and solution until the objective lens is free of smudges. A solution of 50% Methanol may be used as a final cleaning agent to remove any remaining residue.  Never rub the lens and do not let the lens paper with cleaning solution touch the objective twice.  Clean in single, continuous swipes across the objective glass.

Lab Optic Cleaning Kit

Lab Optic Cleaning Kit

Cole-Parmer offers a pre-built cleaning kit which contains an anti-static brush, probe, micro-fiber cleaning cloth, and a bottle of cleaning solution.

1 Comment | Cool Tools, Public Service Announcement | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Scott

What’s New? ColeParmer.com

November 2, 2011

This week Cole-Parmer released a new version of its ColeParmer.com web site with reorganized menus, enhanced filtering capabilities, and time-saving user functionality to streamline the shopping experience. It combines an enhanced search engine and navigation with premium features.

In redesigning the site, Director of Global Customer Experience and eBusiness Dave Trebacz said, “We listened to customers and re-evaluated every page. Our greatest challenge was keeping our own biases out of the way. Instead, we focused on customers’ needs.”

The New ColeParmer.com

Developing robust navigation that drives users to their destination faster required substantial changes. “We replaced the on-site search engine,” said Mike Mayer, Manager of Internet Development, “and added fly-out menus to quickly locate product categories and drill down to an item faster.”

Thousands of additional filters allow customers to choose the product characteristic most important to them and narrow their selection within seconds.  Quick views also enable shoppers to expand on product details without navigating further. Clear customer favorites—including Customer-Written Product Reviews, Product ratings and Q&As, and Live Chat—remain on the site.

To assist you in navigating the new site, several videos, along with detailed FAQs, are available. Take a test drive.

Leave a Comment » | Announcements, Events, Latest and Greatest | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

Pumpkin Carving Contest at Cole-Parmer

October 31, 2011

Cole-Parmer associates take some time to celebrate the season and display their creativity by dressing up for Halloween and carving pumpkins.

Batgirl and her crew

Batgirl and her crew. Watch out for Bert and Ernie, they are a dynamic crime fighting duo too!

Finding Nemo Pumpkin

Customer Service put together an elaborate scene with Nemo. Can you find him?

Hawaiian Pumpkin

This pumpkin is headed for Hawaii. Can I join you?

Dragon Pumpkin

A Fire Breathing Dragon Pumpkin!

Pumpkin or Rorschach

That's either a squirrel carved in a Pumpkin or a Rorschach Test. Either way, good carving.

Sweet Pumpkin

That's a Sweet Pumpkin! It has no Equal!

Scary Cat Pumpkin

Scary Cat Pumpkin

Boo Pumpkin

You can't go wrong with the traditional ghost saying "Boo!"

Cole-Parmer would like to wish you and your family a safe and Happy Halloween.

Leave a Comment » | Events | Permalink
Posted by Scott

Firing Up: A New Option in Flame Photometry

October 27, 2011

Flame photometers measure the concentration of a range of alkali metals. Filters allow testing for specific materials. The intensity of light given off is proportional to the concentration of the metal in the sample. The instruments are used in clinical applications, such as for biological samples and pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, soil analysis, the food and paper industries, and academia.

Now a more affordable option in flame photometry is available—the single channel, analog output, and digital display flame photometer from Cole-Parmer. Five filters for sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, and barium are included with the unit as a standard feature. Inheriting the mixing chamber, burner stem, and burner head from a higher-cost design, this unit offers the best limits of detection available from a low-cost instrument.

The Cole-Parmer® Single-Channel Flame Photometer is ergonomically designed with a front-loading, unobstructed sample work area with removable spill containment tray. Select the element to be analyzed using the filter stick. The front panel LED indicates the element tested as well as flame status. Press “hold” to capture readings until recorded. Auto ignition and flame optimization deliver ease of use. Also includes automatic gas shutoff. With a small footprint (approx. 8” x 12”; 20 x 30 cm), the unit takes up minimal space on the lab bench. Easily clean and maintain the instrument.

Leave a Comment » | Cool Tools, Hot Product Alerts, Latest and Greatest | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bdumey

« Previous Entries
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 684 other followers