28 Environmental Laboratory


New technology expands applicability of headspace and SPME analyses for food and environmental samples


Markes International has announced that it has entered into an agreement with ExtraTECH Analytical Solutions to globally sell ExtraTECH’s newly developed and patented vacuum-assisted caps for headspace microextraction.


The caps ingeniously extend the applicability of headspace, SPME and SPME Arrow sample extractions by allowing analytes to be extracted under vacuum conditions with milder heating and agitation than is required using current non- vacuum methods. This avoids the risk of sample degradation and therefore produces a more representative sample profi le with much higher extraction sensitivities – an obvious benefi t to all analyses.


Furthermore, extraction times are typically reduced by half when extraction by vacuum is used, because it lowers the initial pressure in the vial, thus greatly reducing the gas-sample phase resistance, resulting in a much faster transfer of mass analytes to the headspace. Naturally, this translates into signifi cant productivity gains for laboratories – especially those which are high throughput, as is the case within food and environmental sectors, for example.


Rachael Szafnauer, product marketing manager of Markes’ sample extraction product lines, said: “The caps unlock the full potential of headspace sampling, allowing fast extraction under mild conditions, and they’re completely re-usable too. All labs need to do is wash and recondition them. So, they reduce waste, time and energy costs.


“We’re very excited about how the caps enable analysts to benefi t from enhanced extraction capabilities. ExtraTECH’s technology is a great fi t with the Markes’ sampling technologies and its Centri instrument portfolio and we’re looking forward to working closely with our customers, helping them to adopt this breakthrough technology.”


ExtraTECH’s founder, Elia Psillakis commented: “Our long-standing collaboration with Markes has been driven by our shared passion, determination and commitment to innovation. Now we have brought vacuum- assisted extraction technology to market, I am convinced that our products and methods will benefi t laboratories worldwide.”


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Artifi cial intelligence enhances new headspace autosamplers


HTA is proud to announce the release of the 2000H series, the new static headspace autosamplers empowered by Artifi cial Intelligence.


The integration of Artifi cial Intelligence into the 2000H series enhances the intuitiveness and performance effi ciency of headspace applications in laboratories. The AI functionalities enable workfl ow optimisation by tuning instrument parameters, leading to smoother and more effi cient analysis. Additionally, injection-to-injection optimisation automatically calculates the time between injections, ensuring optimal sample throughput. Predictive maintenance strategies are enabled through self-diagnostic and performance tests, as well as automated consumable tracking, guaranteeing effective results without any stoppages. Finally, dynamic on- screen QR codes simplify the connection with service.


The 2000H series incorporates an exclusive quick-fi x mounting kit from HTA, allowing for easy relocation of autosamplers across the laboratory in case of sudden workload reorganisation. With no service engineer or tool required, HTA autosamplers can be moved from one GC to another, swapped, or shared among several GCs in less than fi ve minutes. Gone are the laborious and almost irreversible installations of traditional headspace autosamplers; the 2000H series provides a smooth installation process and a high degree of operational fl exibility on all GC and GC/MS systems.


HTA has confi rmed the successful three-model scheme of their previous headspace series with the introduction of the new 2000H series, which includes the best-selling 2000H, the 2100H for small sample batches, and the 2000HT for high-temperature polymer analysis. While the scheme remains the same, the new series offers extended technological advantages over competitor products and introduces new improvements in usability, speed, and reliability. Customers can witness the higher quality touch screen and improved design for themselves, which are just a few of the many enhancements in the new series.


If you are not yet convinced by these arguments, it is worth noting that choosing the HTA headspace autosampler is also an environmentally responsible decision. The 2000H series has been designed to conserve electricity, gas, and other valuable resources, allowing you to save money while reducing your environmental impact. By choosing the 2000H series, you can make a green choice that benefi ts both your laboratory and the planet.


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According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in a historic fi rst, investments in solar power are set to surpass oil in 2023. The momentum towards clean energy technologies, with solar power at the forefront, is advancing at a rapid pace. The agency’s executive director, Fatih Birol, cites the acceleration of clean energy as being quicker than most realize, noting a signifi cant increase in the investment trends favoring renewables.


Since 2021, renewable energy investment has risen by nearly 25%, eclipsing the comparatively modest 15% increase in fossil fuel investments during the same timeframe. Specifi cally, solar energy investment is expected to reach a record $380 billion, outpacing the $370 billion earmarked for oil exploration and extraction.


This milestone positions solar energy as an emergent force in the quest for rapid decarbonization. With renewables, nuclear power, electric vehicles, and energy effi ciency improvements set to receive over $1.7 trillion of the estimated $2.8 trillion total global energy investment in 2023, the prominence of renewables is clear.


However, even as renewables take the lead, fossil fuel investment remains obstinately high. To meet the ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2050, the current rate of fossil fuel investment, which the IEA predicts will rise 6% to $950 billion in 2023, will need to drastically decrease.


The IEA also highlights the geographic disparity in renewable Solar energy now receives more investment than oil


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investment, with advanced economies and China accounting for over 90% of the increase. This disparity raises concerns of potential new global energy divisions, potentially undermining the transition towards a cleaner energy future.


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While several energy giants lag in signifi cant green energy transitions, the overall direction of travel is toward decarbonization. However, some companies, including Shell, BP, Equinor, Chevron, and the Israeli conglomerate Delek Group, still face criticism due to projected increases in their carbon emissions over the next decade.


Shell defends its track record, citing a 30% reduction in emissions from operations since 2016. The company’s goal is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. However, skeptics such as Alexander Kirk, fossil fuels campaigner at Global Witness, argue that while companies are reducing emissions from their operations, the carbon emissions from their products’ usage remain a concern.


With the fi nancial health of the oil and gas industry appearing robust, exemplifi ed by Shell and BP’s record-breaking profi ts in 2023, the demand for holding these companies fi nancially responsible for climate change’s economic consequences grows. Meanwhile, protests against continued investment in fossil fuels continue to gain traction.


As this global energy transition accelerates, the international


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community must grapple with the remaining reliance on fossil fuels and the persistent disparities in renewable investment. With solar energy now taking the lead in investment, a more sustainable future seems increasingly within reach, but there is still signifi cant work to be done.


IET SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023


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