Wyatt Technology’s New Calypso System Reduces Preparation Time and Noise Levels by Providing Continuous Flow to Detectors

Wyatt Technology, Inc. has released that its newly launched Calypso system has been proven to reduce experimental preparation time and decrease noise levels when measuring the light scattering data of imperfect samples. Wyatt Technology’s Calypso system performs rapid, quantitative, non-destructive characterization of protein-protein interactions in native solution using Composition-Gradient Multi-Angle Light Scattering (CG-MALS). Normally Calypso operates in stop-flow mode, for optimal sensitivity with minimal sample consumption, and to observe reaction kinetics. Continuous flow improves the data obtained with difficult or imperfect samples, by moving any large particulate through the system rapidly. This enables the despiking firmware inherent in Wyatt Technology light scattering instruments to recognize and remove the noise. In addition to removing data artifacts due to pressure fluctuations, the continuous flow method also reduces build-up of sticky samples, e.g. membrane proteins, on the surfaces of detector flow cells.

Besides the standard Calypso automated mixing and dilution hardware, two additional pieces of equipment are required for continuous flow mode: a standard HPLC pump and an 8 port valve. The dual-sample-loop, 8-port valve is controlled directly by the Calypso software. Via the user-friendly graphic interface, a two-step method is readily designed: the Calypso syringe pumps prepare the sample and load the sample loop, then a command is issued to the valve to deliver the sample to the detectors. As the isocratic HPLC pump shoulders the burden of high-pressure flow, wear and tear on the precision mixing syringe pumps is reduced and higher flow rates are supported.

CompactPCI Chassis with Built-In system Monitoring

Elma Electronic, Inc. has announced a new Type 39 CompactPCI enclosure with built-in system monitoring. With inherent redundancy, hot-swap ability and monitoring, the Elma Type 39c chassis offers a solution for reliability.

The new Type 39c chassis features a 3U 4HP configurable system monitor with Ethernet, RS-232, Web and Command Line Interface (CLI) capabilities. The unit monitors up to eight voltages, 12 fan-fail signals, eight temperature sensors and controls the speed of the fans depending on the temperature buildup. The chassis comes with a CompactPCI or PICMG 2.16-compliant backplane in up to eight slots. The backplanes have three pluggable 47-pin connectors for hot swapping power supplies for a 500 W, N+1 solution.
With a sheet metal design and full plug ability, the Type 39c chassis family offers ease of manufacturing and saves costs. The chassis are available in 1U-4U heights in horizontal-mounting orientations. Compliant to the latest PICMG specifications and IEEE 1101.10/.11, the enclosures feature side-to-side 200CFM (cubic feet per minute) and 300LFM (linear feet per minute) cooling, 300mm depths, and rear I/O options.  Elma specializes in quick and affordable customization of their chassis offerings.

Twin Rod cylinders are available in single and double acting models, with strokes from 0.5 inch to 4 inch all having built-in fine stroke adjustment, in six bore sizes from 0.25 inch to 1.25 inch.  Integral magnets permit mounting sensor switches on three sides.  Rod end plate accepts a range of other pneumatic devices. Options include End-Keep, which locks rods in the event of a pressure loss and long bushings to accept side loading.

Manifold Sets New Standard for High-Pressure Instrumentation

Parker Instrumentation has launched a 3/8 inch (10 mm) bore double block and bleed manifold that will operate at up to 15,000 PSI (1,034 bar) cold working pressure.  At these elevated pressures, instrumentation engineers today typically build systems from discrete valve and tube fitting components.  Compared with these, the innovative new Hi-Pro 15KSI DBB manifold saves a great deal of space and weight, and greatly enhances integrity by eliminating numerous potential leak paths.

In addition, the Hi-Pro manifold is supplied as standard with threadless connections for tubing.  At 15,000 PSI pressures, many instrumentation engineers currently employ 'cone and thread' style fittings for tubing connections.  These components are time consuming to install (it can take 30 minutes or more for every joint to 'cone' and thread the tube end), and require an additional gland component if installed in environments subject to vibration.

The Hi-Pro manifold integrates two ball valves for isolation, and one needle valve for venting, providing a standard 'double block and bleed' configuration for interfacing instruments such as a pressure or temperature transmitters.  The valves are integrated within a 316 stainless steel one-piece body measuring just 9.31 inch (23.6 cm) in length for the version with MPI tube ends.  The one-piece body greatly reduces the number of potential leak paths compared with manifolds assembled using discrete valves and fittings.  The manifold also eliminates threaded connections, which can be a source of problems in the field due to contamination resulting from the use of thread sealants.

The new integrated high-pressure manifold has been made possible by a new sealing material for the valve seats known as PHlex. This material additionally allows the manifold to meet the fire safe requirements of API 607 and BS6755 Part 2.

Waters and Thar Instruments, Inc. Take on New Challenges to Combine Super Critical Fluid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

While many labs focus on the opportunity to reduce hazardous waste disposal costs and look at “greener” and efficient alternatives to chemical analysis, Waters Corp. and Thar Instruments, Inc. have entered into a new phase of their cooperative agreement first announced in 2005.

The exclusive OEM agreement between the two companies now gives Thar Instruments access to Waters demonstration facilities and corporate R&D resources to meet the growing market demand for new supercritical fluid /mass spectrometry (SFC/MS) products.

“This closer strategic partnership gives us the resources that we need to develop our new SFC/MS preparative systems for mass-triggered purifications,” said Dr. Lalit Chordia, CEO of Thar Instruments. “By providing Thar with compatible detectors, software, and expertise, Waters renewed commitment to SFC is evidence that market acceptance for SFC has reached a new level.”

Currently Waters combines its model 3100 single quadrupole mass spectrometer and photodiode array detector with Thar’s SFC systems to meet the demands of pharmaceutical research and development customers.

“As a complementary technique to liquid chromatography, SFC comes with many advantages for scientists who are intent on streamlining many of their analytical and purification processes, who want to take advantage of the power of mass spectrometry and who want to cut their waste disposal costs. For them, the clear choice is to consult the companies with the most to offer in each area - Thar and Waters”, said Rohit Khanna, Ph.D., V.P. of Worldwide Marketing, Waters Division of Waters Corp.

FlexOne Achieves ISO 13485:2003 Medical Device Quality Certification

FlexOne, a full service Electronics Manufacturing Services provider, has achieved ISO 13485:2003 Medical Device Quality certification. ISO 13485:2003 certification is recognized world-wide as the benchmark for high-quality medical device development and manufacturing.

“Achieving the rigorous requirements that ISO 13485 certification entails, acknowledges our long-standing commitment to high-reliability medical device manufacturing. In conjunction with our existing one-stop-shop medical device manufacturing services, FlexOne offers medical OEMs a responsive, full-capability manufacturing partner that simplifies all phases of product development, while ensuring the highest-quality possible,” said FlexOne CEO Shay Ahmed.

FlexOne’s medical ‘one-stop-shop’ model provides medical device manufacturers with one point of contact to handle all aspects of the design, parts procurement, prototyping, manufacturing, regulatory and plastics requirements of their devices.  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Acquires Leader in Micro-Volume Spectrophotometers, NanoDrop Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. has acquired NanoDrop Technologies, LLC, a manufacturer of micro-volume ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) instrumentation. The acquisition will strengthen Thermo Fisher's portfolio of UV-Vis spectrophotometry instruments for applications involving small sample volumes. For example, micro-volume samples are used in emerging life sciences research that involves measurement of DNA and proteins. NanoDrop, which is based in Wilmington, Delaware, has annual revenues of approximately $35 million.

"Growing demand from our laboratory customers to accelerate sample preparation time is now compounded by the need to work with smaller sample sizes," said Marijn E. Dekkers, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "NanoDrop's patented technologies uniquely allow customers to quickly and easily analyze difficult micro-volume samples without the need for dilution. This preserves precious samples to greatly increase laboratory productivity."

NanoDrop currently produces three products - the NanoDrop(R) ND-1000 and ND-8000 UV-Vis spectrophotometers and the NanoDrop ND-3300 fluorescence spectrophotometer. These instruments are highly versatile tools that are suitable for a wide variety of laboratories and uses, including life sciences research and industrial applications.

The NanoDrop product line will be integrated into Thermo Fisher's scientific instruments business, part of its Analytical Technologies Segment, and will be marketed under the company's Thermo Scientific technology brand.

Remote Monitoring & Networking 2007
November 6-7, 2007
Scottsdale, Ariz

Remote Monitoring & Networking 2007–- SCADA, Data Acquisition, Device Networking, M2M and Security for Remote Sites, and Remotely Managed Equipment  - will be held November 6-7, 2007 at the Radisson Ft. McDowell Resort and Casino in Scottsdale, Ariz. This technology-driven and solution oriented conference will bring together the innovators and users from multiple industries, including utilities, power, oil & gas, telecom, industrial, water & public utilities, agriculture and facilities management.

The event will focus on the leading advancements for the monitoring and management of distributed equipment and facilities, remote assets, automated process & system controls and device networks. Large-scale users and industry experts will speak on SCADA, security, control, automation, M2M, networking, telemetry and condition monitoring.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.remotemagazine.com/rem07_index.htm.

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