Vibrational spectroscopy faster, easier, and more efficient
• 300 Spectra in <1 second
• No sample prep, no chemicals/solvents and no waste
• Fully automated measurement of >500 samples
info@metrohm.co.za
011 656 1619
021 852 0213 / 031 265 0067
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Your added value
■ Technological: Pumps for vacuum generation down to ultra-high vacuum
■ Precise: Vacuum measurement and analysis equipment
■ Safe: Leak detectors and tightness control
■ Reliable: Competent advice and comprehensive service offering
■ Extensive: Complete range with chambers, components and valves
■ Individual: Customized vacuum solutions
■ Sustainable: Pumps with energyefficient IPM motors and standby function
State-of-the-art vacuum solutions centre launched
PETROCHEMICALS, OIL & GAS: Dynamic viscosity for the petrochemical industry HIGHLIGHTS:
Test your hard water using one of Hanna’s Water Hardness Testing instruments TEST & MEASUREMENT:
Biologic essential booster acquired by HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence at North-West University
Tired of manual titrations? Titration made easy with the Orion Star T900 series
Ensure expert filtration of your samples
Since the foundation in 1949, Scharlab has gained over 70 years’ experience in manufacturing chemicals and reagents
HI931-ACD
HI931-02 Potentiometric titrator with single pump, one input analog board and HI1043B Refillable Double Junction pH Electrode with BNC Connector. Titrator & Probe (HI931-02, HI1043B)
Defi nition of Acidity:
Acidity indicates how much base a solution can absorb, without changing the pH.
Welcome to Autumn!
I thought, for this issue, that I would share a story about another organisation I am involved with: BirdLife South Africa. BirdLife South Africa is a registered non-profit, public benefit organisation and the only dedicated bird-conservation organisation in South Africa.
This NPO has more than 5 000 members in more than 40 bird clubs throughout South Africa. It produces its own bird and birdwatching magazine, African Birdlife, and this is the part that I am involved with. Yes, another magazine!
BirdLife South Africa’s aims are to save species, conserve sites and habitats, encourage ecological sustainability, and to enable positive change through people. One of their current projects is the MouseFree Marion Project. In an ambitious undertaking, the project aims to remove the introduced house mice that are endangering the long-term survival of the seabirds and other native species of South Africa’s subAntarctic Marion Island.
Mice were accidentally introduced to Marion Island, most probably by sealers in the early 19th century, and have had a devastating impact on the ecology of the island. A warmer and drier climate over the last 30 years has contributed to an increase in the densities of mice on the island each summer, causing a shortage of invertebrates, upon which
the mice had been surviving in the winter months. This shortage of food has driven mice to find alternative food sources. As on other oceanic islands, the mice found many of the seabirds had no defence against their attacks and were literally ‘sitting ducks’. The scale and frequency of attacks has been increasing since they were first observed in the early 2000s and have escalated dramatically in the last few years.
Without immediate action, Marion Island’s seabirds face local extinction. Left unchecked, the mice are predicted to cause the local extinction of 19 of the 28 species of breeding seabirds currently found on the island, some within the next 30 years.
In the southern hemisphere winter, helicopters brought by sea across the ‘Roaring Forties’ from South Africa will spread rodenticide bait from underslung bait buckets in overlapping swathes across the entire island – the only method that has so far proven successful in eradicating rodents from large islands. At 30 000 hectares, Marion will be substantially larger than all previous rodent eradication efforts undertaken on islands in a single operation.
Did you know?
19 of the 28 seabird species on Marion Island will become locally extinct if invasive mice are not eradicated
The eradication plan for Marion Island builds on years of scientific research and practical experience from over 700 successful eradications
Invasive mammals, including mice like those found on Marion Island, are the primary cause of animal extinctions on islands worldwide Islands are biodiversity hotspots, punching above their weight in the global ecosystem
Marion Island is one of the foremost breeding grounds for threatened or endangered seabird species. However, this globally important biodiversity is under significant threat
Despite covering only 5.5% of the Earth’s landmass, islands are teeming with life, hosting 15% of all land species and 37% of all critically endangered species
Around two-thirds of recent animal extinctions belong to island species
www.google.com Dear Reader
This is where the importance of laboratories comes in too. The FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology (affectionately known as the Fitztitute) is located at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where it is housed within the Department of Biological Sciences. Situated at the tip of Africa, the Fitztitute is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the vast untapped biological resources of the continent. Members of the department are committed to developing a greater understanding of these, through the training of scientists and the pursuit of primary research, from evolutionary ecology to conservation biology. The Institute is also home to the Niven Library, which holds what is probably Africa's most comprehensive Ornithology collection and reprints of the Institute's vast publication record.
So, when you are next out and about, don’t look down, look up and see which birds you can identify.
Until next time! Sami
https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/research/research-overview https://mousefreemarion.org/ https://www.birdlife.org.za/
Ishmet Davidson
HEAD OFFICE : New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd 8th floor, Media24 Centre, 40 Heerengracht Cape Town, 8001 Tel: +27 (0)21 406 2002 Fax: +27 (0)21 417 1112
Email:
With OMNIS NIRS, the universal platform for chemical analysis from Metrohm grows more powerful. In addition to all variants of titration, near-infrared spectroscopy with all its advantages (fast, easy-to-use, non-destructive, chemical-free) is now also available in OMNIS. OMNIS NIRS comes in three versions: OMNIS NIRS Liquid for liquid samples, OMNIS NIRS Solid for solid and viscous matrices, and OMNIS NIRS Liquid/Solid, which allows users to measure both liquid and solid samples on the same device.
Faster – multi-parameter analysis for results in seconds
With the OMNIS NIR Analyzer, anyone can measure liquid and solid samples in less than 10 seconds. Thanks to state-of-the-art sensor technology, liquid samples are adjusted quickly and precisely to any desired temperature between 25 and 80°C, and sample insertion is detected for rapid analysis of large sample series with no software interaction required.
Solids are measured in an automated rotation mode, ensuring highest reproducibility of results even for highly inhomogeneous samples.
Easier – OMNIS NIRS means nearinfrared spectroscopy for everyone No prior knowledge of chemometrics is required with OMNIS.
The OMNIS Model Developer (OMD) defines prediction model parameters automatically and thus makes integration of NIR spectroscopy straightforward.
The OMNIS NIR Analyzers recognise sample holders, which makes sure the correct sample vessels are used according to defined SOPs.
This feature and the clear user guidance provided by the OMNIS software reduce the risk of user errors to virtually zero.
More efficient – the synergies of near-infrared spectroscopy, titration and automation With OMNIS, the benefits of a universal platform come into play: Users can now easily combine nearinfrared spectroscopy with titration in a fully automated setup with an OMNIS Sample Robot.
The result is a fully integrated solution that can be customised according to the requirements of individual users.
March 13, 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Busch group in Africa when the state-of-the-art vacuum solutions centre was launched in Johannesburg.
Busch Vacuum's decision to build the African head office in Gauteng reflects our commitment to enhancing our operations and services across South Africa and the African continent. The new building serves as a strategic hub for various technical initiatives aimed at advancing our products and solutions to better serve our customers.
The Busch Group is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems, blowers, compressors and gas abatement systems. Under its umbrella, the group houses three wellknown brands: Busch Vacuum Solutions, Pfeiffer Vacuum and Centrotherm clean solutions.
The building launch was a significant milestone as it represents our ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. During the launch event, we showcased the capabilities of our new facility, demonstrated our latest technologies, and engaged with clients to understand their evolving needs and challenges. It's an opportunity for us to strengthen relationships, foster collaboration, and demonstrate the team’s dedication to driving success for our customers in Africa and beyond.
Here is a little more insight on why we pursued this expansion:
• Advanced Facility Offering: The new building houses state-of-the-art facilities, such as a fully equipped service centre, Pfeiffer Class 10 000 clean room, volumetric flow testing equipment, liquid ring test bay, online condition monitoring systems, and a dedicated training room. These facilities enable us to maintain the highest standards of quality, precision, and efficiency in our operations.
Enhanced Customer Experience: This purpose-built facility was built to streamline processes, improve lead times, and offer more comprehensive support to our customers. The new premises also provide a platform for showcasing our capabilities and demonstrating the value of our products and services to clients and prospective clients.
Increased Capacity: With growing demand for our products and services in Africa, we needed a larger facility to accommodate our expanding operations, including service and pump overhauls, warehousing of stock, system building, Pfeiffer expansion and technical testing capabilities.
The presence of our Co-CEO, Ayla Busch, the Deputy German Ambassador from the German Embassy, Mr Enrico Brandt, and more than 200 key customers, underlined the importance of this event and highlights the strong partnership between Busch Vacuum Solutions, key stakeholders, and clients.
The extensive product and service
By combining the expertise of Busch Vacuum Solutions in rough and medium vacuum applications, together with Pfeiffer Vacuum’s best-in-class high vacuum technology and leak detection, the Busch Group can provide comprehensive solutions and services for all areas of industry. This solidifies the Busch Group as a one-stop supplier with an extensive product portfolio to meet all customer requirements and for innovative, individual solutions. The team is ready to become your next solutions partner.
portfolio include solutions for vacuum, overpressure and abatement applications in all industries, such as research and development, food, analytics, automotive, chemicals and plastics. This also includes the design and construction of tailormade vacuum systems and a worldwide service network.
Elemental
• Easy and fast sample preparation for XRF, ICP and AAS.
• Robust XRF analysis in the laboratory.
• On-line monitoring directly in the process.
Mineralogical
• Mineralogical identification and quantification with XRD and NIR.
• Frequent tracking of process parameters.
Morphological
• Particle size distributions and shape for dry and wet samples using Laser Diffraction.
• Part of an on-line continuous process or in the laboratory.
www.malvernpanalytical.com/mining
Our Instruvac RVD Labotec, in collaboration with Elga LabWater, held a competition seeking the oldest laboratory water purification system in South Africa, aiming to honour the legacy and durability of these essential systems.
After a thorough search, Dr Kenneth Oberlander, representing the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria, emerged as the distinguished winner, showcasing the remarkable resilience of their water purification system, which has dutifully served for over three decades. This victory highlights not only the University of Pretoria's commitment to excellence but also the enduring importance of reliable water purification systems in scientific research and academia.
Dedication from the team
Dr Oberlander's win underscores the dedication of his team, including Ramokone Mothwa, Darky Modishane, Sine Ntshangase, Randall Josephs, and Magda Nel, who served as the Retired Tech Assistant. Their commitment, alongside others, has ensured the longevity of the oldest water distiller, acquired in 1993 and operating for 31 years, at 4 litres per hour with bi-distillation capability. This equipment is pivotal to the Plant and Soil Sciences department's operations, consistently producing solutions and media crucial for plant and soil research, servicing the entire Plant Science section. Magda Nel, recalling its relocation, highlights its mounting on the wall and the efficiency of its double boilers. Challenges
such as calcrete buildup due to calcium-rich hot water necessitate regular cleaning, mitigated by annual servicing to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
In recognition of UP’s Plant and Soil Sciences Department's enduring commitment to scientific excellence, the
team has decided that their old distiller has been working so well that they will keep it, but replace their other units with a new Elga system. With this transition to a new Elga PURELAB Chorus 2 Plus, renowned for its versatility across a wide spectrum of applications, including feed to ultra-pure water systems, reagent preparation, buffer, and media formulation, as well as
Their commitment alongside others has ensured the longevity of the oldest water distiller, acquired in 1993 and operating for 31 years, at 4 litres per hour with bi-distillation capability.
Metrohm was pleased to host ten customers at a bespoke Titration training course in its new premises in Mount Edgecombe.
The facility has a large conference room as well as two laboratories for specialised training courses. While the official opening will take place in July, this was an ideal opportunity to test the facility and organisational readiness for such events to be successful. Happy customer faces at the end of the course proved once again that Metrohm successfully achieved this objective. The Durban team looks forward to welcoming many more customers into its state-of-the-art facility.
supporting general chemistry, electrochemistry, and tissue and cell culture research.
This upgrade signifies a significant advancement from the technology of water systems 31 years ago. The Waterstill systems of the past were characterised by high electricity usage due to boiling water, significant water wastage, inability to use water immediately after boiling, and lack of control over pyrogens. In contrast, Elga water systems of today offer low electricity usage, lower water wastage with up to 28% water recovery, immediate usable water without heating, and effective removal of pyrogens through filtration.
As the competition comes to an end, Dr Oberlander and his team’s victory stands not only as proof of their purification system's strength but also as a celebration of scientific dedication and innovation. In a changing world with technology advancing, acknowledging the pioneers of the past reminds us of the legacy of excellence in scientific pursuit.
Labotec was announced the Best Performing Distributor for Thermo Fischer Scientific’s Life Science Division for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) larger markets region for 2023. The award was presented at the Thermo annual African Gala event at Emperors Palace in Gauteng, and the Labotec team, invited to the event, were immensely honoured to receive this accolade.
Ursula Gorniak, Thermo Fischer Scientific’s Director in Africa of Life Science Solutions who presented the award, said, “Labotec achieved an impressive growth in 2023, executed a customer-centric mindset, and showed great collaboration and willingness to work together to meet customers’ needs. This high level of involvement aligns with Thermo’s Laboratory Products’ expectations. In addition, Labotec has a dedicated and professional Service
Team to support sales efforts and offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) as part of their offering.”
Labotec management and staff hope to continue to deliver the same level of service offering this year and would like to thank Thermo Fischer Scientific for their continued commitment to provide exceptional products for the local markets. The product portfolio that Labotec supports within Thermo Fischer Scientific’s Life Science Division are Orion Electrochemistry & Spectrophotometry and Cold Storage & CO2 Incubators.
Hard water describes a fresh water supply that contains high amounts of natural minerals like calcium and magnesium. It is simply the dissolved minerals in water. Typically, when people talk about water hardness they are testing for dissolved calcium and magnesium.
Hard water reacts with soap to form a precipitate (aka soap scum). Treated hard water, as with a water softener, will lather very easily since the ions that contribute to hardness are replaced with sodium or potassium as the water is treated.
The hardness of natural waters is heavily influenced by the surrounding geography and geology (bedrock, surrounding trees, soil composition).
Testing for water hardness is imperative for water treatment facilities (both drinking and wastewater), plating facilities, boiling and cooling towers, aquariums, and other commercial or domestic water users.
Mechanics can be affected (i.e. pipes) by calcium carbonate deposits. The deposits are called scale and can easily build up in a system. This decreases system efficiency, increases costs to heat water, and shortens the lifetime use of equipment.
Negative effects of hard water
• Film/scale deposits build up on the inside of plumbing fixtures and appliances
• Dry skin & scalp
• Less effective clothes washing (clothes appear faded and dull)
Stained sinks and bathtubs
• Frequent plumbing repairs
• Unsightly spots on glasses and dishware
Reduced water flow and increased stress on water pipes
• Soap not lathering properly
Solution
Test your hard water using one of Hanna’s Water Hardness Testing instruments: you will then know how to treat your water to create softer water that will not cause so many issues.
Fully customisable: Total Hardness in Water via Photometric Method Using Hanna Instruments’ HI932 Automatic Titrator
Cutting-edge technology: Portable Total Hardness Photometer with CAL Check (HI97735)
Quality you can be assured of: Iris Visible Spectrophotometer (HI801)
Our Instruvac RVD series of high-vacuum, oil-flooded rotary vane vacuum pumps have been marketed, sold, and supported in South Africa and Africa for close on 20 years already. They have proven to be of outstanding quality with a zero percent failure rate and, best of all, they sell for a fraction of the price of the legacy brands.
Measuring key parameters: Water & Wastewater Multiparameter (with COD) Photometer and pH meter (HI83399)
The Korean manufacturer started manufacturing vacuum-related products back in 1976.
Since then, they have made every effort to manufacture the best quality vacuum products and have dedicated themselves to improving the quality, year on year. Now they are the leading vacuum pump manufacturer in the East and export all over the world. Their core products comprise 35 models of oil rotary vane vacuum pumps, booster vacuum pumps, dry-type vacuum pumps, and their accessories.
As the technology and quality of the products have been acknowledged by the relevant vacuum industry partners, these partners have acquired more and more from Korea. They have obtained international certifications such as ISO9001, ISO14001, CE, TI, and UL from the relevant international organisations.
The company has two factories in Korea, one with 17 534m2 land/8 500m2 building area where the smaller RVD-series are manufactured and the second factory with 8 500m2 land/3 500m2 building area where the larger sized RVDs, booster pumps and dry pumps are manufactured. Their production capacity of vacuum pumps and accessories is about 10 000 pump sets per annum.
Business principles:
1. Be the best technology company in the world
To be the leading vacuum pump
manufacturer, they have made massive efforts to reinvest in research and continuous technical developments.
2. Investment in human resources as their most valued asset
They continue to make investments in human resources and are always in search of new global talent. Their motto is “Advanced technology comes from man and man will lead to improved quality”.
3. Be the company to give customer satisfaction by producing the best quality product
They have always tried to consider the customer’s point of view first to ensure total customer satisfaction stemming from the best quality products.
Despite being a “small” company by Korean standards, they have managed to take the vacuum market by storm, providing a product of the highest standard at a very competitive price point. They have short manufacturing times and offer spare parts from stock. Air & Vacuum Technologies has been their distributor in Africa for close to 20 years already and carry pumps and spares in stock for the common models.
The Instruvac RVD range starts at the RVD6 with a capacity of 5m3/hr and goes up to the RVD324 with a capacity of 270m3/hr with ultimate pressures of Torr 5 x 10-3.
In a vacuum filtration process, negative air pressure is created within a receiving flask, which results in a positive pressure above the sample that assists in pulling/pushing your sample through the filter paper. This is particularly useful when you need to filter fluids that have a higher viscosity level or there is a high density of suspended solids.
For a filtration test you will need the following:
• 1 x Buchner funnel
1 x filter paper/medium
• 1 x receiving flask
• 1 x vacuum pump
You will, however, require a specific vacuum pump with a few key characteristics.
Enter the DryVac series of vacuum pumps. The DryVac is a piston-type, oilfree vacuum pump available in a range of models with capacities from 18 - 36L per minute and up to 120mbar abs. The unit comes standard with a fitted moisture trap and vacuum regulator, leaving you with little concern over moisture passing through your pump, as well as the ability to regulate your vacuum to the level necessary for the application.
Should the application contain any corrosive gases, there is also a chemically resistant version of this pump available in the ChemVac range. The ChemVac units offer similar performance with an electrically driven diaphragm.
The main difference being that the internal components of the ChemVac are either coated with PTFE or made of PTFE, giving it chemical compatibility with most corrosive gases.
Due to the simple nature of the DryVac
and ChemVac range, they are basically maintenance free with no oil or major components that need changing at set intervals. In the unlikely event of a component failure, it is a very basic procedure to strip the unit and replace the few working parts, which are all available in a standard repair kit.
Air & Vacuum Technologies (Pty) Ltd is the sole importer of these pump ranges and we carry a large stock of new pumps and spares kits. We can also offer overhauls of these vacuum pumps, as well as most other brands.
The BINDER KMF ensures absolutely constant test conditions throughout the testing area. A big advantage of this constant climate chamber is its low space requirement and flexibility in terms of water supply. The wide temperature and humidity range make this constant climate chamber ideally suited for stress testing series.
Benefits
• Safe - thanks to climatic homogeneity that far exceeds the accuracy required by ICH guidelines as well as THB (85/85), even with a fully loaded unit
• Reliable - thanks to failsafe operation without compromise. The interior and longlife evaporator plate are made entirely from stainless steel Smart - as a wide range of accessories makes it highly compatible for adaptation to specific customer requirements, including access ports, PURE AQUA service and LED light bar sets
• Economical - thanks to maximum
effective volume which allows for 30% larger load compared to the competition
Main features
• Temperature range: -10°C to +100°C Humidity range: 10% RH to 98% RH
• APT.line preheating chamber technology
• Humidity regulation with capacitive humidity sensor and vapour humidification
• Inner chamber made of stainless steel BINDER Multi Management Software APTCOM Basic Edition
• Intuitive touchscreen controller with time-segment and real-time programming Internal data logger where measured values can be read out in open format via USB Unit self-test for comprehensive status analysis
• Tight-sealing inner door made of safety glass (ESG)
• Available in various sizes with interior volumes of 102-, 247- and 700L
Eco-Analytica recently invested in another Milestone system for sample preparation prior to ICP analysis. Heavy metals are quantified at the ppb level, thus necessitating problem-free digestion. Due to the vast nature of samples received locally and from international customers, Eco-Analytica needed the best microwave system available and thus
opted for Milestone’s Ultrawave.
The offering of higher pressures and temperatures, smaller sample sizes and less acid consumption, coupled with the possibility of using various types of acids for digestion, makes the Ultrawave the perfect solution for digesting the wide variety of samples (soil/ paint) that are brought into their laboratory.
What is a peristaltic pump?
It is a liquid pump used to pump a multitude of liquids without the liquid ever meeting a pump body. The liquid is transferred inside a tube that is wrapped around rotating rollers in a pump head. The rollers effectively squeeze the liquid with compression force, moving it through the tube from the source to the point of use. This compression force creates a vacuum in the tube, effectively making it a selfpriming pump and, as the liquid never comes into contact with the pump body, it is completely contamination-free.
Characteristics of a peristaltic pump
A peristaltic pump is well suited to pumping high viscosity liquids as well as very aggressive fluids with an accurate pumping action. This makes them also suitable for the management of dosing processes.
Typical uses of a peristaltic pump in the laboratory
perfusion, liquid chromatography, chemical dosing, etc.
Applications include cell tissue transportation, specimen decolourisation,
info@vactech.co.za vactechsales1@vactech.co.za www.vactech.co.za
Turbiscan is based on the Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS) technology, the most suitable method to characterise liquid dispersions, directly, in their native state.
In most emulsions, suspensions and formulations, the concentrations are too high to be analysed ‘as is’ with light scattering, and their characterisation requires dilution or mechanical stress, altering their state and structure. SMLS offers the ability to investigate the dispersion state and its evolution over time, without any dilution, even on highly concentrated samples.
SMLS offers extraordinary resolution to detect size and concentration variation occurring in complex formulations and in a very wide range of applications and industries. As a direct optical method that does not require sample preparation (such as dilution), SMLS is in perfect agreement with ISO norms regarding shelf-life, stability, and size distribution measurements.
World leader in shelf-life and stability analysis:
• Save time: Up to 1 000 times faster compared to a conventional visual stability test
• Detect and quantify: Sedimentation, phase separation, aggregation, coalescence, coagulation, creaming. All
destabilisations are detected and quantified
• Objective and reliable: Instrumental method, no dilution, no external stress, measure the sample as is – analysis you can trust
Wide range of applications:
Suspensions, emulsions, foams, from low to high concentrations (10-4 - 95% v/v), opaque, clear, coloured samples, from nano to macro (10nm to 1mm).
Advantages:
Sensitive to the slightest variation of particle size and concentration
• Non-dilution, native samples
High space resolution: 20µm scanning
• Single technique, huge possibilities: From: 10nm to 1mm. From: 10-4 up to 95% v/v
• Works on any dispersion: suspensions, emulsions and foams
• Fast stability measurement
VERDER SCIENTIFIC SOUTH AFRICA
+27 (0)10 612 0141 megan@verder-scientific.co.za www.verder-scientific.com
FASTER S.r.l., based in Italy, is one of the leading European manufacturers of a wide range of Laminar Airflow and related technologies. FASTER's commercial, marketing and engineering offices are located in Cornaredo (Milan) and production facilities in Cornaredo and Ferrara. FASTER's strategy is to maintain and improve its presence in all market segments by supplying top-quality instruments.
All our products are designed to meet the requirements of the latest International Standards.
Current production includes laminar airflow cabinets and microbiological safety cabinets, chemical fume hoods, cytotoxic drug safety cabinets, cabinets for special applications, customisations and bespoke units, isolators for cytotoxic applications and sterility tests, pharma industry laminar airflow systems and laboratory furniture. inqaba biotec has partnered with FASTER S.r.l. to distribute these airflow cabinets to sub-Saharan Africa.
Feel free to contact your local Inqaba representative or main office on info@inqababiotec.co.za
Nothing matches the performance of the original! Retsch's Ultra Centrifugal Mills set standards with more than 20 000 installations worldwide. The outstanding performance, flexibility, user-friendliness and robustness of this high-speed rotor mill make it the undisputed leader in its class.
Zanzibar Food & Drug Agency (ZFDA) in Zanzibar recently invested in the Ethos EASY Microwave Digestion System from Milestone. With the technique of Microwave Digestion, they save a lot of time with sample preparation and use significantly less acid, and the result is a fully digested sample that provides the most accurate results on ICP-OES.
Retsch developed the first ultra centrifugal mill ZM1 half a century ago. The latest model ZM300 comprises the essence of German engineering expertise, combined with high-quality materials and latest software technology.
The powerful Ultra Centrifugal Mill ZM300 provides maximum grinding performance at high speed while, at the same time, ensuring operator convenience and safety.
Benefits:
Variable speed from 6 000 to 23 000 rpm
• Up to 20% finer particles than with ZM200
Sample throughput increased up to 15%
• Temperature monitoring
• Neutral-to-analysis sample preparation
• Very short grinding time
• Optional volume cassette for batch sizes up to 600ml
ZM300 features:
• The Cyclone-suction system is ideal for light- and heat-sensitive materials Increased reproducibility through temperature monitoring via integrated temperature sensor
Convenient operation and easy cleaning
• Cryogenic grinding
The Thermo Fisher Orion Star T900 Series offers a simplified entry-level automated titrator engineered to streamline titration processes, improve reliability, and expedite analyses compared to manual titration. It incorporates dynamic process controls that enhance accuracy and reproducibility across a wider range of ions and compounds.
With four models catering to specific titration needs, these titrators cater to diverse industries including: food & beverage manufacturing, environmental analysis, drinking water, wastewater, industrial and quality control. In the food sector, they enable precise determination of reactant quantities, crucial for maintaining product quality. In environmental analysis, they play a pivotal role in assessing water quality and pollution levels, facilitating informed decisions for water management. Additionally, quality control applications provide a reliable means of detecting and removing impurities, ensuring product integrity.
The Orion Star T900 series distinguishes itself through a set of key features and functionalities:
• Streamlined operation: With a userfriendly interface and intuitive navigation, setup to live titration analysis becomes seamless and efficient
• Enhanced display: Equipped with a large colour touchscreen display, the titrator offers clear instructions, comprehensive help menus, and real-time titration data
• Customisation and data management: Users can store up to ten user-defined methods and up to 100 titration data sets, facilitating easy access and sharing. Data transfer to printers, computers, or USB drives further streamlines workflow
• Core technology integration: The titrator
integrates advanced electrochemistry technology with a precise reagent dispensing system, ensuring reliability, reproducibility, and safety in titration processes
• Expanded chemical analysis: Beyond direct electrode analysis, the Orion Star T900 series broadens the scope of measurable chemicals, offering versatility in analytical applications Dynamic process controls: Adaptive titration controls optimise analysis results by adjusting titration parameters in realtime
The Thermo Fisher Orion Star T900 series encompasses four models tailored to specific titration needs:
Orion Star T910 pH Titrator: This model is equipped with the standard ROSS kit, featuring the 8102BNUWP ROSS Ultra pH electrode and the 927007MD stainless steel ATC temperature probe, making it ideal for most standard pH titrations. Its capacity for precise pH
measurements in various applications is enhanced by the ability to securely document test results, offering live viewing, summary tables, and a 100-point data log for comprehensive analysis.
Orion Star T920 Redox Titrator: Accompanied by the standard kit with the 9778BNWP redox electrode, this titrator is perfectly suited for dedicated redox titrations such as sulphite/SO2 and reducing sugar, thanks to its robust glass body that provides chemical resistance across diverse samples. Supporting both equivalence point and pre-set mV endpoint titrations, it allows for a wide array of sample analysis.
Orion Star T930 Ion Titrator: Designed for ion titrations, this model offers multiple titration techniques, including equivalence point, preset mV endpoint titrations, and the innovative multiple known addition (MKA) mode. The MKA mode automates calibration and calculates sample concentration by adding aliquots of standard to the sample, effectively minimising
matrix effects and negating the need for separate calibration. This makes it especially suited for titrations involving salt, chloride, ammonia, TKN, and surfactants, offering automated calibration and a variety of titration techniques.
Orion Star T940 All-in-One Titrator: This versatile model comes with the standard ROSS kit, including the 8102BNUWP ROSS Ultra pH electrode and the 927007MD stainless steel ATC temperature probe, making it ideal for standard pH titrations and particularly advantageous for pre-set endpoint titrations that involve temperature. It also includes the ROSS SureFlow kit with the 8172BNWP ROSS Sure-Flow pH electrode, specifically designed to tackle challenging samples that may clog standard pH electrodes or require a fast-flowing sleeve-type junction. This makes the T940 exceptionally flexible, accommodating pH, redox, and ion concentration titrations across a broad spectrum of sample types with customisable titration modes.
Due to the sheer number of samples to be analysed on a daily basis, automation is the key in order to deal with all of these obstacles. The goal is to automate the routine analyses as much as possible, including sample preparation and the combination of different techniques within one system to make the workload easier. Most drinking water samples must be analysed for conductivity, pH, and alkalinity. Sample throughput is always a very important consideration for water quality laboratories. Therefore, analyses should be carried out in parallel to save time because of the high sample load.
Time savings with parallel determination Up to 64% of analysis time can be saved by automating and running determinations in parallel rather than in series. This figure is based on the fully automated determination of conductivity, pH, alkalinity, and hardness for 63 samples. Running these four determinations on just one sample requires 12 minutes. When run in series, this takes more than 12.5 hours, while
parallelisation can reduce the time needed for these analyses to 4.5 hours (64% time savings).
Conclusion
No matter whether you are interested in determining several parameters or just one or two specific ones, an automated system such as OMNIS from Metrohm can be tailored to your needs and requirements. If these change after some time and more detailed ion analysis becomes necessary, for example, then ion chromatography can easily be added to the existing system setup. Less sample volume is needed as it is no longer necessary to split it into several aliquots for measurement on different instruments.
Modular Expansion –Suit your needs at any time
· Add up to 8 burettes
· Liquid Handler
· Two InMotion Autosamplers
· Karl Fischer Coulometric and Volumetric
Secure system –Risk free titration
· Plug & Play Burettes and sensors
· SmartSample to prevent mix-ups
· User management
· LabX PC Software
Efficient Titration –Run two titrations simultaneously
· Parallel Titration with InMotion Autosamplers
· Parallel Titration with Manual Titration Stands
· Save up to 50% of your time
Tel: + 27 87 092 7300
e-mail: info@microsep.co.za www.microsep.co.za Request
METTLER TOLEDO’s Excellence line of automatic titrators offer simplicity, efficiency, and modularity to meet the increasing demands of analytical laboratories. Preprogrammed titration methods and the welldesigned method editor feature allow for efficient analyses in various industry segments. The modular design guarantees that you are optimally prepared for future changes in your lab.
Core precision in all industries
Titrators measure the concentration of a specific substance within a solution. The Excellence line titration systems are the ideal platform to set up a fully automated test system to determine water quality parameters such as conductivity, pH, hardness, alkalinity, and ions such as fluoride, chloride, and nitrate, using various electrodes. In addition, they offer food manufacturers exceptional precision in measuring acidity, pH levels, and various chemical components to guarantee product quality, consistency, and optimal flavour, meeting the high standards expected by consumers, while complying to regulatory requirements.
Modular and versatile Excellence titrators can be customised to
Why use Karl Fischer Titration? It is a classic titration method in chemical analysis using coulometric or volumetric titration to determine trace amounts of water in a sample. Karl Fischer Titration offers several practical advantages over other methods of moisture determination, such as accuracy, speed and selectivity.
Advantages:
• Ready-to-use solutions, reagents, and standards for volumetric and coulometric analysis
• Extreme accuracy because this method is based upon a chemical reaction that depends on the presence of water
• This method does not detect the loss of any other volatile substances
meet the specific requirements of different applications, the modular design allows for versatile usage, making them suitable to a wide range of production scenarios. The modular set-up allows for the addition of volumetric and coulometric Karl Fischer titration for water content determination, conductivity measurements, and multiple ion standard addition, for example direct sodium determination, to be performed on the same instrument.
With One Click interface, the user-friendly concept consistent across the entire spectrum of auto titrators, you can customise your shortcuts to start titration analyses and workflows quickly and easily.
The One Click interface provides a simple and secure system enabling efficient parallel titrations and can switch between up to eight tasks running in parallel.
Connecting a titrator to an InMotion autosampler and associated accessories results in flexible workflows, simplified operation, error prevention, and efficient analysis of sample information.
• Wide range of determination from 0.001to 100% with up to 1% being suited for coulometric titration while samples with more than 2% water are tested by the volumetric method
• The coulometric method avoids the need for titer determination
• The range is more flexible as it has two methods. Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration handles samples dissolved in several common solvents. The Coulometric method depends on current consumption till the endpoint to determine the water content
• It is a fast method requiring minimal sample preparation It is suitable for solids, liquids and gases
• This process lends itself to automation,
With the 916 Ti-touch and autosampler
Error-free titration workflow
The integrated SmartSample reader in all titration Excellence instruments enables wireless data transfer from the balance to the titrator for samples, eliminating transcription errors and mix-ups. The SmartSample solution is therefore an intelligent choice for both single- and automated multi-sample titration.
LabX software
LabX titration software optimises titration and workflows in the laboratory. Users benefit from robust data storage and management capabilities. This feature not only simplifies the auditing process but also adds an extra layer of confidence in the reliability of the analytical results.
making water determination much faster
• The coulometric titrator detects free water, emulsified water and dissolved water, even at low quantities
MONITORING AND CONTROL LABORATORIES (PTY) LTD
Tel: (011) 608 4664 sales@moncon.co.za www.moncon.co.za
New convenience features and additional capabilities make the 916 Ti-Touch more powerful than ever. Users may now connect a second titration stand, do pH-STAT titrations, benefit from dedicated automation for up to 24 samples with a new budget sample processor, and more.
The Ti-Touch instrument series was designed with the routine user in mind: Operators can start their favourite methods with a single touch of an icon on the graphical user interface of the instrument. Such method shortcuts are available for up to 14 different methods.
Connectivity and networkability are key: Routine users may connect a thermal printer to their 916 Ti-Touch to print out reports right in the laboratory. Alternatively, a network printer may be used, or results may
be exported straight into any LIMS. Together with the 916 Ti-Touch, the new 810 Sample Processor is available for the fully automated analysis of up to 24 samples. Simply load the rack, choose the method from one of the icons on the display, press ‘Start’ and walk away.
CONTACT: bruce@madtech.co.za or
Automated Digestions in minutes
•Prepare vessel in seconds
Workflow solutions from balance to analysis
•Mix and match samples and acids
Live reaction monitoring
Thermal analysis methods play an important role in addressing quality and processing issues concerning oil and oil-based products in the petrochemical industry. These techniques enable the measurement of material properties as they respond to changes in temperature or time, covering a wide temperature range, starting at -150°C, which align with many international standards.
Thermal analysis techniques
Thermal analysis techniques and methods can be used to characterise materials and to provide specific information about material quality, crystallisation, and stability, as well as the composition of mixtures and the influence of additives, throughout the petrochemical production chain. These techniques include Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Thermooptical Analysis (TOA). Additionally, methods such as dropping point (DP) and softening point (SP) methods are used for material characterisation, to determine the temperature at which materials transition from solid to liquid (dropping point) or begin to soften (softening point).
Confidence in your results
software platform allows for easy control of instruments, ensuring high performance and reliable results.
The applications of thermal analysis in the petrochemical industry are diverse. In upstream activities such as exploration, production, transport and storage, thermal analysis is used for quality control and research purposes to understand the behaviour of materials under different conditions. In downstream activities, including refinery operations and petrochemical and lubricant production, thermal analysis optimises processes, ensures product quality, and studies the impact of additives and formulations on material properties.
The difficulty with viscosity measurements of hot melts and liquids at elevated temperatures has been in maintaining accurate temperature control that is consistent from sample to sample so that meaningful data could be obtained.
The AMETEK Brookfield Thermosel solves this problem by providing a stable, precisely controlled sample environment. This, together with the inherent accuracy of the AMETEK Brookfield Viscometers, is fundamental to the Thermosel System, which produces viscosity measurements that are not only accurate but entirely reproducible. The DV2T Touchscreen Viscometer, used in conjunction with the Thermosel, helps to achieve the ASTM D4402 standard of testing.
Features and benefits of the DV2T:
• 5-inch full-colour touchscreen display supports multiple languages
• Displayed information includes: viscosity (cP/mP·s), temperature (°C/°F), shear rate/stress, % torque, spindle/speed, step program status
• Enhanced security provides customisable user-levels and password access
• Built-in options include timed tests, data averaging, programmable QC limits/ alarms, customisable speed/spindle lists, on-screen data comparison
• Auto range shows maximum viscosity measured with any spindle/speed combination
• USB PC interface provides optional computer control and automatic datagathering capability
Front-facing bubble level for convenient viewing
• Built-in temperature probe
Accuracy of ±1.0% of range with displayed test data
• Repeatability of ±0.2%
• NIST traceable viscosity standards available
• Also available: Magnetic coupling system, durable ball-bearing suspension system, quick action lab stand, and RheocalcT software
Automated transfer of the sample weight directly from balance Each user can start his or her favourite applications (up to 14) at a single tap on
Titration starts automatically after
Paperless reports can be generated and saved at the USB port to a flash drive or
Ethernet interface: export results to your LIMS and manage them there
Thermal sample preparation for hardto-dissolve products can be done individually with 860 Thermoprep or automated with the 885 Compact Oven Sample Changer
Measure your used oils with Anton Paar’s FTIR Spectrometer - Lyza 7000 to comply with ASTM E2412 standard.
Analyse your spectra directly in the instrument’s embedded software. Lyza 7000 delivers compliance with ASTM E2412, D7214, D7412, D7414, D7415, D7624, D7844, and D7418 via pre-installed, easy-to-use methods. Measure parameters like soot, oxidation, nitration, phosphate anti-wear components, sulphate by-products and the contamination of water, gasoline, diesel, and ethylene glycol quickly and reliably.
SVM series
Enjoy the gold standard with the widest temperature range on the market:
-60°C to +135°C
• Use one instrument for all samples: from jet fuel to wax, without changing capillaries
• Cool down the sample to -20 °C without external counter-cooling
• Comply with SAE J300, ASTM D396, D975, D7666, ISO 23581, EN 16896, and other standards
• Combine with Xsample sample changers and Abbemat refractometers for automated multiparameter analyses
• Kinematic viscosity, dynamic viscosity, density, viscosity index all on a single measurement
PMA series
At which temperatures will your sample burn, ignite, or cause fire? How are your flammable liquids composed, and what are their properties? Volatility is directly related to a substance‘s flash point temperature (flammability).
Anton Paar’s flash point testing equipment safely and easily determines the
values you require for the processing, storage, transportation, and classification of dangerous liquids.
• The highest sample throughput on the market
• Electric igniter: 10x longer lifetime than competitor products
• Sophisticated feature set, simplifying daily lab work Clever design reduces measurement and cleaning time
• Complies to ASTM D93, EN ISO 2719, IP 34, JIS K2265-3, GB/T261
Diana Series Anton Paar’s advanced automatic distillation
unit performs highly accurate boiling range analysis of petroleum products, solvents, and other volatile organic liquids.
The innovative user interface, high safety standards, and excellent volume detection are the key to perfect results, lasting operator satisfaction, and cost savings.
The distillation behavior of petroleum products such as fuels, solvents, and other volatile organic liquids is determined precisely, meeting international industry lab standards. The automatic distillation unit measures in full compliance with ASTM D86 (group 0 to 4), ASTM D850 and ASTM D1078, ISO 3405, ISO 918, IP 123, IP 195, DIN 51751, and GOST 2177.
Other solutions offered:
• Penetrometers Oxidation Stability
• Cold flow properties
• GUM Content
• Rotational Viscosity
With the launch of the Omnis NIRS analyser, Metrohm now offers the best of near infra-red and Raman technology for the Petroleum industry.
The Omnis NIRS system is provided with pre-calibrations thereby enabling the user to
immediately start analysis. If optimisation of the calibration model is needed the analyst simply scans additional samples and activates Omnis Model Developer (OMD) software to do the rest.
Three hundred scans in less than one second with total analysis taking less than ten seconds translates to faster analysis and a more efficient laboratory.
In addition to the new lab system, get ready to meet the latest addition to the Metrohm PAT Family: The 2060 Raman. Our new process Raman analyser, engineered by Metrohm, is set to transform your process monitoring, bringing a whole new dimension of efficiency to your operations.
Frequent control of process parameters is
critical to maintain product and process specifications and to achieve optimal product quality and consistency in any industry. Providing «real-time» smart data to any industrial control system (e.g., DCS or PLC) greatly reduces downtimes, and costly company assets are safeguarded. The 2060 Raman Analyser uses a 785-nm laser and fibre optic probes. It has rock-solid laser stability, ensuring unwavering reliability and consistent results over extended periods.
Regardless of the industry requiring process monitoring, the 2060 Raman Process Analyser is tailor-made to provide enhanced process control and optimisation, increased safety and compliance and significant cost reductions.
HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence (CoC) is one of the three centres launched by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The overall goal of HySA is to develop and guide innovation along the value chain of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in South Africa.
HySA Infrastructure CoC is co-hosted by North-West University (NWU) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and directed by Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov. HySA’s Infrastructure aims to use South Africa's abundant renewable and mineral resources to deliver technologies for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. Energy carriers, system
integration, and infrastructure are their primary technology deliverables (such as electrochemical hydrogen compression, water electrolysis, LOHC technology, refuelling stations, hydrogen safety, etc.).
Through technological development and demonstration, the research is driven by product needs. They can also develop and manufacture catalyst coated membranes, gas diffusion electrodes, LOHC catalysts, hydrogen and oxygen evolution electrocatalysts, recombination catalysts, etc. This laboratory is used to fulfil the needs of the National Flagship HySA program and benefits all SA PGM-related stakeholders, giving them an opportunity to
Determination of ammonium is one of the most crucial applications for sectors such as water and wastewater analysis, fertilisers, and others. Metrohm Application Bulletin AB-133 describes the determination of ammonium by ion measurement according to ISO 6778, EPA 359.2, EPA 305.3, and ASTM D1426. Tips & Tricks on how to deal with possible interferences, sample preparation, and handling of the ammonia ion selective electrode are also covered.
While there exist photometric methods for ammonium, they are rather time consuming (up to 90 min. reaction time). Moreover, photometric determination in opaque solutions is always a challenge. Determination by direct measurement using an ion-selective electrode, on the other hand, is faster and more robust. Hence, measurements can be easily performed in wastewater, liquid fertiliser, and urine as well as in soil extracts.
Determination of ammonia in ammonium salts, of the nitric acid content in nitrates, and of the nitrogen content of organic compounds with the ion-selective ammonia electrode is based on the
principle that the ammonium ion is released as ammonia gas upon addition of excess caustic soda: NH4+ + OH– → NH3 + H2O
The outer membrane of the electrode allows the ammonia to diffuse through. The change in the pH value of the inner electrolyte solution is monitored by a combined glass electrode. If the substance to be measured is not present in the form of an ammonium salt, it must first be converted into such a salt. To this end, organic nitrogen compounds, especially amino compounds, are digested according to Kjeldahl by heating with concentrated sulfuric acid. The carbon is oxidised to carbon dioxide in the process while the organic nitrogen is transformed quantitatively into ammonium sulphate.
commercialise the PGM-catalysts as well as their water electrolysis application to address escalating needs in the clean hydrogen technologies development and energy transition.
Recently they bought a new Essential 5A booster in addition to the potentiostat SP-150e. This equipment will be used to study the oxygen/hydrogen evolution catalysts/catalytic layers in a high-current half-cell equipment. These studies allow one to perform a lab-scale optimisation of catalyst layers before their implementation in the full cell application, like water electrolysers. HySA at NWU is collaborating with Japan under the SATREPS project on
water electrolysis and green ammonia. This new equipment will contribute towards the goals of the SATREPS project.
Weighing cells are employed in a variety of sectors and workplaces despite being barely noticeable. The weighing cell is crucial to accurately determining mass, whether it is used in laboratory balances, industrial scales, or conveyor belt systems.
Traditional electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) weighing cells are a dependable technology that have been around for a long time. It can be very difficult to put up this weighing cell because it has so many distinct interdependent pieces, depending on the design plan and the necessary accuracy.
The PHASTblocTM is a novel hybrid weighing cell type technology (Precisa Hybrid Advanced Sensor Technology). Three monolithic functional layers make up its structure. The chassis is manufactured using the extrusion process rather than being milled or cut from a single solid block of aluminium as per norm. This limits the strength of the top layer to what is necessary, and lowers the amount of energy needed to produce basic materials.
The manufacturer can receive the raw material in one shipment, and the extrusion process enables an excellent material yield, leading to a good material utilisation grade (70 to 75%). Each of the two stronger layers is finished separately.
Additionally, here, production procedures and component sizes are optimised while, once more, resource and energy usage is kept to a minimum. Whereas pure monolithic systems
have limitations, the PHASTblocTM system can be built up to be used for heavier weight loads and greater platform sizes (for example, in the industrial sector).
REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUSCRIPTS:
Abstracts of 350 words or less should be submitted electronically to the NLA-website at www.nla.org.za, with author contact information and a biography by 31 May 2024. (See the NLA-website for both the abstract and manuscript format). When you submit your abstract, you must be sure that you receive confirmation of receipt of the abstract from the NLA database.
Rainin’s SmartCheck is a quick and easy way to check if pipettes are dispensing accurately. SmartCheck has a proprietary technology consisting of a weighing cell that automatically recognises the test volume. Based on four replicates, the device provides a quick, yet reliable confirmation showing if the pipette and its user deliver accurate volumes.
Pipette verification in seconds
Verifying a pipette's performance before working with precious samples and reagents saves time and money, especially in regulated environments. SmartCheck runs a number of calculations and delivers a pass or fail result in less than 60 seconds, then you can know that your pipette is aspirating and dispensing correctly.
Verify any brand of pipette
Use SmartCheck to verify the performance of any brand of pipette that dispenses volumes between 10–1000μL. Users can also verify individual channels of multichannel pipettes. Simply dispense deionised water into the liquid chamber and SmartCheck automatically detects the test volume and delivers a result. It is also perfect for training and improving pipetting technique.
Fast & compact
Not only is SmartCheck fast and compact –it is the only automatic ISO 8655-based pipette verification tool available.
SmartCheck takes volumetric measurements using the gravimetric method and calculates the random and systematic error based on four measurements.
METTLER TOLEDO, a global leading supplier of precision instruments, has introduced four new lines of laboratory balances, offering diverse industries an extensive and superior range of analytical and precision balances to ensure accurate and reliable weighing across all applications.
Advanced technology, smart features
The introduction of the new Advanced and Standard balance portfolio, comprising the MX, MR, MA, and LA lines, positions METTLER TOLEDO as a frontrunner in laboratory weighing, prioritising simplicity, performance and longevity. The new balance line is Swissengineered, boasts advanced technology and smart features that enhance measurement accuracy, streamline operation, and deliver a seamless, ergonomic and sustainable weighing experience.
High quality, durable and sustainable
The Advanced and Standard balance portfolio is suitable for both advanced and essential weighing requirements. Balances cover a wide weighing range, with readabilities from 1g down to 0.01mg, and capacities from 220g up to 32kg, including large platforms and
compact portable models. Additionally, all models are designed with power-saving features and a more sustainable use of highquality materials, ensuring durability and ecofriendliness.
National Separations offers a wide selection of syringe filters designed to achieve efficient and rapid filtration of both organic and aqueous solutions. Syringe filters provide accurate and reliable sample preparation in various laboratory applications, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, food and beverage, and environmental labs.
High quality membranes
Syringe filters are expertly designed with a wide range of high-quality membranes, with different pore sizes and diameters. The syringe filters provide maximum convenience, consistency and reliability, enabling fast, efficient and easy sample preparation.
Variety of membrane materials
Syringe filters are available in different membrane formats. Choose from hydrophilic, hydrophobic, solvent-resistant, or pre-filter combined options, or sterile or non-sterile versions. High-grade membrane materials include regenerated cellulose (RC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), nylon membranes (NY), polyethersulphone (PES), cellulose acetate (CA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polypropylene (PP). Each material has its
own chemical compatibility and characteristics, making it suitable for specific applications.
Versatile and efficient
Syringe filters are designed to have low adsorption of analytes, ensuring maximum recovery of the filtered product. Filters provide excellent flow rates and low holdup volumes, optimising filtration efficiency and minimising waste. Additionally, syringe filters fit on all standard luer lock syringes, preventing any leakage during the filtration process.
Syringe filters are labelled with information such as pore size, membrane type, and batch number on the filter housing for easy identification and traceability. The selection of the filter diameter depends on the volume to be filtered and the properties of the particles present.
NATIONAL SEPARATIONS (PTY) LTD
Frances Renwick Tel: 087 092 7300
Frances.Renwick@natsep.co.za www.natsep.co.za
Waters has introduced the new Oasis WAX/ GCB and GCB/WAX for PFAS Analysis
Cartridges, incorporating design features that greatly simplify and speed up sample preparation and analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To help ensure accuracy and further confidence in test results, cartridges are QC-tested by an accredited laboratory for low residual PFAS levels, to reduce or eliminate any time spent troubleshooting potential assay contamination.
Improve sample preparation and processing
The Waters Oasis Dual-phase PFAS Analysis
Cartridges simplify and expedite the preparation of complex samples, such as nonpotable water, soil, biosolids and tissue. These cartridges combine the two clean-up steps required by EPA Method 1633 for PFAS analysis – a Weak Anion-Exchange (WAX) cartridge and dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) graphitised carbon black (GCB). These cartridges are faster and easier to use than the traditional method of using WAX and loose GCB. They reduce sample preparation time by 20% and sample processing time by approximately 30 minutes per batch to boost sample throughput and help busy laboratories to save valuable time and resources.
Compliant with EPA Method 1633
Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges are
the latest products within a comprehensive portfolio of PFAS Testing Solutions offered by Waters to support the increasing need for PFAS environmental testing. These cartridges are designed to meet all EPA Method 1633 requirements for aqueous and solid samples and are available in packs of 30 and 300 cartridges.
A combination of spectroscopy and computer simulations have revealed how pyramidal molecules are able to move over surfaces.
Researchers from the University of Surrey combined with Switzerland’s Graz University of Technology likened the movement to that of a “nanoscopic Moon lander”.
The focus of their observations was a molecule of triphenylphosphine (PPh3) traversing a graphite surface.
Using a unique combination of neutron spectroscopy and advanced computer simulation, the researchers, writing in Communications Chemistry reported the molecule jumped and rotated in a manner likened to a spacecraft touching down while employing very little energy
A pyramidal molecule – characterised by one atom at its apex and three at the corners of a triangular base – PPh3’s uses include drug delivery to cells.
It is hoped that better understanding of its movement could help with the creation of new advanced materials and more efficient medicine and nanotechnology explained Dr Anton Tamtögl, experimental physicist at Graz University.
“The experimental results have unveiled a captivating dance of molecules, providing
us with a deeper understanding of surface dynamics and opening up new horizons for materials science and nanotechnology,” he said.
His collaborator, associate professor in Physical and Computational Chemistry at the University of Surrey Dr Marco Sacchi
described the study of molecule movement as crucial for understanding chemical reactions and making nano-scale devices. He explained: "Our work has only scratched the surface of the complexities behind the self-assembly of non-planar molecules on graphite. It's a step towards
unravelling the subtleties of surface chemistry and its applications in nanotechnology."
Source: https://www.labnews.co.uk/article/2095428/moon-landermolecule-caught-on-the-move
AIS Automate SPE-LV6 Workstation making your sample preparation process more reliable and secure
The SPE-LV 6 is a f ully automated positive pressure workstation for sample preparation by SPE solid phase extraction Below are 9 Good Reason s to choose the SPE LV6:
1 Ensures Time Saving for Users during Sample Preparation
2 Guarantees Repeatable Results with Positive Pressur e Technology
3 Creates your Purification Methods with Flexibility & Simplicity
4. Improves your Sample Purification Step
5 Automatic Rin sing Step avoids Cross Contaminations
6. Innovative & Robust Technology
7 Plug and Play in Few Minutes
8 Easy to Use without specific knowledge
9. Cleaner & Safer Instrume nt with Solvent Waste Recoveries
Cell: +27 (0) 71 895 2546
Office: +27 (0) 11 804
Email: yvonne@bslc.co.za
Web: www.bslc.co.za
Syringe p Solvents
Sample v 10mL to Flowrate
0,50µL/min 15mL/min
Autosampler integrat
Sample vol from 0,1mL to 25mL Tube : 13x100 -18x150mm Sample loop calibrate
ash-chromatography.com/spe-lv6-automated-workstation/ interchim com/pp php?ref=1688
Address: P.O.Box 773, Gallo Manor, 2052, South Africa Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy is a Level 2 BBBEE Contributor
METTLER TOLEDO’s EasyPlus UV/VIS instrument line sets a new standard of versatility and convenience for quality control in food-beverage, chemical, testing labs, environmental and academia.
3-in-1 functionality
EasyPlus UV and EasyPlus VIS scanningbased spectrophotometers offer three measuring tasks within one compact instrument. They integrate conventional spectroscopy, colour measurement and water testing. Designed to facilitate routine spectroscopic workflows, they are easy to use and ensure accurate, repeatable measurements. Built-in validated methods eliminate calculation and transcription errors, increase data quality, and shorten time to results.
Conventional spectroscopy
Easily measure absorbance/transmittance at multiple wavelengths or scan a spectrum of the sample with the customisable parameter settings and the peak finding function. Exchangeable
XPathHolders allow one to shift quickly between seven different path lengths to suit a wide application and concentration range.
Colour measurement
EasyPlus UV/VIS features 30 standardcompliant colour scales (e.g. APHA, ASBC, CIELAB, EBC, Gardener) to expand your versatility in colour measurements.
Water testing
EasyPlus UV/VIS allows efficient water testing with ready-to-use test kits and 150 validated methods. Measure low concentrations using long path-length cuvettes with the Spectroquant test kit or self-determined (quantification) calibration curves. Small labs can now perform secure and accurate water testing directly at their premises.
Easy to use
The intuitive user interface with workflow guidance and integrated tutorials allows for simple plug-and-measure. Methods
Headquartered in Barcelona (Spain), Scharlab has experienced outstanding growth with direct presence in 11 countries and a distribution network covering over 100 countries. Since the foundation in 1949, Scharlab has gained over 70 years’ experience in manufacturing chemicals and reagents.
Scharlab is the first Spanish company to locally produce solvents for HPLC and is dedicated to design, manufacture and distribution services used in a chemistry laboratory: Chemicals and reagents, organic standards, microbiology, glassware and quartz, chromatography and consumables.
compliant to industry standards eliminate the need for post-measurement calculation. Data acquisition, storage and display can be performed by the optional EasyDirect UV/VIS software. It has additional functions, such as closing the SmartLid to automatically start the measurement, increase productivity, and avoid time-consuming task repetition.
Quality, certification and accreditation:
• ISO 9001 certificate ISO 14001 certificate
• ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation certificate
INSTRULAB a division of Air and Vacuum Technologies (Pty) Ltd
011 318 3241/2/3/4
JHB: 066 133 2970
CPT: 082 576 9372
KZN: 082 576 9372
E-mail: info@vactech.co.za instrulab1@vactech.co.za reception@vactech.co.za burnm@vactech.co.za www.vactech.co.za
Bruker South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Telephone: +27 (0)11 463 6040
Fax: +27 (0)11 463 6289
info.za@bruker.com Web: www.bruker.com
A-A001-G
and Lab Products Africa (Pty) Ltd
Tel: +27 (0)87 610 0900
Fax: +27 (0)86 244 9524
Tel: +27 83 626 5742 +27 64 870 5046 Email: sales@alpa.bz Website: www.airlabproducts.com
• Advion - Compact & affordable High Performance Mass Spectrometer using Atmospheric Solid Analysis Probe, Open Port Sampling Interface and Gas Phase Sample Analysis. Other instrumentation includes Plate Express (TLC interface), (U)HPLC, ICP-MS and Chip-Based Electrospray Ionization
• Interchim – Formidable instrumentation for Preparative Liquid Chromatography, Ultra performance Flash Purification, Purification of Proteins and Peptides, Process Purification and Protein Analysis.
• Bio-Logic - High performance instrumentation for the Research Lab, Electrochemistry, Potentiostat/Galvanostat, Corrosion, Battery & Fuel Cell Testing, Super Capacitors, Sensor Development, Nanotechnology, Material Testing, Solar Cells & Photovoltaic Systems, Electro-chemical Scanning Systems, Spectroscopy & Photosynthesis and Rapid Kinetics.
• CAMAG – World’s Leader in Thin Layer Chromatography supporting TLC, HPTLC, HPTLC PRO and Dried Blood Spot Sampling.
• Kuhner - World’s most reliable Shaker/Shaking Incubator (from 2g up to 2tons) for more than 60 years with 5 years warranty Tel: (011) 804 3503 Fax:
E-mail: bruno@bslc.co.za
E-mail: info@analyticalsolutions.co.za www.analyticalsolutions.co.za
• Chembiz is a supplier of high quality laboratory instrumentation.
• Supplier of Ohaus balances, scales and moisture analysers.
• Ohaus pH, Conductivity, electrochemistry products.
• Ohaus Centrifuges, Micropipettes, Shakers, Vortex mixers.
• Ohaus precision mass calibration weights.
• General laboratory equipment
Davies Diagnostics (Pty) Ltd
We offer EXTRAordinary service to all laboratories. Our staff is technically qualified to offer full technical support of all our products.
Our product range covers microbiology, haematology, virology, immunology, serology, blood transfusion, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry and general laboratory products.
PO Box 3222
Randburg
2125
Tel: +27 11 777 7600
Fax: +27 11 787 6917
Email: mkt@daviesdiag.co.za www.daviesdiagnostics.co.za
Your accredited service provider for: - Calibration - Validation & Qualification - Technical Inspection
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Official agent for:
www.labcalsolutions.com
T: +27 11 466 4145 E: admin@labcal.co.za
We provide innovative technology for your most challenging samples, including instruments for analytical, separation, and metallographic science as well as complete line of consumable products.
Tel: +27 11 974 1681
Fax: +27 11 974 1848
Cell: +27 82 771 7083 www.lecoafrica.co.za
Head office Tel: 011 615 6076
Durban Tel: 031 701 2711
Cape Town Tel: 021 946 1722
Port Elizabeth Tel: (010) 447 1866
Website: www.hanna.co.za
E-mail: hanna@hanna.co.za
Labotec is your guarantee of WORLD CLASS LAB EQUIPMENT with South African based after-sales service and support
Tel: +27 11 315 5434
Fax: +27 11 315 5882 sales@labotec.co.za www.labotec.co.za
Your solution provider of certified and analytical reference materials, pharmaceutical impurity - and drug standards, biological standards, profieciency testing schemes and Fusion Equipment
Tel: (011) 466 4321 sales.za@lgcgroup.com www.lgcstandards.com
Email: info.laf@liebherr.com
Web: www.liebherr.com
YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER
PROVIDING WINNING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, HEALTH AND EDUCATION SOLUTIONS ACROSS AFRICA
Our extensive sourcing network and long-term partnerships with leading international manufacturers means you can get the highest quality product at the most competitive price.
agents for: CEM Microwave and Teledyne Cetac Technologies
M.A.D TECHNOLOGY (PTY)LTD
Tel: +27 11 797 3660
Fax: +27 11 797 3670
Cell: +27 82 803 4484 bruce@madtech.co.za www.madtech.co.za
Microsep distributes and supports market-leading brands in southern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
We offer the sale and support of technologically advanced scientific and analytical instrumentation, laboratory and industrial weighing equipment. Our focus is to provide high quality products and innovative solutions to satisfy the needs of our customers in the general laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and beverage, chemical and petro-chemical, environmental and industrial markets. Industry leading brands include Waters and Mettler Toledo.
Johannesburg | Cape Town | Durban | Gqeberha
Tel. 087 092 7300
Email: info@microsep.co.za www.microsep.co.za
2 Saturn Crescent, Linbro Business Park
Frankenwald Ext. 30 Sandton, 2090
We are a BBBEE subsidiary of Metrohm-AG. Our market-leading products are produced in Switzerland and other European countries thereby guaranteeing you the highest accuracy and reliability. We supply lab and on-line process monitoring analysers for:
pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, Titration / Karl Fischer, Ion chromatography, Electrochemistry, Raman and NIR spectroscopy.
Milestone: microwave sample preparation, acid purification systems and direct mercury analysers. Biosystems: wine / juice / food analysers & reagents.
Gauteng: 011 656 1918
Kwazulu Natal: 031 265 0067
Western Cape: 021 852 0213
E-mail: info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.com/en_za
National Separations (NATSEP) partners with global leading biotechnology and diagnostic companies to provide general laboratory equipment, lab and process filtration technologies, water purification systems, rapid microbiological and contamination monitoring products in southern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Market leading product brands include Amazon Filters, Hygiena Diagnostics, Rephile BioScience, Saint-Gobain and Avantor Bioprocess for all industries. Sartorius products for the Food and Beverage market.
Johannesburg | Cape Town | Durban | Gqeberha
Tel. +27 87 092 7300
Email: sales@natsep.co.za www.natsep.co.za
With multiple flow rate models of nitrogen, hydrogen and zero air laboratory gas generators, Peak Scientific has the ideal gas solution for LC-MS, GC & GC-MS instruments, even up to an entire laboratory’s gas supply.
Contact us:
+27 (0) 21 851 6542
Streamline your workflow with a cost e ective, reliable, eco-friendly and safe alternative to gas bottles.
peakafrica@peakscientific.com www.peakscientific.com
SSS is a highly specialised company dedicated to offering superior support in niche markets in Chromatography and related disciplines. SSS is an OEM distributor for Vici and an accredited distributor for all Varian consumables; Vici Valves and GC Detectors; Precision Sampling Syringes; ChromPerfect Data Systems; Hamilton Syringes; SGE Syringes & Supplies; National Scientific Vials, Septa, Syringe Filters, Caps etc; Bohlender Teflon Products; GL Science Leak Detectors; Specialised and Refurbished Instruments; Capillary Columns; Solid Phase Extraction; Nikepal Syringes. Training is a priority at SSS and regular hands-on courses are offered. The range is expanding annually and SSS also
