34 Specialist Manufacturer Optimises Furniture Coating
Researchers from Becker Acroma, a manufacturer of high quality solutions and customised systems for the wood finishing industry, have used the Spraytec laser diffraction particle size analyser from Malvern Instruments to help optimise the application of water-based furniture coatings using airless spraying. As a result of work with the Spraytec they have been able to tailor the droplet size of the paint to different applications, ensuring the best possible finish. Spraytec is proving well suited to characterising paints and coatings, where it is important to be able to measure high concentration sprays of different geometries and having wide spray fans. Its ability to measure in real time has allowed the Becker Acroma teams to track the changes in droplet size, which can occur during coating operations.
Using the Spraytec, the researchers have been able to thoroughly investigate a number of important parameters, beginning with the variation in droplet size across the spray fan, to assess how the range of sizes within the distribution affects the finish. Since sprays are often used at an angle, which introduces a variation in the distance between nozzle and target, the effect of distance on droplet size has also been examined, as has the effect of liquid pressure on droplet size. As a result they have been able to tailor the droplet size to different applications by varying the paint pressure. Spraytec is a laser diffraction particle size analyser designed for use in a diverse range of spray applications, and is widely used across different industries. With data acquisition rates up to 10kHz, broad dynamic range (0.1 to 2000 microns) and patented multiple scattering algorithm for measurement at high concentrations, it provides valuable real-time characterisation for product optimisation and QC.
Circle no. 127
LABORATORY PRODUCTS
Dye Heightens Sensitivity in Multi-colour Flow Cytometry
Beckman Coulter, Inc introduces Krome Orange, a novel violet-excited organic dye that expands the range of available choices and dye sensitivity limits for violet lasers. Common gating markers can be easily transferred to this fluorochrome, freeing other channels for use with more esoteric markers and enabling more versatile 10-colour flow cytometry applications.
Krome Orange has excitation and emission maxima of 398 nm and 528 nm respectively and provides a brighter signal than Pacific Orange conjugates with equivalent spectral overlaps into adjacent channels. The new dye is at least as bright as V500 and can provide more than twice the population separation obtained with Pacific Orange dye conjugates, with little compensation compared to Pacific Blue dye.
Krome Orange conjugates show optimal performance with violet laser excitation and a 550/40 bandpass filter (the standard FL10 channel on flow cytometry systems), while no excitation is detected using a 488 nm laser. The initial release of Krome Orange includes conjugates to human CD45 and CD4, with the range of human and mouse targets to expand going forward.
“Krome Orange provides scientists with the ability to increase sensitivity for low fluorescence signals and to expand their flexibility for multi- colour flow cytometry experiments,” said Brad Calvin, Vice President and General Manager of the Beckman Coulter Flow Cytometry Business Centre. “The development of this new dye underscores Beckman Coulter’s commitment to expand multi-colour cellular analysis technologies.”
Circle no. 128 Power Station Adopts Analyser for Determining Water in Lubricating Oil
A2 Technologies has announced that the Ferrybridge Power Station in West Yorkshire, England, has selected their iPAL portable FTIR analyser for measuring the level of water in the lubricating oil used in the massive turbines at this major power plant. The level of water in lubricating oil is critical to measure and control since it can accelerate oxidation and affect lubrication performance. For years, chemists have relied on Karl Fischer titrations to measure the level of water in lubricating oil. A new article entitled ‘iPAL FTIR Analyser for Moisture Determination in Lubricating Oils - An Advancement over Karl Fisher Titration’, by Mr Richard Wilson, Environmental and Performance Manager at Ferrybridge Power Station, outlines a number of reasons why his plant has adopted this new technology. The article states that speed, ease and accuracy of measurement is significantly improved with the on-site FTIR analyser and additionally no reagents are required. Moreover, the FTIR system acts as a check on off-site testing lab measurements that are made when necessary and additionally, the training of operators is far easier to accomplish with the FTIR analyser, as compared to the Karl Fischer technology.
Mr Graham Miller, President of A2 Technologies. Commented” "The use of the iPAL FTIR analyser at Ferrybridge for critical analyses of lubricating oil is a good example of why a number of conventional and nuclear power stations are adopting this new technology for a range of applications including measuring moisture in oil, oil in cooling water, additive depletion, lubrication oxidation and biodiesel contamination in diesel fuel. The speed, accuracy, ease of use and on-site measurement capability of the FTIR technology provide compelling reasons for changing how analyses are carried out in these facilities."
Circle no. 129
A Master in Metrology
Socorex introduces a new line of extra sharp micropipettes. Shorter size, smoother activation and lighter in weight, the eight models offer key features aiming at excellence in pipetting. An optimised shape/size ratio cares for superior drivability. This greatly improves precision of hand movement, especially with micro tubes.
The unique tightness lip seal reduces activation forces and provides for ultra- soft pipetting, further reducing hand-fatigue while working. Yet, sharp plunger stops result in unsurpassed metrologic performances.
Located on the front side, the volume display with contrasted digits remains visible at all times. Tip ejection easier than ever, thanks to the low-pressure activation button. Patented Justip height adjustment system permits the optimal fitting and ejection of a wide selection of tips.
The new Acura® manual XS is autoclavable fully assembled without
recalibration. Yet, whenever necessary, the swift-set user calibration system - with its integrated key and locking mechanism - makes tedious procedures a thing of the past. Calibration locking mechanism protected by seal sticker.
Each micropipette is supplied with its individual QC certificate, attesting the strict factory control and excellent performance values obtained. Conformity to ISO 8655, IVD 98/79 EEC directives, as well as other international standard requirements such as GLP / GMP and a three-year warranty.
Circle no. 130
KTH Royal Institute of Technology Chooses its Inkjet Microarrayer Platform
Arrayjet announced that the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, has chosen its Marathon Inkjet Microarrayer for its Protein Array Technologies Group. Headed by Dr Peter Nilsson, the group, which will also serve as an Arrayjet reference site, is based in the Department of Proteomics and forms part of the Human Protein Atlas project led by Professor Mathias Uhlén. The Marathon Inkjet Microarrayer was chosen as it will provide Dr Nilsson and colleagues with the flexibility to print their own arrays, at the exceptionally high quality and throughput levels they require.
Dr Nilsson commented: “We are really looking forward to exploring the new possibilities provided by this system, as well as utilising the high capacity of the Marathon instrument. We produce large numbers of microarrays with spotted antigens, antibodies and serum/plasma samples for proteomic profiling, and we foresee that this instrument will become a very important part of our instrumental infrastructure.”
Duncan Hall, Commercial Director at Arrayjet, added: “Dr Nilsson’s work in this area is widely known and well- published, and this partnership has great potential for both parties.”
Arrayjet’s Marathon is the first non-contact microarrayer to combine high quality microarray production with medium throughput proficiency. Capable of printing up to 100 slides, the Marathon platform is ideally suited to those just starting out in microarraying, as well as more experienced users making the transition from pin spotting to ink spraying technologies. For those requiring even higher throughput, Arrayjet provides the Super Marathon and Ultra Marathon, the latter of which is capable of truly industrial scale microarray production, with the capacity to print 1000 slides in a single run.
For researchers who require a smaller scale, but equally high quality solution to printing custom microarrays, Arrayjet provide the Sprint system that can print 20 slides per run. On top of their infrastructure based solutions, Arrayjet is also strengthening is portfolio with microarray consumables and a dedicated microarray service business.
Circle no. 131
INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 - LABORATORY PRODUCTS
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