It’s Groundhog Day! Dating back to the 1800s, Punxsutawney Phil has escaped from his burrow to observe the weather (and thus his shadow) and thereby determine if winter will continue or soon end. Phil could stay in the comfort of his burrow, away from the crowds watching his every move, if he had a weather instrument to tell him exactly what was going on outside.
For example, the Davis Instruments Vantage Vue® Wireless Station could let Phil know the barometric pressure, temperature, heat index, humidity, wind, rain rate, sunrise and sunset, forecast, and more. With a sleek but durable outdoor sensor array, the Vantage Vue’s Weather Center offers additional information on each weather variable for the current day as well as the last 25 days.
Similarly, the General Instruments Professional Wireless Weather Station monitors indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity conditions from a remote sensor up to 328 feet (100 meters) away from the display station. The station measures wind speed and direction, wind chill, rainfall amounts and barometric pressure, automatically sets to the US atomic clock, offers a 12- to 24-hour forecast, and much more.
With a weather station or wireless LCD console/receiver from Cole-Parmer, Phil could relax, away from the limelight, and bunker down in his burrow. His adoring fans could then use their own weather stations to make plans for the end of winter or just a few more weeks of it.
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
Before weighing ensure your balance is leveled correctly.
Keep your balance clean at all times. Visually check for debris spillage prior to use and, if spotted, clean using a balance brush.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Thermal imaging is used by law enforcement for surveillance, investigations, and search and rescue operations. It helps those in manufacturing and industry detect excessive heat coming from machinery. Military operations use the technology for night vision. Firefighters can use it to detect fire sources and areas of intense heat. The many applications of thermal imaging technology continue to expand, as do options for thermal imagers.
One advanced option is the Flir T-620 ThermaCAM Advanced Industrial Thermal Imager with Voice Annotation and 4x digital zoom. It’s the industry’s leading high resolution camera with scalable Fusion (PIP) and touch screen display. It offers the highest accuracy of its class at 2% and has admirable features: it copies images and reports them to USB flash drives, offers instant in-camera multipage report generation, and has a Bluetooth™ transmitter with METERLiNK® wireless communication.
One of the largest sugar manufacturers in India set up a 30 klpd molasses-based distillery. The unit manufactures 900 KLPM of rectified spirit, 846 KLPM of ethanol, 90 KLPM of impure spirit and 15 KLPM of fusel oil.In addition to the manufacturing of sugar, the company uses molasses (the byproduct generated from sugar production) in its distillery. The molasses produced in the factory is used as raw material in the preparation of industrial-grade alcohol/ethanol.
One of the key applications in this process is enzyme dosing in Grain Distillery liquefaction. The role of the enzyme is to break the starch into glucose. The enzyme is added to the liquefaction tank 24 hours a day. A precise volume is required to be delivered at very low but variable rates, depending on the process and size of the tank.
The sugar factory was initially using diaphragm metering pumps to deliver the enzymes but experienced leakage and blockages in the metering pump system. Transferring and dispensing highly viscous products or high-solid concentrated products can create problems, while handling shear-sensitive products can bring another set of problems. Food processors must also maintain contamination-free flow and meet stringent product quality and safety requirements while simultaneously maintaining high production rates. Efficient fluid handling and flow control with minimal downtime is paramount.
Masterflex® L/S® Economy Variable-Speed Pump
Cole-Parmer leveraged its knowledge of pumps and brought to the table the Masterflex® L/S® Economy Variable-Speed Pump with Easy-Load® II pump head and PharMed® BPT thermoplastic elastomer tubing. This pump is designed to handle the toughest process applications and achieves high flow rates of up to 9.8 gallons per minute (37.1 LPM). The system offers a high degree of durability which reduces costs, downtime, and improves the overall operating efficiency. The performance of the Masterflex peristaltic pump more than measured up to expectations—with substantial reduction in service and maintenance costs, convenient batch-to-batch changeover, and reduced downtime.
In the midst of the August summer stretch, most of us are familiar with high humidity or, in other words, bad hair days. When opening the door to walk out, we feel a rush of thick, steamy air. Weathercasters like to fill us in daily on the heat index, which combines relative humidity and air temperature. According to how stuff works, people tend to feel most comfortable at a relative humidity of about 45%.
From a scientific viewpoint, humidity also refers to absolute humidity, which is expressed in grams of water vapor mass within a defined quantity of air. Specific humidity measures absolute humidity relative to total gas mass within this quantity of air.
From the preservation of artistic masterpieces in art institutes to burgeoning levels of dust mites, molds, and bacteria within our homes, our environmental humidity levels matter. For those charged with monitoring humidity levels in workplaces, manufacturing facilities, or really anywhere that humidity is important (which is pretty much anywhere), a new handheld option is available.
The Vaisala Handheld Humidity and Temperature Meter is lightweight, yet boasts superior accuracy. Easy to use, it is also compact, robust and affordable. The meter incorporates a Vaisala HUMICAP sensor that provides high accuracy, excellent long term stability, negligible hysteresis, and insensitivity to dust and most chemicals. The unit’s large graphic display indicates seven measurements including RH, temperature, dew point, wet bulb, absolute humidity, mixing ratio, and enthalpy. A graph shows when the measurement is stabilized. The meter also features a hold button that retains the data until it has been recorded, and an automatic shut off.
In the second part of a two-part series, we consider efficient options for lab professionals:
Saver Suggestion #2: Use an advanced bioreactor with one control interface
Bioreactors simulate an environment for photosynthetic organisms, especially algae, to grow and chemically convert. They are used for biodiesel and medical research, fermentation, and various applications within the production of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and more. Many, if not most, bioreactors require external lighting systems and peristaltic pumps to operate. Yet, newer, more advanced models combine these elements into one compact system that also takes up less space in the lab.
IKA® BR 10 Bioreactor
Doug Stark, IKA Manufacturing Engineering Manager, along with his colleagues worked with marine scientists to develop a unit that contains these efficiencies and more. “The IKA® BR 10 Bioreactor is a self-contained automated unit that optimizes cell growth,” he explained. “The interior of the vessel is chemically inert, with no exposure to metal. It contains six compact double-fluorescent lamps which can be timed to simulate day or night. A digitally controlled overhead stirrer gently agitates the contents to assist with oxygen transfer while also preserving fragile cells. A variable-speed peristaltic pump provides the flow. One interface controls all of the variables―lighting, motion, pH value, and temperature.”
Because of the automation, users spend less time adjusting and monitoring the variables and can concentrate on other lab work. Also, with an integrated compact system such as this, labs can save more than twice their counter space as compared to traditional units.
According to Bob Hardin, Director of Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, IKA, they can realize other savings as well. “Traditional bioreactors typically cost in the $50,000 range. With these newer, more progressive units, the price point is about half that even though users are getting more advanced features,” he said.
Some systems are also versatile. For example, as a 10-liter system, the IKABR 10 Bioreactor can also be put to use as a lab reactor. “Simply turn off the lighting system and this unit is equal to many lab reactors,” said Hardin.
The savings accumulates―less time to operate, less lab space, lower price point―to deliver enhanced efficiency.
Ensuring sample integrity is critical in laboratory and pharmaceutical research, microbiology, food technology, forensics, and many other scientific applications. Integrity can be compromised by inadequate sample volume, incorrect handling procedures, contamination, mislabeling, and other influences.
Because sample protection is so important, Thermo Scientific developed a new line of Heratherm Incubators and Gravity Convection Ovens with this as their top priority.
Thermo Scientific Heratherm General Protocol Incubators are ideal for standard applications in pharmaceutical, research, medical, and food labs. They are designed to deliver top-quality temperature uniformity ranging from 5°C ambient to 75°C. Their unique airflow design, advanced microprocessor control, and automatic overtemperature alarm keep the internal environment optimal. An interior glass door enables sample viewing without disturbing the desired temperature. An intuitive user interface makes setting parameters easy. Choose from 2 to 6.3 cubic feet units.
Thermo Scientific Heratherm General Protocol Gravity Convection Ovens are designed for gentle heating and drying with minimal air turbulence. These ovens are a highly effective choice for precise heating applications. Their advanced microprocessor controls deliver detailed information on current temperature and set points. Set the temperature from 50 to 330°C and store the setting in memory while the oven is off. Visual overtemperature alarm and built-in safety backup maintain temperature control at 5°C above the set point if the primary control fails. A circuit breaker protects the oven from power surges. Thick insulation in walls and door maintains a safe exterior temperature and a silicone door gasket prevents heat loss. Low energy consumption contributes to their efficiency. Premium units also offer adjustable fan speed for application-related drying and a programmable controller for temperature ramps and dwells. Select from 2 to 6.4 cubic feet options.
Oakton® 2700 Series Benchtop pH Meters have a lot going for them: an oversized display with bright backlight, high 0.001 pH resolution with ±0.002 pH accuracy, and store and recall function for up to 500 sets of data. Yet, they remain affordable. And, they meet GLP requirements, stamping all calibration and stored data with time/date.
Take a look to see how these meters might enhance your lab:
Color Meters are ideal for checking painted surfaces, plastics, graphics, paper, textile, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. They also can be used in food and agriculture applications.
Cole-Parmer offers a Compact Color Meter that is lightweight and portable for use in the lab, plant, or field. Some models contain a sapphire window to lend extra protection to the color sensor.
The Compact Color Meters store readings in memory and recall readings on the display. Select color meters include software to enable users to manipulate and analyze data—download stored measurements through the USB port, create reports, upload standards, and create color libraries for automatic closest-color searching. The software includes formulas for CIELAB, Hunter Lab, CMC, LCh, and CIE94; it also calculates whiteness/yellowness indices, opacity, brightness, and delta E.
High-stability Polystat Heating Immersion Circulators provide temperature control up to 200°C and inlet/outlet connections for circulation to external open- or closed-loops. They feature PID control with an easy-to-use LCD (0.01° resolution) and programmability in three languages and up to five temperature set points. Choose from units with clamp for side-tank attachment or with a bridge to span the tank.
Open Heating Circulating Baths offer an economical alternative to stainless steel baths. Operated by a two-speed pump with adjustable nozzle, they contain plumbed inlet/outlet connections for external loops. Their bright digital display enables more precise control and their high-temperature cutoff protects samples and equipment. Select from acrylic or PPO tank styles, in volumes up to 21 liters.
For more demanding applications, choose the rugged Polystat Stainless Steel Heating Circulating Baths. They offer performance while remaining budget-friendly. Easy to use, they feature a moisture-tight LCD, which measures in Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin scales. Driven by a two-speed pump, these units are available in standard or advanced models. The advanced model includes a force/suction pump with up to 21-liter capacity. Both types include safety features such as high-temperature cutoff and acoustic alarms.
For broad temperature ranges from -35 to 200°C, Polystat Cooling/Heating Circulating Baths include a powerful refrigeration system. They provide exceptional heat load removal across a range of operating temperatures. Their two-speed industrial-grade circulating pump runs up to 21 L/min flow and delivers extra pressure for more efficient heat exchange, better temperature uniformity, and enhanced reservoir agitation. These baths are available in standard digital or advanced digital models.
Are you concerned about fluoride in your tap water? Some people believe fluoride in drinking water is harmful, others believe it is safe and actually beneficial in maintaining dental hygiene.
Either way, you can test your fluoride level with the pocket fluoride tester from Extech, available through Cole-Parmer. The Extech fluoride pocket tester is handheld and easy to use. Anyone can use it to measure the concentration of fluoride in household tap water.
The Extech Waterproof FL700 Pocket Fluoride Tester is IP57-rated and designed for quick and accurate measurement of fluoride ions in drinking water and other aqueous samples. Also, here’s a helpful video to illustrate how to calibrate the pocket fluoride tester and how to perform a quick test of fluoride ions in your water sample.
Let us know what you think. Do you believe fluoride in tap water is harmful, or beneficial in reducing cavities?
Pharmaceutical, biotech, and general-purpose laboratories now have a new high-performance, high-purity tubing to use with their pump systems. The Puri-Flex™ Pump Tubing, a Masterflex® exclusive, is non-DEHP and contains no animal-derived components. It offers ultralow extractables or leachables, low spallation, and low protein-binding.
Contains no DEHP phthalates, halogen plasticizers, or animal-derived components for high-purity applications
At the same time, the long-life tubing is more durable than other flexible tubing. Users can autoclave multiple times at the new higher 135ºC standard or sterilize by ethylene oxide or gamma irradiation to 45 kGy. The tubing material is soft and flexible, and ideal for long-lasting use in Masterflex® peristaltic pumps. It handles a temperature range of 50 to 135°C (-58 to 275ºF) and offers good chemical resistance.
View it in person at INTERPHEX NY at booth #2977, on March 29-30. Staff will be available to answer any questions. See you there!
Imagine an easy-to-hold pipettor that does not overrotate the wrist or hand and minimizes pressure. It’s here! The Ovation line of ergonomic pipettors from Cole-Parmer offers an enhanced design that reduces discomfort, fatigue, and injuries. These new pipettors provide relief for laboratory workers who experience repetitive stress injuries caused or exacerbated by traditional pipetting.
Users ranging from Enrico Fermi Scholars to research microbiologists to lab technicians have trumpeted the natural feel and comfort of this design. As the only pipettors that keep the hand in the neutral position (as recommended by ergonomic experts), the pipettors encourage correct posture. In addition, only Ovation pipettors stand upright, allowing for convenient pickup―no racks or stands required.
Choose from several models in the Ovation line, including the Adjustable-Volume Pipettors which allow five frequently used volumes to be stored, Electronic Pipettors for higher throughput testing environments, and the Macrovolume Electronic Pipettor for maximum efficiency during large-volume liquid handling. Left-handed models are also available.
Similarly, the General Instruments Professional Wireless Weather Station monitors indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity conditions from a remote sensor up to 328 feet (100 meters) away from the display station. The station measures wind speed and direction, wind chill, rainfall amounts and barometric pressure, automatically sets to the US atomic clock, offers a 12- to 24-hour forecast, and much more.
Posted by bdumey 
