and discarded, while analytes are eluted, elimi- nating ion-suppression interferences.
SolEx™ SPE cartridges Thermo Fisher Scientific (Sunnyvale, CA;
www.thermofisher.com) introduced a broad selection of Dionex™ SolEx™ SPE cartridges that include silica and polymeric particles. These SPE cartridges are optimized for compatibility with the Dionex AutoTrace ™ 280 SPE instrument as well as small-volume SPE vacuum manifolds. SPE is usually used when the sample contains particulates or needs to be concentrated for im- proved detection, compared to direct injection. Cartridges are available in 1-, 3-, and 6-mL vol- umes. Phases include C18, C8 bonded to silica, silica, carbon, plus SAX, SCX, WCX, and WAX bonded to polystyrene/divinylbenzene beads. Application-certified phases are also available.
Dionex ASE Prep MAP The chemists at Thermo Fisher Scientific have developed a hydroscopic polymer, the Dionex ASE Prep MAP (Moisture Adsorbing Polymer) that shows promise for removing water from samples. MAP is effective for reducing or even avoiding the tedious drying step in many sample prep protocols. It also avoids common problems with other desiccants such as clumping, precipi- tation, and poor recovery. For example, MAP is added to a sample in a vial. The amount of MAP is estimated from the expected water content. The formula is: 0.2 g of MAP adsorbs 1 g of water.
4100 Water/oil processor For decades, O.I. Analytical (College Station,
TX;
www.oico.com) has been recognized for its efficient design of useful GC accessories. These are essential for specific applications. For example, O.I. introduced the 4100 water/soil sample processor, which processes 100 water or soil samples in industry-standard 40-mL volatile organic analysis (VOA) vials as specified in regulatory requirements. The 4100 employs a novel pneumatic vial gripper, called the VOA Constrictor™, which inflates to grip the top of labeled VOA vials—hence no more dropped vials. High-speed injection valves are used to add internal standards. Sample cooling to 10 ºC or lower is optional. For soil samples, an aliquot of water (clean or spiked) is added to the vial. The 4100 stirs and heats the slurry. Purge gas drives the VOCs to the trap.
The 4100 Water / Soil Sample Processor effi ciently processes up to 100 samples for purge-and-trap analysis of VOCs. USEPA– approved methods for drinking water, wastewater, or soil samples can be run with the 4100 connected to one or two purge- and-trap instruments.
The innovative VOA Constrictor™ cylindrical gripper lifts and transports 40-mL VOA vials with unsurpassed reliability.
www.oico.com / 800.653.1711 AMERICAN LABORATORY • 23 • MAY 2014
Conclusion Consolidation of the industry with the growth of conglomerates has depleted the ranks of large, independent firms. There are a few conspicuous large survivors. Now that the orchard is almost picked bare, the financial community has lost interest in the laboratory segment. In prior years, more than 50 financial analysts registered at Pittcon. I saw only two this year. It remains to
be seen if the mega conglomerates can develop, market, and support innovative products across the diverse range they have acquired. If not, the next round may be repackaging and spin-offs. Yes, we live in interesting times.
Robert L. Stevenson, Ph.D., is Editor, American Laboratory/Labcompare; e-mail: rlsteven@
yahoo.com.
INNOVATIVE PSAMPLE
ROCESSING FOR VOC ANALYSIS
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