Issue 5 • 2018 • Vol. 37 • No. 5
Lab Management & SERVING THE LABORATORY COMMUNITY SINCE 1981
INSIDE
SciencE
NEWS: Genes for Africa: tailoring treatments to match diversity PRODUCT: Next-level titration with Metrohm’s OMNIS | LAB SPOTLIGHT: SANAE IV
Grateful...
As Wirsam Scientific celebrates our Golden Jubilee we cannot help but be grateful. This is a moment to pause and reflect on the journey and the people who have helped to make this possible. We would like to pay a tribute to the founders, Peter and Tufty Wirsam for their determination and vision. Thank you to our employees who have loyally served Wirsam Scientific over the years. To all our partners, thank you for your support. But most importantly thank you to all our customers, the researchers, scientists, professors, technicians, field workers, engineers, doctors, visionaries - you are the reason why we are here and why we love what we do. Fifty years later, we are still young, fit and growing!
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C ONTENTS
22
SPACE: THE FINAL BATTLEFIELD? EDITOR’S NOTE 4 Keep SA research afloat
LAB SAFETY AND HYGIENE 24 Volatile gas transfer
NEWS 5 Genes for Africa: tailoring treatments to match diversity
WEIGHING EQUIPMENT 27 Aczet moisture balances
8 Beer, grub and machines at fdt Africa 2018
CHEMICALS & REAGENTS 28 Super pure solvents
INDUSTRY NEWS 10 Local science and technology news SCIENCE NEWS 13 Largest ever brain-aging study points finger at schizophrenia, weed
30 41
TITRATION 30 Omnis modular system PRODUCT AND SERVICE INSIGHT 33 Pipetting robots
LAB SPOTLIGHT 14 Research on ice: SA’s Antarctic science lab
STRANGER THAN SCIENCE FICTION 36 Far-out news from the edges of science
ANIMAL KINGDOM 20 Caprids, corvids and cockroaches
PRODUCT DIRECTORY 37 Comprehensive list of lab products.
SPACE NEWS 22 Space: the final battlefield?
COMPANY DIRECTORY 40 Comprehensive list of company contact details
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LMS Issue 5 | 2018
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EDITOR ’ S NOTE
Keep SA research afloat At what point does technology outstrip the ability of its creators to utilise it? Knowledge needs to be implemented, after all, and according to Moore’s Law the rate of technological change nowadays is such that, in the two weeks between us signing off this issue and it arriving in your hands, a 17th century worth of technological discovery has passed. Nowadays, health news websites seem more like extracts
Lab Management & Science is looking for contributors. Do you have something to say about the current state of the lab industry and science in South Africa? Send us a story and we will consider printing it! Send submissions to Conrad.Strydom@ newmediapub.co.za
from a science fiction author’s notebook than actual reportage. Someone has to turn this deluge of scientific discovery into manufacturing output, after all, but this is a time-consuming process and by the time
And yet, despite the paltry funding our
a discovery reaches the market it is already
scientific sector receives, it has been doing
likely to be several generations out of date.
rather well for itself. Our feature article on
What, for example, is the use of a
pages 5 and 6 concerns one of SA’s premier
technology that sequences the genome
stem cell researchers, the CSIR and UCT’s
for R15 000 when its successor discovery
Dr Janine Scholefield and her work on
can do it for R3000 and the one after may
African genetic diversity and antiretroviral
do it for free? This situation is a challenge
medication. One of SA’s most impressive and
for countries such as China and the US
longest-running scientific endeavours is
that spend significant portions of GDP on
the SANAE IV base in Antarctica, which we
research. Is it then any wonder then that
profile on pages 18 and 19. We also take a look
countries such as South Africa enter the
at some local scientific discoveries such as
marketplace of ideas and find ourselves
the BRAYFOIL, a revolutionary wind turbine
overwhelmed, spending only 0.7% of our
wing that could be the next great leap in
modest GDP on scientific research?
sustainable energy, on page 10.
In this context, the recent release of the
LMS was privileged to attend the annual
government’s Survey on Government Funding
Food and Drink Technology Africa event at
for Scientific and Technological Activities
Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
raises many concerns. A full 37% (R8.8bn)
We took a whole bunch of photos and
of government spending on research is
sampled some of the finest local craft beers
funnelled towards the social sciences, while
along the way. Read the report on page 8 and
17% (R4bn) goes to research in the policing
9. We also look at ways to improve the lab
and defence sectors. A paltry 14% (R3.2bn)
safety environment in the era of superbugs
is spent on what government calls ‘the
on page 16 and how the new generation of 3D
advancement of knowledge’, a blanket term
printers is boosting lab efficiency on page 20.
for the kind of sandbox approach to scientific
Finally, LMS is meant to be a mouthpiece
discovery that has driven many of the
for the local lab industry and we welcome
century’s greatest innovations.
whatever input you may have. This even
With the rate of technological change
extends to publishing content you write for
accelerating as it is, the government’s
the mag via our contributor programme (see
unfortunate lack of focus on scientific
left). We welcome anyone with something
discovery potentially creates a situation in
interesting to say, so send your submissions
which countries who have rode the crest
to Conrad.Strydom@newmediapub.co.za
of the scientific wave better than us, will
ASAP. Until next time.
dominate us to such an extent we would have no recourse against them. A case in
Nullius in verba (‘don’t take anybody’s word for it’).
point is artificial intelligence (AI). Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk recently expressed his certainty that AI will be used as a weapon, while Russia’s Vladimir Putin has previously stated that the country who masters AI will dominate the world.
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NE WS
Genes for Africa: tailoring treatments to match diversity
CSIR and UCT researcher Dr Janine Scholefield has been making waves with her research into the genetic origin of adverse reactions to antiretroviral medication. Lab Management & Science spoke to her about the exciting world of stem cells, how genome engineering could create immunity to HIV and how new drugs don’t take Africa’s genetic diversity into account. When explaining why stem cell research is important,
her disease, but there was a snag: the T-cells weren’t hers and
Dr Scholefield likes to bring up the example of Layla, a six-
therefore weren’t compatible with her genome. Undeterred, her
month-old baby diagnosed with a severe form of leukaemia at
doctors took to the lab and tweaked the cells so that they would
Great Ormonde Street Hospital in London. The doctors treating
no longer be a mismatch. Today, Layla is still alive and kicking,
Layla had all but given up on her when one of them recalled that
making her the first person to successfully receive treatment for an
a French company called Cellectis had genetically modified some
incurable form of cancer.
T-cells to target CD19, a protein often expressed on cancer cells. The physicians treating Layla decided to use these cells to target
“What we need to understand about Layla’s case,” Dr Scholefield said, “is that the combination of genome engineering and cellular therapy is going to start curing things that were completely resistant to any kind of therapy before.” As a geneticist, Dr Scholefield studies the way genes control cells and particularly how they can adversely affect cells and cause disease. Increased knowledge of these processes helps scientists to develop novel treatments based on a deep understanding of cell processes no one imagined possible a mere decade ago.
Genome engineering in a nutshell The modern science of genome engineering is based on the understanding that sequences within your DNA dictate the proteins your body makes. Any changes to the coding sequences of your DNA changes what your proteins do, or in a worst-case scenario knock that sequence out of your DNA and not form any proteins at all. Genome engineering works by introducing nucleases that act like molecular scissors, prompting a massive double strand break in your DNA helix. “Cells can repair the damage caused by nucleases in one of two ways,” Dr Scholefield said, “either by simply grafting the two ends of the helix together, which is not always optimal, or by guiding a new piece of DNA into the gap created by the nuclease, perhaps by using Cas9, the basis of CRISPR technology.” The second approach has delivered the best results so far, potentially providing cures for monogenic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia. Dr Scholefield, who completed a PhD on a degenerative disease called spinocerebellar ataxia, works for the CSIR and UCT as a lecturer and specialist in stem cell biology. “Understanding how mistakes in our DNA cause disease is a big part of a geneticist’s Dr Janine Scholefield, CSIR senior researcher w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
job,” Dr Scholefield said. Her research focus to date has been how
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
5
NE WS to apply this principle to develop models
“Most drug trials take place in the
in fact HIV positive. They appeared to be
of disease-in-a-dish in order to better
West,” Dr Scholefield said, “and this is
controlling their own viral replication levels
understand how HIV/Aids attack the cells
causing the severe adverse drug reactions
and the only thing they seemed to have in
in our bodies and to make liver cells that
we are seeing.” Bypassing the established
common was a mutation in the CCR5 gene,
reflect African mutatins.
drug companies is also a problem because
which prevents HIV from latching onto cells
of the prohibitive costs of creating new
and thereby infecting them.
African genetic diversity and HIV/Aids
drugs, which currently stands at an unbelievable R35bn in the US. “We have
this mutation, which was especially prevalent
Dr Scholefield believes that our picture of
to find a way to do this more cheaply, and
among Caucasians, was that individuals
HIV/Aids in Africa is incomplete if we don’t
that’s where disease-in-a-dish comes in,”
with the mutation were more likely to
take genetic factors into account. “It is very
Dr Scholefield said.
survive during the Black Death in Europe.
apparent that some people, especially in the African population, are more susceptible to disease than others,” she said. Moreover, our genetics dictate how different people react to drugs. She believes the key to understanding why this happens relates to mutations in our liver genes, especially the ones that metabolise drugs. “In a Finnish population one of these mutations, called the T allele, is present in only 16% of the population, while in a Kenyan population it is present in 36%,” she pointed out. “If you have the T mutation you can’t metabolise your antiretrovirals.” For years, people who don’t possess the
The best explanation for the presence of
“Individuals with CCR5 are highly refractory
From a geneticist’s
perspective, CCR5 means that by simply knocking a gene out of the DNA helix we could induce immunity to HIV. Geneticists can test drugs on cell samples
to HIV,” Dr Scholefield said, “and from a geneticist’s perspective this means that by simply knocking a gene out of the DNA helix we could induce immunity to HIV.” CCR5 also played a role in the case of Timothy Brown, the only person ever cured of HIV/Aids. Brown’s cure appears to have come about when he was given a bonemarrow transfusion from an individual with the CCR5 mutation. “The incredible thing about the CCR5 mutation is that we just need to knock it out in the lab to
in the lab to their heart’s content and
prevent cells from being infected with HIV,”
drastically shorten the pipeline from lab
Dr Scholefield enthused.
means to metabolise antiretrovirals have
to patient. Induced pluripotent stem cells
been reporting to hospitals with incredibly
(iPSCs) derived from the patient’s own cells
Stem cell research to benefit Africa
severe adverse reactions that often leave
bypass compatibility issues because they
Stem cells first rose to public consciousness
their doctors stumped. “Perhaps as many
have the exact genetics needed. To bypass
during the debate around whether
as one in 12 people on antiretroviral
genetic incompatibility, Dr Scholefield and
embryonic stem cells should be utilised in
medication are going to hospitals not
her team turns these iPSCs into liver cells,
genome engineering. Since then the use of
because they are sick from the disease, but
since these are responsible for metabolising
embryonic stem cells has been rendered
because the drugs are not tailored to work
substances like drugs. “We go to individuals
unnecessary by the discovery of induced
with their particular genetic mutations,”
with the correct genetic background, we
pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from
Dr Scholefield said.
take skin cells, turn them into stem cells
any adult cells. Dr Scholefield believes the
and then we slowly introduce genetic
unprecedented versatility of iPSCs allows
very seldom developed with African genetic
mutations as and when we want to,” she
genetic fixes for ailments that have plagued
diversity in mind. “There is much, much
said. These ‘Africanised’ stem cells can
the human race for hundreds of thousands
more genetic diversity in Africa than in the
then be turned into liver cells in order to
of years.
rest of the world,” she said. “This is because
tailor existing drugs to each patient and
“Even though we in South Africa are
roughly 100 000 years ago a handful of
ensure that adverse effects don’t occur.”
not necessarily at the forefront of genetic
According to Dr Scholefield, drugs are
people left Africa and effectively populated
research, we do have the ability to harness
the rest of the world.” For this reason,
CCR5 and HIV immunity
some pretty powerful technologies
non-African populations are not nearly as
Researchers into the genetics of HIV/
and apply them to an African context,”
genetically diverse as African ones. However,
Aids are incredibly excited by the curative
Dr Scholefield said. “iPSCs are giving us
pharmaceutical companies don’t take this
potential of a tiny protein called CCR5. In
the ability to tailor medicine to our own
into account when they develop drugs
the eighties, some of the very first HIV/
population groups, which should definitely
for Africa, possibly because drug sales in
Aids researchers discovered that a certain
be a component of the future of drug
emerging markets, although on the increase,
proportion of their control groups, who
delivery in South Africa and the continent
don’t come close to sales in the US or Europe.
didn’t display any signs of the disease, were
at large.” M
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LMS Issue 5 | 2018
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NE WS
Beer, grub and machines at fdt Africa 2018 This year’s Food and Drink Technology Africa (fdt Africa) event, organised by Messe München, brought together 111 exhibitors and 1 600 participants from 81 countries. Cue furious networking between the packaging, quality control and manufacturing industries and lots, lots, lots of beer. The team from EcoLab presented advanced testing and hygiene technologies.
Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand was abuzz with the cream of the food and beverage industry from 4-6 September. Representatives from the entire process chain of the industry were present. There was also plenty of beer. The event played host to the annual Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) African Beer Awards, where Joburg’s own Mad Giant Brewery took home the overall prize for their excellent Killer Hop Pale Ale. Microbreweries and the craft beer market seemed to be a focus for many of the exhibitors at the event, many of whom displayed scaled-down distilling and brewing machines specifically designed for the craft beer market. “SA’s craft beer market hasn’t reached the size of the ones in Europe or the United States, where some craft brewers are competing with major beverage companies,” said Apiwe NxusaniMawela, owner of Brewsters Craft, “but the potential for growth is
Arun Kumar and Prabal Chatterjee of process engineering firm Praj Industries.
definitely here.” There are currently over 200 craft microbreweries in SA and the local scene has even started attracting tourists of late. The global craft brewing industry is expected to reach a market value of R7.4tn by 2025, but the SA market is as yet underdeveloped. This is doubly unfortunate because SA is one of the largest markets for beverages in the Southern hemisphere. A whopping 11 billion litres are sold in SA annually. Not only does this represent an opportunity for South African craft brewers, it also means there is a huge gap in the market for locally produced manufacturing, processing and packaging technology. SA is currently forced to import most of the machinery it needs, as witnessed by the Chinese, German, Swiss and Italian machinery suppliers present at the expo. According to data from Euromonitor International, the value of these imports amounted to R31bn over five years, with 80% of this money going to Germany and Italy. As SAP Italia sales representative Guido Ricci pointed out, the craft brewing market in the developing world is potentially larger than the
KK Tiwari and Jeetendra Sarathe of Som Distilleries were among a
one in the developed world, but startup capital is often not available.
delegation of exhibitors from India’s beverage and packaging industries.
“It is sometimes difficult for startup craft brewers to secure funding,”
Poretech’s Louis Breedt presenting the
Microsep divisional manager Frances Renwick,
Litsa Clifford of Sysmex SA presenting the CyFlow
HunterLab set of colour testing products.
Loraika Pillay and Sumaya Ally.
Cube 6 which detects microorganisms in drinks.
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NE WS
Some German exhibitors sample local beverages while a glass of
Joburg’s own Mad Giant Brewery were crowned grand champions at the
MadKing Pilsener is poured in the background.
IBD SA Beer Awards for their Killer Hop Pale Ale.
he said, “Probably because there is still a lot of ignorance about the potential size of the industry.” In a social media age, beverage sales are being driven as much by good local marketing as they are by brand recognition.
Labs involved in food, beverage diagnostics Many of the companies represented at the expo focused on quality control and diagnostics for the food and beverage industry. Often, this involves using high-tech equipment in a controlled lab setting to ensure that foods and beverages meet the requisite specifications for export or domestic use. According to Dr Phiyani Lebea, CEO of local agricultural diagnostics firm Ralejelete Holdings, it is extremely important for producers to meet quality criteria if they want to be taken seriously internationally. “Food exports come with a host of stringent regulations, depending on which country you export to,” Dr Lebea said. “Sorting through this information and ensuring that clients conform to all specifications is a growing industry among lab technicians such as ourselves.” In 2016, agricultural exports alone contributed 12% to total exports for a total of R135 billion. Thanks to the BRICS arrangement, new export opportunities in Russia and China could see those numbers increase substantially, which will create more opportunities for local testing labs.
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a 2018-09-LMSStripAdvert-Weighing-Rev1-1
2018 African Beer Award winners
Trend towards green processes
The Grand Champion Trophy
natural, preservative and additive-free
Mad Giant Brewery for Killer Hop Pale Ale
Best Lager Below 5%
1st Place: Redrock Brewing Co for Rusty Trigger Lager 2nd Place: Darling Brew for Slow Beer
Best Lager 5% and Above
1st Place: International Breweries for Hero 2nd Place: Groupe Castel for Castel Lager
Best Pale Ale
1st Place: Mad Giant Brewery for Killer Hop Pale Ale 2nd Place: The Franschhoek Beer Co for Liberty American Pale Ale
Best Dark Beer
1st Place: Redrock Brewing Co for Painted Black 2nd Place: The Franschhoek Beer Co for The Stout
Best Beer Brewed with less than 50% malted Barley 1st Place: Darling Brew for Bonecrusher 2nd Place: Guinness Ghana for Odehye3
One of the most encouraging takeaways from the expo was the amount of food companies who are opting to produce products. There has been growing consumer demand for healthy and additive-free food products, following years of negative publicity about the adverse effects of substances like MSG, aspartame and sodium nitrite. Suppliers such as Cape Town-based Sphere Foods are providing products that are 100% naturally derived and are having trouble keeping up with demand. Even some firms in the packaging industry are displaying a commitment to green processes. Bloemfontein-based Sheet Plastic, which specialises in extruded plastic sheeting, is trying to produce plastic products that can be reused by industry and using recycled materials to do so, thereby lowering the local plastics footprint considerably. “It is very important that local companies start looking at environmentally friendly packaging solutions,” said Sheet Plastic’s managing director, Van Chen. “The importance of trying to maximise green processes early on cannot be overemphasised.” Next year’s event will be a joint expo with Lab Africa, fdt Africa and IFAT Africa exhibiting together for the first time. Whether there will be triple the amount of beer remains to be seen. M
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
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IND US TRY NE WS Top-paying STEM degrees in SA revealed According to jobs website Adzuna, South African graduates with STEM degrees are never at a loss for employment, with close to 20 000 jobs available at any given time. Engineering grads are the biggest earners, with qualified chemical engineers topping the list at an average annual salary of R604 000. Civil and aeronautical engineers also do very well for themselves, with R578 000 and R516 000 respectively, although the aeronautics industry only had 6 jobs available as of the time of writing. The website confirmed that IT and computer science professionals were the most in-demand nationwide, however, with over 17 000 jobs advertised in that sector. While engineers and IT pros
From left to right: Labotec director Dr Poloko Leotlela, former CEO Stefan Harth and Christopher
appear to rule the roost, maths and stats
Whitfield, CEO of the Batswadi/Labotec Group.
graduates also boasted comfortable salaries with annual incomes between R390 000
“Batswadi has embarked on a renewed
and R449 000.
focus that will guide Labotec into local as
CSIR tests BRAYFOIL’s turbine wing design
well as international
The CSIR has been putting the wind tunnel
laboratory science
suite at its Brummeria facility to good use
leadership,” he said,
testing a revolutionary new wind turbine
indicating that the
wing design on behalf of its inventor, Robert
company plans to
Bray. The wing, known as the BRAYFOIL,
expand to Europe, the
is an auto-setting morphing wing, which
United States and other
can reverse lift from one surface to another
regions in sub-Saharan
instantaneously. It can change shape using
Africa.
reflex section shapes in the wing.
TIA funding startups in waste and water sectors
According to Bray, wind turbines that use BRAYFOIL’s biomimicry technology will be a potent alternative to current wind turbines in urban areas. “Until now, only small
The Technology
microturbines were used in urban areas,”
Innovation Agency
Bray said. “They are noisy, cause vibration
(TIA) of the
on buildings and can’t respond to changing
Department of Science
wind conditions.” Because the BRAYFOIL
and Technology is
sets its angle automatically and responds
calling for innovators
immediately to wind direction, it can be
in the fields of waste
used in urban turbines without disrupting
Batswadi Consumer Healthcare acquires Labotec
and water management to apply for
the environment and can provide on-site
funding via its Natural Resources Business
electricity to an end user directly. M
South African scientific and analytical
Unit. Applications are limited to private
products company Labotec has been
individuals, SMMEs, startup companies
acquired by Batswadi Consumer Healthcare
or science councils and must relate to
in a move that is likely to expand the
e-waste or waste beneficiation, acid mine
reach of both companies. Labotec has
drainage, water purification or water
built a powerful reputation as one of SA’s
saving technologies.
most trustworthy and client-focused
Applications are not open to existing
lab equipment suppliers, while Batswadi
intellectual properties, patents or
is known for its bold approach to the
trademarks – your idea must be completely
local healthcare market. Thanks to the
novel. To get hold of some of that TIA
takeover, Labotec will now sport a Level 2
dough, you’ll have to demonstrate a viable,
BBBEE rating, making them an even more
feasible and sustainable business case
attractive equipment source.
and show how your innovation will have a
In a press release issue by the group,
positive socio-economic impact. Proof of
Batswadi/Labotec CEO, Chris Whitfield
concept is also required, so no unproven or
unveiled an ambitious expansion plan for
untested ideas need apply. You must also
the company, which currently has offices
be an SA citizen and registered on National
in Midrand, Cape Town and Durban.
Treasury’s Central Supplier Database.
10
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
Robert Bray. w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
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IND US TRY NE WS Labotec visits Achema 2018 The latest installation of Achema, a
Government releases science and technology White Paper
platform for exhibition of the latest, most
Science and technology minister
laser to simultaneously maximise both
innovative equipment in the chemical,
Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has released
mode quality and mode energy to optimise
pharmaceutical and food industries, was
her department’s long-awaited White Paper
brightness if an intra-cavity laser beam
held on 11 to 15 June 2018 in Frankfurt.
on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
shaping method is used.
The Batswadi/Labotec team attended
The public has until 10 October to comment
The brightness of a laser is an important
Achema 2018 to identify new products,
on the paper, which outlines government’s
characteristic that defines the potential of
trends and innovations that are suitable for
long-term approach to sci-tech in the early
a laser beam to transmit high energies over
the African market. Numerous exhibitors
years of the fourth industrial revolution.
long distances. Usually, to achieve this,
Optical Society’s journal Optica outlining whether it is possible for a solid-state
revealed their latest developments,
one is required to maximise energy from a
but there was a clear trend towards
laser while maintaining a good quality laser
digitisation, automation and remote
mode. These two critical factors need to
monitoring of devices.
be taken into consideration for the desired
To enhance the experience, some
output. Since the laser mode is the same
booths treated visitors to experiencing
everywhere in solid-state laser cavities,
their equipment through augmented
achieving both parameters is not trivial. In
reality – either with the help of special
the pursuit of high power, the quality of the
glasses or presentations that detailed
laser mode often declines and ultimately
the deconstruction of the equipment. For
decreases the brightness. Similarly, by
more manufacturing focused industries, exhibitors took visitors through intelligent components integration for the factory of tomorrow under three focus topics, namely
Science and Technology Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane. (Photo credit: GCIS) In an address at the paper’s launch in
optimising a laser for a good quality mode, the output power decreases, which results in a degradation of brightness. Dr Naidoo’s research demonstrates a
Flexible Production, Biotech for Chemistry,
Pretoria, Kubayi-Ngubane lauded SA’s
means of using laser beam shaping via
and Chemical and Pharma Logistics.
progress in the fields of biotechnology,
two optical components internal to a laser
nanotechnology and advanced
to transform a good quality laser mode
opportunity for Labotec to affirm that
manufacturing but underlined the desperate
into a mode that is optimised for energy
it is sourcing the latest, best quality and
lack of skills that plagues the sector. The
extraction and back again, demonstrating
appropriate equipment for our customers.
White Paper recommends urgent measures
an enhancement of the brightness of an
The next Achema expo will be held in
to address SA’s skills shortage in the science
off-the-shelf commercial laser by 350%.
Frankfurt from 14 to 18 June 2021.
and technology sector and proposes ways
The Achema 2018 expo pffered an
Dr Naidoo’s biggest challenge was
to modernise industries such as agriculture
handling the optical components inside the
and mining using cutting-edge tech.
laser as each component had four degrees
Green entrepreneurs take note: an entire
of freedom. This made the system difficult
section of the White Paper is dedicated to
to construct and manipulate. The envisaged
improving the local sustainable energy
impact of the research is to break away
sector and improving the environmental
from the conventional design approach that
impact of technologies. The paper also
indicates that a laser mode inside a solid-
envisages an STI Plenary meeting,
state laser cavity is one particular beam.
chaired by the Presidency, which will
“This work explored a novel approach
take place at regular intervals to track the
to mode selection in solid-state lasers
implementation of government’s science
that now gives allowance for geometrical
policies and provide a forum for industry
adaptation. Additionally, this method
leaders to express their views.
serves as a general approach for optimising
Education is one of the White Paper’s
laser brightness, which will be especially
key focus areas, with an increase in the
useful for slab laser configurations,”
number of black and female PhD graduates
Dr Naidoo said. M
earmarked as a priority, as well as an increased number of overseas internships and exchange student programmes. Furthermore, the current gross expenditure on research and development is to be doubled from 0.7% to 1.5% by forcing contributions from provincial governments and canvassing for foreign investment in the sector. From left to right: Batswadi/Labotec CEO
Achema 2018 in Germany. Hirayama has been
Local scientist enhances commercial laser intensity by 350%
exclusively represented by Labotec in southern
Local researcher, Dr Darryl Naidoo has
Africa for many years.
published a breakthrough study in the
Christopher Whitfield, Labotec director, Dr Poloko Leotlela and Hirayama’s Mr Hirano at
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South African laser scientist Dr Darryl Naidoo. w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
S CIENCE NE WS
Mysterious deep space light flashes could be neutron stars or aliens
Largest ever brain-aging study points finger at schizophrenia, weed The largest study into brain aging ever conducted has raised concerns about the aging effects of psychiatric disorders and substance abuse. The study evaluated 62 454 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans from more than 30 000 individuals ranging in age from nine months to 105 years old. SPECT is a nuclear medicine technique that measures blood flow to tissues and organs, in this case the brain. It is hoped that better understanding of factors that lead to premature aging in the brain can be used to create treatments that prevent or reverse brain aging. The top cause of brain aging was found to be schizophrenia, which accelerated the aging process by as much as four years. Surprisingly, the second most severe accelerant was regular marijuana use, which aged the brain 2.8 years on average. ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety and alcohol abuse were key factors in brain aging, as was being male.
A mysterious burst of light flashes in deep space puzzled astronomers last year, and now researchers with the Breakthrough Listen programme are suggesting it might be a sign of alien life. While emissions from neutron stars were suggested as a possibility for these flashes, known as fast radio bursts (FRBs), there is as yet no indication that this is the case. Breakthrough Listen, the world’s largest and most wellfunded organisation searching for extraterrestrial life, believes the anomalous nature of the flashes indicates an intelligent origin. For one thing, light flashes in deep space do not tend to be once-off events. These, which emanated from FRB 121102, a galaxy three billion light years away, occurred 93 times within the course of a single day. Researchers believe this may indicate concerted activity by an advanced civilization, but with the very nature of FRBs still a matter of debate, the truth remains out there.
Solar panels could turn the Sahara green and power the globe
A proposal to cover the Sahara desert with solar panels and windmills could potentially generate enough power to provide for the entire planet’s energy needs several times over. A welcome side effect will be reversing desertification and increasing the amount of greenery in the Sahara. The process of desertification has increased the size of the Sahara by 10% in the last 100 years, but scientists believe that solar panels and wind farms will lower air pressure in the Sahara, causing winds from surrounding regions to flow there and rise due to the increased heat of the soil. This increased concentration of air will lead to higher concentrations of moisture in the air when it rises and eventually lead to rainfall and the return of vegetation to the region. Critics of the proposal have pointed to political instability in the Sahara as the major factor preventing its implementation.
Programme makes fake footage indistinguishable from reality
A deep video portrait software programme has brought the concept of the Matrix one step closer to reality by altering existing footage in such a way it can’t be distinguished from reality. This was revealed in a presentation by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Informatics during the annual SIGGRAPH conference in Vancouver. Essentially, the programme allows you to take any piece of footage and seamlessly model your own facial expressions onto the face of someone in the video. Coupled with audio manipulation software, this creates the potential for the production of fake videos in which users can make famous (or non-famous) folks say anything they would like them to. According to the researchers’ presentation notes, “Our novel deep video portrait approach enables full control over a target actor by transferring head pose, facial expressions and eye motion with a high level of photorealism.” So if you start seeing videos in which Donald Trump talks about his past life as a walrus, it’s either fake – or just 2018. w www.lm w w.lm s m sam g aazgianzei.c n eo..czo. a za
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L AB SP OTL IGHT
Research on ice: SA’s Antarctic science lab
Above: The various research teams at SANAE IV during 2013-2014 (Photo credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre). Below: SANAE IV nestled on a nunatak (rocky outcrop) in Vesleskarvet, Queen Maud Land (Photo credit: Dr Ross Hofmeyer).
Nestled on a rocky outcrop 6 000 kilometres from local shores, South Africa’s Antarctic science expedition has been collecting data in the most inhospitable part of the world since 1959. SANAE IV
Scientific value of Antarctica
Over 40 governments maintain research stations in Antarctica,
Antarctica is unlike any other continent on Earth. It is unique
including South Africa. In fact, we were one of the original
in being a static landmass composed in some parts of solid ice
signatories of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, which established
four kilometres thick. But the frozen wastes of this sometimes
freedom of scientific investigation on the frozen continent. Our
stunningly beautiful place are not for the faint of heart; average
current base in Antarctica is the South African National Antarctic
winter temperatures hover around -50°C and winds, egged on by
Expedition IV (SANAE IV), situated on a ridge 80 kilometres inland.
low-pressure systems near the coastline, often reach 100km/h.
As the name indicates, SANAE IV is the fourth iteration of our
There are invaluable lessons to be learned from Antarctica,
Antarctic base, the previous three having been buried in snow.
not least from the ice sheet, which holds 61% of the world’s fresh
The base has been around since 1997, mostly because someone
water reserves in 85% of the world’s ice. For one thing, the ice
had the bright idea to raise the structure on stilts, allowing snow
first started forming around 45 million years ago, meaning that a
to blow through underneath the structure and so prevent the base
wealth of information about planetary conditions during different
from getting snow-locked.
timeframes have been perfectly preserved in the ice. There is also
SANAE IV is permanently staffed by a team of researchers and
the matter of the famous hole in the ozone layer, which is caused
support personnel who are transported during the summer months
by the seasonal thinning of the Earth’s atmosphere, allowing large
by the Department of Environmental Affairs’ icebreaking ship, the
amounts of harmful ultraviolet light to reach the surface.
SA Agulhas II. During this time, enough fuel, equipment and food must
Antarctica also has a profound effect on the globe’s climate and
be stored to last until the next year’s resupply mission. Field work
ocean systems. Essentially, the Antarctic region acts as a giant
can only be conducted during the summer months, so the research
heat sink for the rest of the planet, absorbing the brunt of global
programmes that are allowed to continue into the winter months are
warming and climate change. This regulatory role extends to the
the physical sciences.
oceans, since atmospheric changes in Antarctica affect the speed
Each expedition is made up of a doctor, two diesel mechanics, an electrical, mechanical and electronics engineer, a meteorologist and two physicists. Power is generated by three large diesel generators,
and direction of global winds, which in turn impacts the upwelling, mixing, and movement of ocean currents. The continent’s unique atmospheric conditions are also perfect
but if you want water you have to shovel snow into a melter first. Even
for meteorological observations and the detection of cosmic rays,
though the base features an advanced heating and air-conditioning
particularly particles such as protons that are spewed across light
system (and walls are half a metre thick), interior temperatures hover
years of interstellar space by extremely violent cosmic forces like
around 18°C even in the summer months.
the jets of energy emitted from supermassive black holes.
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L AB SP OTL IGHT Research activities SANAE IV consists of three linked, double-story modules, each 44 metres long. A-block, the southern module, has a medical facility, two physics labs and a wet lab for the testing of fluid samples. Current research projects being undertaken include a study into biocomplexity and numerous cosmological projects, as well as a study on landscape and biosphere interactions in Antarctica. A-block is where most of the scientific activity takes place and B-block is mostly a recreation and accommodation facility. C-block, the northernmost part of the base, features a gym and hanger facility, as well as North West University’s (NWU) expensive neutron monitors. These are maintained by a team deployed from NWU and scan the skies to monitor the intensity of cosmic rays. A particular focus of the neutron monitors in C-block is the study of solar flares and their accompanying coronal mass ejections. The neutron monitors work in an interesting way. Firstly, a tube filled with an easily ionisable gas is kept at a high potential (2800V). When a high-energy neutron passes through the tube and collides with the gas molecules, the molecule is hit with enough energy to release electrons from its valence structure, leaving a positively charged ion and an electron. The electric field created by the large potential prevents the ion and electron from recombining and pulls each one to its opposite polarity. The electrons reaching the anode will generate a pulse proportional to the energy level of the particle it collided with. These pulses are then recorded as events. Another recurring research project at SANAE IV is the operation of high-tech ground-penetrating radar systems to look beneath the ice sheet. This is an important part of the ongoing monitoring of the continent’s response to climate change and provides insight into the changing patterns of ice accumulation on the continent and the
UNISA’s Prof David Hedding and Dr Jennifer Lee checking a ground
reasons for those changes.
thermal logger.
Hard work but rewarding According to NWU’s Cobus van der Merwe, the technician currently responsible for maintaining the neutron monitors, the workload at the base gets to be quite intense. “You would think that spending a year in the most remote place on Earth, with nothing to distract you but you, will leave you with countless hours to fill,” van der Merwe said. “However, this has not been the case.” Even when not engaged in scientific research, team members have to perform chores around the base, in van der Merwe’s case bulldozing ice out of the way to create a parking lot for SANAE IV’s vehicles. Everyone who spends an extended period of time at the base notes that, although circumstances are often difficult, the experience has a lasting positive effect. “This continent is hostile but beautiful,”
Photo credit: SANAP
communications engineer Hloni Rakoteli said. “You see nothing for miles except the pure white and ridges here and there.” Electrical engineer Bo Orton, meanwhile, emphasised that one must respect the elements in Antarctica or risk being overwhelmed. “You quickly learn here that the weather is king and most things are related to how the weather is looking,” Orton said. “You have to appreciate how fast and powerful the wind can be and how low the temperature can drop. If you don’t respect the weather here, the wind will flick you off Antarctica’s shoulder as you would a fly and your ego will vanish with you.” Most of the SANAE IV scientists hope to go back home with plenty of stories to tell their loved ones. Nonetheless, the overwhelming nature of the experience often leaves Antarctic visitors at a loss for words. “I already know now that when I get home and people ask how it was, all I’ll be able to say is ‘you had to be there’,” Orton noted. M
Two of C-block’s mini neutron monitors, used by North West University researchers to monitor cosmic rays. (Photo credit: NWU). w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
Hloni Rakoteli, SANAE IV communications engineer. Photo credit: SANAP
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SP ONS ORED C ONTENT
WACKER MYLAB WACKER’s first mobile laboratory in SA In response to the rapid growth and development in the construction industry of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, the Munich-based chemical company WACKER has launched a mobile laboratory closer to their official distributor IMCD and their customers in these countries. The WACKER MYLAB in Johannesburg provides regional customers with optimal support by combining local raw materials and construction methods with high-quality WACKER binders. The goal is to find regional solutions that meet the individual requirements of the construction industry customers locally. Stationed at the IMCD premises, the 40-foot container houses a well-equipped, climate-controlled and fully-operational
Wacker’s MYLAB facility has numerous specialised technologies to service the construction industry. serves customers with a scrub testing
in order to supply high-quality finished
machine, a viscometer and a pH meter.
products to the market.
One typical area MYLAB assists with is
Another South African dry-mix
laboratory designed to offer technical
cement-based tile adhesives. Although
manufacturer sought MYLAB’s assistance in
support to local construction-industry
applying CTAs (Cementitious Tile
fine-tuning its self-levelling compound (SLC)
customers. WACKER’s MYLAB disseminates
Adhesives) with the traditional thick-bed
formulation. The results following the testing
technical know-how, provides region-
technique is still widespread, it is more
produced brilliant performance parameters,
specific solutions and aims at improving
labour intense, requires a lot more
above and beyond the relevant compliance
the industry by supporting local and
material, and is inconsistent. By contrast,
limits. This product was formulated with
international standards such as ISO and
WACKER products make the thin-bed
one of WACKER’s VINNAPAS® ‘L’ range of
other prominent authority certifications.
technique available to a customer, which
polymer powders, specifically designed to
expedite the completion of a tiling project,
enhance the properties of SLCs.
The high-tech machinery installed in the mobile laboratory caters to the varied
reduces material costs and enhances the
dry-mortar and paints-and-coatings sectors.
longevity of the tiled floors and walls.
In today’s highly competitive market with changing consumer behaviours, quality
MYLAB has all the requisite application
Since its inception, MYLAB has been
remains of the utmost importance to MYLAB.
tools and testing equipment to evaluate
an absolute game-changer for numerous
WACKER sees itself as a pioneer in enhancing
customer samples and carry out sustained
customers as well as for Africa’s construction
and developing sustainable solutions for the
internal development work. The equipment
industry as a whole. One dry-mix
construction industry in Africa. M
includes a hydraulic pull-off testing machine
manufacturer from Mozambique had MYLAB
to determine the tensile adhesion strength
formulate several variants of tile adhesives,
of several dry-mortar applications, a
using locally available raw materials and
compressive and flexural strength testing
VINNAPAS® re-dispersible polymer powders.
machine, a linear shrinkage tester, an
He had them tested in accordance with
air-pore-content tester, a setting-time
relevant test standards, and is now set to
apparatus and a gloss meter. MYLAB also
commence production of higher volumes The MYLAB facility in Ferndale, Johannesburg is mobile and can be deployed on-site at the request of clients.
WACKER’s MYLAB has the competence to test customer samples in accordance with industry recognised standards, suggest improvements for potential shortcomings, and enhance product quality classification. The quality and testing standards implemented at MYLAB determine: jj Tensile adhesion strength (EN 12004 – 2, 8.3) jj Open time (EN 12004 – 2, 8.1) jj Slip resistance (EN 12004 – 2, 8.2) jj Compressive and flexural strength (Tile grouts EN 12808 – 3, Self-leveling compounds EN 13892) jj Water absorption of tile grouts (EN 12808 – 5) jj Linear shrinkage (Tile grouts EN 12808 – 3 | Self-leveling compounds EN 13872) jj Flow characteristics (EN 12706) jj Setting time The following standard test methods can also be used: jj Specular gloss (ASTM D523) jj Scrub resistance of wall paints (ASTM D2486) jj Blocking resistance of architectural paints (ASTM D4946).
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“Bona diagnosis bona curatio”* We translate the facts *Good Diagnosis, Good Cure.
To initiate specialised tests or to discuss specific needs with an expert pathologist, please visit www.ampath.co.za
YOUR CONSULTING PATHOLOGISTS
SP ONS ORED C ONTENT
Easier than ever: Preparation of standards Preparation of standards of known concentrations is a routine procedure in analytical laboratories. Internal or external standards with very low concentrations are used in these laboratories for highly sensitive quantitative analytical methods to exactly determine the concentration of chemical compounds in samples. External standards are separate samples
a potential source of error. Depending on
used for comparison to test samples,
the type of concentration specified, various
whereas internal standards are added to the
parametres need to be taken into account,
samples to be analysed. The concentration
such as the desired concentration, purity
of such standards must be as accurate as
of the substance, amount actually weighed
possible to prevent subsequent errors in the
and possibly even the molecular weight.
not require the user to recalculate the volume
determination of unknown concentrations
For inexperienced users, recalculation
of solvent. Instead, the entire workflow can
of compounds in samples.
of the compound weight usually takes
progress without any interruptions and the
considerable time, whereas experienced
solvent can be automatically dispensed.
Problem
users commonly find this a boring task so
After the solvent is added, the weight of the
Two problems can occur when standards are
inadvertent errors can easily creep in.
sample is determined again. In this way, the balance verifies how much solvent was
manually prepared from soluble solids:
1
The solvent volume required and the
Solution
actually added. This gravimetric monitoring
compound concentration desired are
The Cubis MSA (Sartorius) dosing system
step is considerably more accurate than any
both used to calculate the amount
simplifies workflows in the preparation of
volumetric measurement of a solvent.
of a soluble compound to be weighed.
standards. Once the user enters the desired
The essential problem does not lie in the
concentration and volume of a standard
Accuracy
calculation itself, but rather in the accuracy
solution, the system automatically calculates
Volumetric measurement procedures
with which the amount of the solid is weighed
the required amount of the compound to
are disadvantageous in that they do
according to the calculated target quantity.
weigh in and shows the target weight as a
not sufficiently allow for the effects on
On high-resolution laboratory balances, it is
bar graph with the minimum and maximum
accuracy, such as evaporation of highly
next to impossible to weigh in a compound
tolerances: Although the user hardly ever
volatile solvents, hold-up volume in tubing
accurately to one Îźg or even less.
ends up weighing the exact amount in this
or pipettes, differences in the density of
If the amount actually weighed does
case as well, the system software uses the
solvents, etc. By contrast, gravimetric
not precisely match the target amount
actual weight of the compound to recalculate
measurement methods deliver absolute
calculated, the solvent quantity has
the volume of the solvent and transmits this
values and achieve the highest accuracy. At
value to the automatic dispenser.
the end of the workflow, the dosing system
2
to be adjusted to reach the desired final concentration. Recalculation of the required liquid volume takes up valuable time and is
As a result, any variations in the amount weighed from the desired target weight will
software calculates the exact concentration of the standard solution. Compared with known, fully automatic dispensing systems on the market, the Cubis balance offers a number of decisive advantages. Fully automatic systems, which take care of dispensing fine powder, granules and homogeneous or heterogeneous mixtures, require exact knowledge of the dispensing properties of these substances. For example, the flowability, size, shape, compactness, density, tendency to aggregate and electrostatic properties of the particles
Figure 1: Weighing compounds and dosing
Figure 2: Results for stock solution preparation
must either be known or visually evaluated.
solvents for preparing stock solutions.
using the YAPP16 Q-App.
Choosing the right dispensing head is not
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SP ONS ORED C ONTENT Although the software of the dosing system offers the option of managing data sets of up to 100 different compounds, solvents and standards, this number may be too low for analytical laboratories that routinely prepare standards. In addition, preparation of standards is only one step in the entire analytical procedure so centralised data management that represents the entire process chain is recommended. For this purpose, the software of the Cubis MSA dosing system has an interface for the Chromeleon 7.2 SR4 chromatography data system that is designed to manage chromatographic systems and perform data analysis (Dionex™ Chromeleon™ 7.2 Chromatography Data System (CDS) software is a trade mark of Thermo Scientific™).
Compatibility In the software’s component table, the user defines the desired concentration of standard samples: When the command “Send weighing input to scale” is activated, data, such as the name of the standard and the desired concentration, is transmitted to the dosing always easy given the many different dosing
very high number of standards have to be
system. The software application installed on
parameters that have often been only
prepared. For preparation of a low or medium
the balance uses this desired concentration to
qualitatively assessed.
number of standards, the semi-automatic
calculate the amounts to be weighed, shows
system reported here offers higher flexibility
these values to the user for verification and
accessories of such a dosing system to
and saves considerable time. Compelling
then starts the weighing and dispensing
dispense a different compound each time is
reasons in favor of an open-design system
procedure. This process is repeated until all
time-consuming and expensive as various
are the lower purchase costs and, by virtue
standard samples transmitted by the software
dispensing heads have to be purchased. It
of the system’s simplicity, much lower
have been processed.
makes sense to use such systems only if a
operating and maintenance costs.
Beyond this, changing the equipment
The data saved for the standards is retrieved from the balance using the function “Retrieve weighing result from scale” and transmitted to the program. The verified concentrations of the standards and the unit are saved and used for later evaluation. This direct communication interface ensures the highest data integrity as there is no need for any manual inputs, or such inputs are not possible
Table 1: In the ChromeleonTM component table calibration standards are listed.
in the first place, in order to exchange data. Sartorius AG Otto-Brenner-Straße 20 37079 Göttingen, Germany www.sartorius.com Local contact Biotech Solutions Call 011 315 5444 for sales and service sales@biotechsolutions.co.za www.biotechsolutions.co..za M
Figure 3: The Sartorius Cubis range of premium laboratory balances is a recognised standard when it comes to meeting the very highest requirements in regulated sectors. w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
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ANIM AL K INGD OM
Caprids, corvids and cockroaches Goats prefer happy faces
Goats often get a bad rap, seen as stubborn, unidimensional sheep stand-ins. But those who spend time with the bearded quadrupeds testify to the unnerving emotional complexity they display. A new study appears to confirm this view by demonstrating how domestic goats prefer smiling human faces over angry ones. After being hand-fed a few times, the goats were led away while the researcher who fed them was replaced by two pictures, depicting that researcher either smiling or angry. The goats overwhelmingly headed straight for the smiling picture – but only if it was on the right, since goat brains process negative emotions in the left hemisphere. Evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to humans sensitises animals to our emotions, as demonstrated by previous studies of dogs and horses.
Clever crows and their mental blueprints
Long seen as the brainiacs of the bird kingdom, crows are renowned for their feats of memory, including the ability to remember human faces for up to five years. But it seems the clever corvids are capable of even greater craftiness: the ability to engineer tools from a mental image. Quite a lot of mental gymnastics is involved in such a feat. First a solution to a problem must be envisioned, in the shape of a tool, then the optimal way to build the tool must be determined. Crows are capable of all this, as demonstrated by a recent study in which a number of New Caledonian crows were trained to feed cards of a particular size into a slot to get birdy treats. When the cards were taken away and replaced with sheets of paper, the crows proceeded to tear the paper into strips matching the required card sizes and feed these into the slot instead. Essentially, they were creating tools without a reference point – the definition of invention.
Search-and-rescue cyborg roach
Credit: the Dutta Lab
Unless you’re an entomologist, you probably don’t have many fond words for the common cockroach – which is too bad, because they could save your life one day. A team from the University of Connecticut has created what is best described as a cyborg roach, strapping a neuro-controller microcircuit to the insect’s back and attaching wires from the circuit to its antennal lobes. Sending an electric signal to the right lobe will make the insect swerve left, and vice versa, allowing whoever controls the signal to steer the cockroach. The microcircuit also has a Bluetooth receiver, allowing smartphone app control of the cyberroach. It is hoped that cockroaches outfitted in this way can be used in search-and-rescue missions to find survivors under rubble and other hard-to-reach places.
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SPACE NE WS
Space: the final battlefield? Now that official US pronouncements point to China and Russia’s activity in space as a prime reason to secure its own space assets, are we in the midst of a new space race? One in which holes mysteriously appear in space stations and battles are fought not between armies of gun-slinging troops but between ground-based systems and the satellite imaging tech above. Lab Management & Science investigates… On Thursday 9 August, US Vice President Mike Pence took to a podium at the Pentagon and announced the creation of a Space Force, a new branch of the US military hat would deal with threats from outer space. According to Pence, this was necessary because of a space environment that was ‘crowded and adversarial’, adding that, “Our adversaries have transformed space into a warfighting domain already.” $8bn was to be allocated to space security systems over the next five years. While the announcement was met with puzzlement by pundits and the public alike – not least because the Space Force is rumoured to be one of President Donald Trump’s pet projects – many have pointed out the merit of the idea.
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LMS Issue 4 | 2018
For one thing, the possibility of a space technology arms race between the US, Russia and China has been the talk of the town in Washington DC for some time. The militarisation of space is a constant feature of global defence strategy, and recent quantum leaps in weapons technology by the Russians and Chinese have placed the US on edge. This led General John Hyten, the general in charge of US space operations, to declare that the Chinese and Russians are, “Building those capabilities to challenge the United States of America, to challenge our allies, and to change the balance of power in the world.” The announcement of a Space Force came a few months after Russian president Vladimir Putin unveiled a series
of incredibly high-tech superweapons that he claimed are decades of advance of Russia’s adversaries. The Chinese, meanwhile, have been perfecting satellite-killing technologies such as ground based direct ascent missiles, signal jammers and laser weapons that can dazzle or blind satellites. This is a grave threat to high-tech modern militaries that have incorporated satellite imaging and intelligence as an essential part of their arsenals. Drones, air strikes and ship or ground-based artillery, three of the mainstays of Western military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, would be crippled by the sudden loss of imaging capability. Last year the US’ Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
SPACE NE WS Community directly mentioned Russia and China’s space militarisation efforts. “Foreign countries – particularly China and Russia – will continue to expand their space-based reconnaissance, communications, and navigation systems in terms of the numbers of satellites, the breadth of their capability, and the applications for use.” The document also calculated that Russo-Chinese satellite-killing capabilities would reach ‘initial operational capability’ in the next few years.
History of space militarisation Space has been a realm of wonder in the popular imagination for a long time, but it has always been a military frontier from a policy perspective. The first steps towards space militarisation were taken by the Germans before and during the Second World War, with much of the scientific groundwork for space technology originating from the Nazi V1 and V2 rocket programmes. The V2, in fact, became the first man-made object in space during its test flight in 1942. After the war, the US and the Soviets competed to smuggle as many Nazi scientists out of Germany as possible under secret programmes such as Operation Paperclip and the Soviet Operation Osoaviakhim. One of the scientists ‘appropriated’ in such a way was former SS man Werner von Braun, who became a bigshot at a newlyformed US agency called NASA. The race to place the first man on the moon was merely one of the more public events in the Space Race. Satellite technology meant that countries no longer needed to funnel valuable intelligence capabilities to scouting or other charting activities, since the ‘eye in the sky’ could now relay exact information about troop movements and other ground activities at the touch of a button. Ronald Reagan’s infamous Star Wars programme (officially called the Strategic Defence Initiative) was not a success, but historians now believe it contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union by forcing the Soviets to allocate more spending to counter the potential threat of such a programme. The creation of dedicated space commands by the major players in the current space race preceded the end of the Cold War. Currently, space defence technologies focus on aerial reconnaissance, the collection of image intelligence (IMINT) via super high resolution photography, and implementation channels for high w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
speed communications systems that would allow for a real-time view of the battlefield. Using this technology, a soldier could theoretically access satellite imagery to view troop positions a few blocks away.
The US calculates
that Russo-Chinese satellite-killing capabilities will reach initial operational capability in the next few years. Putin on the pressure While the US is the acknowledged global leader in space, the Russians have eagerly set to work undermining that position. The recent spate of superweapons announced by the Kremlin is purported to have Washington insiders on edge. They include an intercontinental ballistic missile system that Russia says is invulnerable to defensive measures. Whether this is hype or not remains to be seen, but the establishment was again up in arms in mid-August when high-ranking State Department members spoke publicly about the ‘abnormal’ behaviour of a particular Russian satellite, which might indicate that it is a weapons platform. Publicly, both Russia and China have declared that space should be a peaceful domain, although evidence clearly suggests that even technologies with peacetime applications such as satellites are being designed with the potential for conflict in mind. While this may just appear to be prudence to some, the US is taking it as an unspoken declaration of war. Perhaps this has something to do with rumours rife on Russian media that the hole that recently appeared in the Soyuz spacecraft was drilled by an American astronaut.
People’s liberation space cadets The People’s Liberation Army of the Republic of China is one of the most formidable militaries in the world, numbering over 2.3 million souls and 7 700 tanks, for a start. But the major Western powers are less concerned about China’s tanks than the occasional blip it sends into space, as witnessed by the Washington panic when Beijing
blew up one of its own satellites in 2007. As Mike Pence has it, it was, “A highly provocative demonstration of China’s growing capability to militarise space.” Their direct ascent missile capabilities have the Americans worried. A 2013 test of the Dong Neng 3, China’s premier high altitude missile, reached a height of 30 000 kilometres, geosynchronous with most Western satellite orbits. The problem with recognising China’s increasing space militarisation for what it is becomes labyrinthine when one has to sort civilian programmes from military initiatives posing as civilian ones. Take their recent space laser announcement. When scientists from China Air Force Engineering University proposed a space-based laser system, it was as a means of clearing the 18 000 objects that orbit Earth and endanger space assets. But Western media was noticeably sceptical about the claim, and perhaps rightly so, since Chinese officials have admitted to preferring dual-use space technology that could be useful during both war and peace.
Space destiny Things seem to be heating up as we approach 2019, with Russia and China collaborating to present a gigantic military exercise at the Vostok 2018 event in September. The prospect of collaboration between the number two and number three largest militaries in the world will only spur the US on to produce newer and better defence measures at a more rapid rate. At least, as the Russians noted, the soldiers who played opponents during the event weren’t wearing NATO or US uniforms. When the US stages wargames, they typically dress the opposing side in PLO uniforms. The Pentagon very recently released a memo outlining plans to get the Space Force up and running by 2020. The effort, which will be overseen by Deputy Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan, will see the creation of a US Space Command, a branch of the military exclusively dedicated to space warfare, before the end of 2018. The stakes are extremely high and not helped by pronouncements implying that the US concept of manifest destiny applies to the stars. “Our destiny, beyond Earth, is not only a national identity but a matter of national security,” Trump said in June. “When it comes to defending America, it is not enough to merely have an American presence in space. We must have American dominance in space.” M LMS Issue 5 | 2018
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L AB S AF E T Y AND HYGIENE
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The MVP ICON system pioneers the measurement
Parr Instrument Company has a range of glass
the inner and wetted area to transfer explosive
and recording of ATP as well as other key HACCP
reactors that can be converted from one size
atmospheres. LABOPORT FT pumps equipped
parameters and provides new management
to another.
in this way are suitable for transferring gases,
tools to ensure success. Designed with quality
vapours or mists that create conditions in
management in mind, the MVP ICON Dashboard
vessels offered vary from 25ml to 18.75l. There are
which the occasional formation of an explosive
software provides a real-time snapshot of key
three ranges of maximum operating pressures:
atmosphere is likely.
programme metrics essential to managing your
up to 1900psi, 3000psi and 5000psi. The 25
HACCP programme.
to 600ml stainless steel reactors are rated to
Vacuum pumps
An integral component of food
The sizes of the steel laboratory pressure
3000psi. The glass reactors are available from
These ATEX-compliant vacuum pumps apply to
safety is the verification of cleaning and
160ml - 1.5l and rated to a maximum temperature
ATEX II 2G IIB+H2 T3X internal atmosphere. The
sanitation effectiveness.
of 150°C and pressures up to 10 bar.
chemically resistant LABOPORT pump models
The presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP),
N 810.3 FT.18, N 820.3 FT.18 and N 840.3 FT.18
a molecule found in all living cells including most
Extreme temperatures
can be used in rotary evaporation, filtration,
food residues and microorganisms, is an ideal
Operating temperatures have now been extended
degassing, gel drying, vacuum concentration and
indicator of hygiene.
to 500°C as alternative materials can be used in
liquid aspiration by a vacuum.
The MVP ICON system measures ATP in
the construction. Where the majority of organic
seconds. The results fall into clean, caution
reactions can be handled in stainless steel, there
Dense polymer structure
and fail areas so corrective action can easily be
are other options available.
KNF has changed the material used on the
determined and immediately implemented.
Special alloy construction can be provided
Essential programme statistics are
for both the internal parts of the vessel and well
structure with few voids provides the basis for
automatically updated each time you sync
as the external valves and fittings. Parr has now
very robust performance during variations in load
the MVP ICON system with the MVP ICON
added the option of a self-sealing O-ring closure
and temperature. In addition, the material forms
Dashboard software, providing real-time
for general-purpose vessels with volumes from
a smooth surface structure, which increases
management information.
100ml to two gallons.
pump heads to TFM PTFE. This dense polymer
the chemical resistance. Pumps are available
Track testing and re-test compliance
with gauges and regulators for precise control of
provide vital management information. Areas that
Fixed head design
vacuum and pressure.
show high levels of ATP should be re-cleaned
Three mounting styles; either bench top, cart or
and re-tested. Understanding the frequency
floor stand, or with fixed head or removable vessel
LABOPORT pump models are:
and consistency of retests is essential to the
styles are available.
• Durable
management of a sanitation programme.
The fixed head design is another recent
• Portable
Create sampling plans to help organise
addition to Parr’s line in response to users who
• Oil-free
test points in ways meaningful to your sanitation
wish to leave inlet and feed lines, discharge and
• Quiet
programme. Test points within each sampling plan
vent lines, condensers and similar connections
• Extremely reliable.
can be ‘shuffled’ to eliminate testing bias.
undisturbed between runs.
sales@labotec.co.za
labsupply@merckmillipore.com
sales@labotec.co.za
24
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
L AB S AF E T Y AND HYGIENE
4
5
6
ROBUST CONTROL SYSTEMS
TERRARACK MINIMISES WASTE
PROVEN FIRE RESISTANCE
Julabo has a generation of highly dynamic
Mettler Toledo’s Rainin TerraRack line of pipette
Dueperthal has been a manufacturer of safety
temperature control systems with a working
tip racks is an innovative solution to minimising
cabinets for more than 40 years. All safety
temperature range from -92°C to +250°C for
the problem of plastic tip rack waste. TerraRacks
cabinets have been awarded with the ‘High
applications with high cooling and heating
are 50% lighter than conventional tip racks,
Quality’ mark of approval for product design, user
requirements available from their suppliers,
highly compressible when empty and completely
friendliness and durability. Tested and certified
Labotec. The PRESTO systems are designed
recyclable.
products make necessary documentation easier,
for precise temperature control as well as
TerraRacks are composed largely of PETE
for example the quality management ISO 9000
rapid temperature changes, making them ideal
(polyethylene terephthalate), an exceptionally
for reactor vessels, material stress tests, or
strong polyester that is easy to recycle and in
temperature simulations.
high demand as a post-waste commodity. The
Safety cabinet
TerraRack shell, with its hinged lid and front
It is part of Dueperthal’s commitment to have
Exothermic and endothermic reactions
latch, is moulded as a single PETE unit, making it
all safety cabinets tested by accredited testing
exceptionally lightweight. A polypropylene tip deck
institutes such as TÜV Süd and certified with the
Highly efficient components give these instruments
snaps into the shell, adding structural support
GS mark. This provides all users and operators
the ability to compensate for exothermic and
with minimal weight.
with a reliable basis for their risk assessments.
endothermic reactions with extraordinary speed.
and the environmental standard ISO 14000.
Dueperthal cabinets can give you 90 decisive
Don’t need to be autoclaved
minutes of safety at the right moment in time.
lubricating pumps contribute to the new PRESTO’s
TerraRacks have less than half the weight and
These minutes of safety, or fire resistance, are
long service life. The integrated 5.7-inch colour
plastic of conventional racks and, after use,
guaranteed by a fire container test carried out by a
industrial-grade touch panel is one of the
nest inside one another, significantly reducing
Materials Testing Institute. When a safety cabinet
identifying characteristics of the new PRESTO.
their volume and disposal costs. Every rack is
of the type 90 series was chosen at random
It gives the user a clear and well-organised view
pre-sterilised, individually wrapped and sealed
directly from the production department and was
of important information while greatly improving
for maximum purity. Therefore TerraRacks do not
subjected to a fire endurance test.
user-friendliness.
need to be autoclaved. Between uses, the hinged
Permanent internal monitoring and self-
Once in operation, the PRESTO units whisper quietly and are barely audible in a laboratory. The
lid and secure latch protect unused tips from
Fire resistance
damage and exposure.
The cabinet’s fire resistance was proven in a
PRESTO units are extremely robust and work
specially created fire container in which fire
reliably even if the ambient temperature climbs as
TerraBase
fighters are usually trained for an emergency.
high as +40 °C. Multiple interfaces permit remote
For those who like the weightier, more
Extremely high temperatures can be achieved
control of the PRESTO across networks and in
conventional tip rack feel there is TerraBase, a
through feeding the fire several times. The
superordinated control systems. The amount
durable, reusable base for TerraRack. Made from
team from Dueperthal was proud to see how
of space needed to operate is reduced to a
translucent polycarbonate and with silicone feet,
astonished people were, when after 90 minutes,
minimum due to the closed side panels without
TerraBase is autoclavable, chemical resistant and
the safety cabinet opened, and its content
ventilation slits.
built to provide years of service.
surprised even the experts of the fire department.
sales@labotec.co.za
frances.renwick@microsep.co.za
sales@moncon.co.za
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
25
L AB S AF E T Y AND HYGIENE 7
PERFECT LAB UTENSIL CLEANER
more details on this later on in this brochure. For further information, new additions to the range,
Extran® Detergents
safety data sheets and of course our certificates
Extran® laboratory cleansers are the perfect
of analysis.
solution for cleaning your laboratory utensils to Millipore’s well-known quality standards. Reliable
Advantages
processes in laboratories and product facilities are
• Extran® cleans reliably, leaving no
only possible with thorough, residue-free cleaning. Only in this way is it possible to ensure proper scientific working procedures. Everything that
residues. This prevents residues from being transferred into the next analysis or test. • Residue-free cleaning with Extran®. Millipore
comes into contact with chemicals or biological
provides a practical and easy-to-use application
substances must be free of impurities, both before
aid to prove the freedom from residues of non-
and after use.
ionic surfactants after the cleaning process by means of a photometric test. This helps you in
The Ideal All-purpose Cleaner Depending on the type of contamination and the material to be cleaned, the Extran® range of
preparing your own individual cleaning validation, saving you time and money. • Extran® is free from scents and dyestuffs
products offers the ideal solution for the cleaning
and does not contain chlorine or other
of your laboratory utensils and production
toxic ingredients. It thus prevents odours,
locations. Put your trust in many years of Extran®
protecting the health of the laboratory staff in the
experience from Millipore and use our detergents
process. Our laboratory cleansers are also free
for manual cleaning or machine cleaning in
of silicones and oxidants.
laboratory washing machines. Both processes generally require different detergents. You can find
labsupply@merckmillipore.com
8
CHEMIZORB® LIQUID ABSORBENTS
Chemizorb® powder absorbent for spilled liquids
Mishaps and accidents happen. With Chemizorb®,
• 500 g PE bottle 1.02051.0500
however, you can remove spilled aggressive or other
Chemizorb® Hg Reagents and accessories
unpleasant liquids quickly and safely. Chemizorb®
for absorbent for mercury
consists of porous mineral or synthetic copolymers
• 1 set PE case 1.12576.0001 1 set consisting
that are chemically inert and, depending on the type,
of: 500 g of reagent 1, 100 ml of reagent 2, one
are capable of taking up 100 to 400 percent of their
small tub, one large disposal can, protective
own weight in liquid material.
gloves … Chemizorb® Hg reagents refill pack
Advantages With Chemizorb® you can remove spilled liquids:
• 1.01569.0001 1 set consisting of: 500 g reagent 1 and 100 ml reagent 2
• Easily
Chemizorb® OH- absorbent and neutralizer
• Quickly
for spilled alkalis, with indicator
• Safely
• 1 kg PE bottle 1.01596.1000
• Environment-friendly
Chemizorb® H+ absorbent and neutralizer for spilled acids, with indicator
Ordering information
• 500 g PE bottle 1.02491.0500
Chemizorb® granules absorbent for spilled
• 2.5 kg Bucket, plastic 1.02491.2500
liquids
Chemizorb® HF absorbent and neutralizer
• 1 kg PE bottle 1.01568.1000
for spilled hydrofluoric acid, with indicator
• 5 kg Bucket, plastic 1.01568.5000
• 1 kg PE bottle 1.01591.1000
• 20 kg Paper sack 1.01568.9020 • 20 kg PE drum 1.01568.9021
JOHANNESBURG CAPE TOWN DURBAN PORT ELIZABETH VAAL TRIANGLE
T T T T T
: : : : :
+27 +27 +27 +27 +27
11 21 31 41 16
482 386 709 365 931
labsupply@merckmillipore.com
1060 9020 0199 2060 1731
www.wirsam.com 26
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
W EIGHING EQUIPMENT The Labotec furnace could also inform about the
1
PRECISION WEIGHING FURNACES
completion of the process – as soon as the weight
The new Labotec Precision Muffle Laboratory
that are released during thermal processing, an
Furnaces have added balances to weigh the
exhaust system may be installed additionally
materials before, during, and after a process. Designed for combustion loss determination useful in a variety of technical processes, one does not need to open the furnace and take out the contents in order to find out the status of materials. Examples of materials that use this process are sediment, sludge, soil, waste, or inorganic materials such as cement,
ceases to decrease. To eliminate gases or smoke
The basic model consists of: • One-piece, high thermal efficiency, vacuum formed ceramic fibre chamber • Heating elements, embedded in a vacuum formed fibre, are inside four walls of the chamber • Outside casing – metal sheet, powder painting – grey
lime, calcinated bauxite, and refractories firing up to
• Door opens upwards
1100°C. The furnace is an excellent fit for scientific
• Door safety interlock switch
laboratories, educational institutions, ceramic studios and is used in medicine and industry.
sales@labotec.co.za
2
System (ATC), which draws heat away from the
SIMPLE MICRO WEIGHING
weighing cell, thereby enhancing stability and measurement accuracy. The built-in Good Weighing
Laboratory projects involving expensive, rare or toxic
Practice (GWP) approved quality assurance function
substances require the smallest possible sample
actively monitors the balance status. The Tolerance
sizes. METTLER TOLEDO’s XPR microbalance line
Profile function ensures weighing tasks and
incorporates a range of innovative technologies to
results adhere to defined quality requirements and
deliver the highest accuracy in their class and ensure
regulations.
micro-weighing tasks are simpler, safer and more
The SmartView terminal mounted directly on
secure. XPR provides a welcome combination of
the weighing unit is unique and optimises the
usability and accuracy that is critical in laboratories
ergonomics of weighing small samples. The
where small samples have to be quickly and reliably
draft shield design concept makes cleaning
weighed.
easy and touch-free sensors reduce the risk of
XPR balances offer outstanding weighing
cross-contamination.
performance on a very small compact footprint
1 2018/02/15 1:05 PM Page 1 elisha.ramlal@microsep.co.za thanks to the patented Active arium:Layout Temperature Control 3
ACZET MOISTURE BALANCES Aczet presents an uncompromising
switch-off criteria automatically to
and sophisticated moisture balance
match the reference value to the last
with innumerable features and
decimal place.
extensive data storage ability. With
Ultra-fast and uniform heating:
the Aczet moisture balance you can
Uniquely designed circular halogen
achieve higher productivity without
lamp and reflectors ensures
compromising on quality in your
utmost rapid heating, shorten
daily business challenges, since it
the measurement time. A well-
is diverse and can be programmed
engineered heating chamber ensure
according to the individual needs
uniform heating to achieve exact
of the person, being in quality
result with exceptional reproducible.
assurance, manufacturing or R&D. The built-in application
Brilliant Monotech sensor with analytical precision:
programme eases the basic
The outstanding measurement
weighing part of your routine lab
performance of the moisture balance
work in the following ways.
is based on Aczet brilliant analytical
Accurate and reproducible
weighing Technology MONOTECH,
reliability: The moisture balance
the fourth decimal place is not
swiftly calculates appropriate
displayed but is measured and used in calculation of highly precise results, giving high measurement security. Aczet is a global leader in the weighing and balances industry and has been an acknowledged leader in this field since 1986. sales@moncon.co.za
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
27
CHE MIC AL S & RE AGENTS
1
2
3
SUPER PURE SOLVENTS
HIGH PURITY SOLVENTS
YOUR CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS PARTNER
Romil is a supplier of high purity solvents, acids
HiPerSolv CHROMANORM high purity
Sigma-Aldrich Chemistry and Merck Organic
and reagents for analytical and life science
solvents, filtered at 0.2 µm and bottled under
Synthesis are the market leaders in Chemical
laboratories. With the increasing importance of
nitrogen, solvents are designed to meet your
Synthesis, providing the most comprehensive
quality in the analytical laboratory and with trace
analytical and quality control requirements.
product range, innovative products, and enabling
level determinations now regarded as routine,
They are also specified to meet the most
technologies for chemical research.
Romil is dedicated to achieving the highest
demanding requirements of HPLC, LC-UV and
standards of chemical purity.
LC-MS applications.
Uni-grade strategy
Specifications:
contact us for more information regarding Greener
Romil’s uni-grade strategy – utilising one grade
• High UV transmission
Alternatives relating to Chemical Synthesis.
for all applications within a defined purity band –
• Gradient test at 210, 235 or 254 nm
removes the risk of selecting an inappropriate
• Low residue on evaporation
grade and saves storage space thereby again
• Excellent batch to batch reproducibility.
KitAlysis™ High-Throughput Screening Kits
eliminating wasted time and effort.
LC-MS grade products feature low alkaline metal
In the high-pressure environment of discovery
content to a maximum of 0.1 ppm. Impurities
chemistry, time is everything. While general
Super purity solvents
causing interfering peaks on gas chromatogram
catalytic methods exist, substrate dependency
Solvents undergo multi-stage purification, for
in LC-MS products are not greater than 5 ng/l of
makes it difficult to predict optimal conditions in
example, the Romil-SpS™ grade (super purity
lindane by electron capture detection, 10 ng/l of
practice.
solvent) has organic impurities reduced to parts
ethylparathion by phosphorous nitrogen detection.
We encourage you to explore our Learning Center, Application Portals, and Sigma-Aldrich Chemistry Webinars. You are also welcome to
per billion levels. It is suitable for most routine trace
The VWR BDH® HPLC range has been
A thoughtful screening process is the best way to cover a large amount of chemical space quickly
organic analyses undertaken by chromatography or
significantly extended and now includes over 30
while using small amounts of often precious
spectroscopy. Water content is also reduced to very
different products. They feature:
intermediates.
low levels allowing chemists to avoid the hazardous
• Very high transmittance at 200 nm¯min. 95%
and time-consuming drying of solvents in the lab.
• Very low level of water – max. 30 ppm
Kits showcase the most widely used catalytic
KitAlysis™ High-Throughput Screening
• Very low residue on evaporation < 2ppm.
methods of synthetic chemists, translated into
Super purity acids
LC-MS grade solvents include Acetonitrile
an off-the-shelf screening system to quickly and
RomilSpA™ Super Purity Acids are purified by sub-
83640.320/290, methanol 83638.320/290 and
efficiently identify or optimize suitable catalytic
boiling distillation. This technique imparts a greater
water 83645.320/290 in 2.5 and 1 litre glass
reaction conditions. Now, any bench chemist
purity to the finished product than traditional
bottles. These are the highest quality grade of
can rapidly run 24 unique microscale reactions in
methods, and is better suited to removing trace
solvents specifically manufactured to meet the
parallel with tailored conditions to ensure the best
metal impurities to parts per billion, and even parts
needs of LX-MS instruments. These solvents
possible chance of success.
per trillion levels. The packaging maintains product
combine the high performance and stable
purity during storage and it is best for routine
baseline of HPLC solvents with the absence of
tools, visit https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/
inorganic trace analysis.
extraneous peaks, as detected by GC-ECD.
chemistry/chemical-synthesis.html
desiree.lahoud@microsep.co.za
sales@moncon.co.za
labsupply@merckmillipore.com
28
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
To learn more and access comprehensive
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
TITR ATION
1
2
3
THE SIMPLEST TITRATIONS
TITRATION EXCELLENCE
OMNIS MODULAR SYSTEM
Thermo Scientific™ has introduced the Orion
Mettler Toledo’s Titration Excellence line combines
Quality control in the water treatment industry
Star™ T900 pH automated titrators to simplify
additional features such as automated sodium
depends on the routine analysis of a variety
titrations making it easier, more reliable,
determination, coulometric Karl Fischer titration
of key parameters. The lengthy testing must
more reproducible and faster than manual
and an integrated SmartSample reader. Thanks
always comply with SANS 241 to ensure the safe
titrations. Calibrate the electrode (sensor),
to the unique modularity, the titration Excellence
quality of drinking water. This places additional
standardise titrants and perform various types
range can be optimally configured and adapted to
burdens on our already-stretched water suppliers
of potentiometric titrations using one of the four
fit existing and future requirements.
and municipal laboratories. The solution is a
models presented in the series. The Orion Star
The standard addition technique for sodium
system that enables parallel determinations of
T910 pH titrator, Orion Star T920 redox titrator,
determination is an essential part of the new
various parameters with subsequent simplified
Orion Star T930 ion titrator and Orion Star T940
titration Excellence line. The fully-automated direct
data capture. This is where Omnis adds the
all-in-one titrator will help to overcome problems
sodium determination allows analysis of an entire
most value.
of sample throughput or analytical complexity
sample series, saving time and increasing daily
through automation of analysis.
analysis throughput. Even sample preparation can
New modular platform
be automated using additional dosing units and a
The new modular platform enables fully
homogeniser.
automated parallel titrations at four work stations.
What differentiates the Orion Star T900 series titrators from other single parameter instruments and automatic titrators are their simplicity. All of
The modularity of titration Excellence now
This means a four-fold increase in productivity
the setup procedures appear on the display in the
enables coulometric Karl Fischer titration to be
on any given day. The titrations performed at
form of easy-to-understand, sequential menus.
performed on all instruments. The feature allows
four work stations can be all of the same kind
Whether your analysis is acidity of juices, alkalinity
analysis of water content down to 1ppm. This
(eg only alkalinity) or a mixture of titrations such
of water, surfactants in shampoo, fluoride in
new coulometric option also improves Bromine
as alkalinity, hardness, chlorides, permanganate
drinking water or Vitamin C in juices, the Orion
Index determination due to the availability of low
index, etc). The user can decide and thereafter
Star T900 series titrators offer a simple system to
current generation.
freely modify the sequence should an urgent
automate your measurements. These compact titrators are designed to: • Offer easy-to-use navigation from setup to live titration analysis to data transfer • Showcase titrations, onscreen instructions
This integrated option requires no additional
sample need to be analysed.
device or bench space, matching the lean laboratory philosophy. LabX 2018 titration software and the intuitive
Valuable data capture time The database then collects all the results and
One Click® user interface optimises titration and
assigns it to the specific sample in a single
and help menus on a large colour graphic
workflows in the laboratory. Users benefit from
report. This saves valuable data capture time and
touchscreen display
guided weighing processes, simplified operation,
secures the traceability of all data produced for
• Create and save up to ten user-defined methods
graphical method editor, results storage, fast
future audits. The real value of Omnis lies in its
• Save up to 100 titration data sets with date/time
sample series modifications and tailored reports.
modularity. Similar to buying apps for an iPhone,
This truly powerful titration system meets
the user simply scales up the functionality of his
regulatory compliance, ensures safe and secure
system by buying additional licenses when the
operation and data integrity.
need arises.
rudy.maliepaard@microsep.co.za
ravii@metrohm.co.za
stamp • Facilitate data transfer to printer, computer or USB drive. sales@labotec.co.za
30
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
Titration Excellence Efficient, Secure and Modular Modular Expansion – Suit your needs at any time
Secure system – Risk free titration
Efficient Titration – Run two titration at one time
· · · ·
· · · ·
· Parallel Titration with InMotion Autosamplers · Parallel Titration with Manual Titration Stands · Save up to 50% of your time
Add up to 8 burettes Liquid Handler Two InMotion Autosamplers Karl Fischer Coulometric and Volumetric
Plug & Play Burettes and sensors SmartSample to prevent mix-ups User management LabX PC Software
Learn more about One Click Titration www.microsep.co.za
Johannesburg: Tel: (011) 553-2300 • Cape Town: Tel: (021) 914-0393 Durban: Tel: (031) 701-4705/6 • Port Elizabeth: Tel: (041) 365-5168 e-mail: info@microsep.co.za www.microsep.co.za
TITR ATION
WORLD FORUM FOR MEDICINE Leading International Trade Fair
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY 12–15 NOVEMBER 2018 www.medica.de
Member of 4
medica.de/MA2
THE MEASURE OF ALL THINGS
• The medical world on its way into the digital future
Benefits
• From point of care to biobanks • International overview: Only at MEDICA 2018
2018-09-11 MEDICA 2018_Südafrika_Labor_91 x 269mm +5mm_LMS Laboratory Marketing Spectrum_4c_7023
medica.de/MLF2
Laboratory Technology and Diagnostics
Sophisticated and precise analyses require precisely adjusted, certified volumetric solutions. Whether you’re titrating reducing or oxidizing substances, acids, bases or complexing reagents in either aqueous or non-aqueous solutions: Merck Millipore offers the right solutions for every application.
• Certified and consistently high level of quality • Innovative and optimum packaging systems • Reliable and precise analyses
Precision and quality Like all Merck Millipore products, Titripur® volumetric solutions are subject to stringent manufacturing and testing requirements. From the selection of the raw materials and packaging on up to quality control, the highest demands are placed on purity and quality.
BE PART OF THE NO.1!
Volumetric solutions Under the brand name Titripur®, Merck Millipore offers you first-rate volumetric solutions. Volumetric solution described in the European and the US Pharmacopeia are in accordance with the reagents chapter of the Pharmacopeia. For each solution, titer determination is performed under optimum and standardized conditions. All volumetric solutions are traceable to certified secondary reference materials, which in turn are directly traceable to standard reference materials from the NIST. Consequently, all volumetric solutions from Merck Millipore are directly traceable to NIST standard reference material.
Volumetric standard [V.S.] Volumetric standards are used for the standardization – titer determination – of volumetric solutions and for the qualification of the titration system. Influencing factors such as temperature, instrument variances, different methods of handling, weighing errors etc. and the volumetric solution itself can impact the titration result. To compensate for these factors, titer determination under working conditions is necessary in the respective laboratory. Secondary standard reference materials for titration are traceable to standard reference material from NIST.
Titriplex® – for complexometric titration Southern African - German Chamber of Commerce and Industry 47 Oxford Road _ Forest Town 2193 JOHANNESBURG P.O. Box 87078 _ Houghton 2041 Tel. +27 (0)11 486 2775 _ Fax +27 (0)86 675 2175 tradefairs@germanchamber.co.za _ www.germanchamber.co.za
For chelate ligands, Merck Millipore offers the well-known Titriplex® brand to determine metal ions by complexometric titration. In addition to solid substances, ready-to-use solutions are also available in PE bottles and Titripac®. labsupply@merckmillipore.com
32
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
PROD U C T AND SERV ICE INSIGHT 1
A BRIEF LOOK AT SYRINGE PUMPS
and pump miniaturization - increasing the use of
Syringe pumps have been in use for more than
The early 21st century, saw the development
50 years by scientists and researchers to save
of smart pumps bringing with it an increase in
lives and to conduct high-impact research.
versatility for research purposes and safety to
These pumps are used to control the flow of
patients. There are two broad types of syringe
fluid with a high level of precision. Researchers
pumps, namely medical infusion pumps and
originally developed infusion pumps, of which
research syringe pumps.
syringe pumps are one type, for controlled drug
these pumps in research.
DG Lab Services, based in Boksburg, is
delivery. The first infusion pump was invented by
a leading supplier of syringe pumps and lab
Christopher Wren in 1658.
equipment. Contact them as soon as possible for
Further developments, continued only in the
a quote.
20th century, progressed from an infusion pump for use in chemotherapy to computerised pumps
info@dglabservices.com
2
RHT CLIMATE AND LOGBOX CONNECT
The RHT Climate has seven calculated psychrometric properties that can be displayed.
The RHT Climate is a 2-channel transmitter. It
These parameters are dew point temperature, wet
measures the absolute humidity and temperature and
bulb temperature, absolute humidity, frost point
from these two values and calculates 7 psychometric
temperature, specific enthalpy, partial vapor pressure
values. It can transmit two of those nine values i.e.
and mixing ratio. Features include high accuracy, a
humidity, temperature plus the 7 calculated values.
bright backlight display, configurable analog outputs
One can log the humidity, temperature or other
and an alarm output with an embedded buzzer.
transmitted values from the RHT Climate to the
The settings are easily done via USB or keyboard.
LogBox, including one other value, such as an internal
Enclosure rating is IP65 and a sensor probe.
battery voltage value, or a refrigerated temperature value. (A good feature on the LogBox Connect is that
The LogBox Connect family provides the RF wireless connectivity.
it comes with one digital input that can be used to log a door opening or log a power supply).
sales@mimic.co.za
Remote Dispenser Remote RephiLe APP for smartphones
On-line TOC monitor
We always make things Better
All integrated Now!
National Separations (Pty) Ltd Tel +27 (011) 553 2300 Email frances.renwick@microsep.co.za
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LMSâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; Issue 5 | 2018â&#x20AC;&#x192;
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PROD U C T AND SERV ICE INSIGHT
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ASSIST PLUS PIPETTING ROBOTS
PULVERISETTE 11 KNIFE MILL
SUPER-GENIE PURIFICATION
INTEGRA launched its compact ASSIST PLUS
The quiet operating Knife Mill Pulverisette 11 from
Rephile offers the Super-Genie lab water system
pipetting robots to automate repetitive processes,
Fritsch is the ideal laboratory mixer for gentle
series, featuring the most advanced water
such as serial dilutions, reformatting, and set-up
mixing and homogenisation of moist, oily and fatty
purification technologies for a diverse range of
of assay plates, which puts automated pipetting
as well as of dry, soft, medium-hard and fibrous
laboratory applications.
within reach of virtually every lab. There is no need
samples within seconds.
The Super-Gene series is designed to
for dedicated personnel or complex programming.
The up to 1250 watt strong motor of the
Intuitive to use, ASSIST PLUS pipetting robots use
Pulverisette 11 and its special knife, fitted with
(RO) laboratory grade water, Type 1 ultrapure
INTEGRA’s electronic multichannel pipettes to
up to four blades, grinds fast and gently, and
and Type II analytical grade pure water directly
deliver flexible, reproducible and error-free pipetting.
can handle problematic samples with high fat or
from tap water. The Super-Genie purification
water content.
system is created to serve as a core workstation
Simply mount an Integra Vioflo or Voyager
produce large volumes of reverse osmosis
electronic pipette onto the Assist pipette holder,
The Knife Mill is exclusively available locally
choose a protocol, and add a tip rack and your
from Labotec. Send your most difficult sample to
or several labs, providing overall control and
labware. Press run and the pipetting task will
Labotec and we will carry out a complimentary
monitoring within the whole water purification
be carried out automatically. New applications
sample grinding for you.
network to ensure 100% reliability right from the
are accessed simply by swapping to a different
generating purified water for a single lab facility
very beginning.
INTEGRA pipette, ensuring the systems will never
Features include:
become obsolete, and the pipettes can still be
• Extra strong motor power up to 1250 watt
subhead
used manually when desired.
• Variable speed settings 2 000 – 10 000 rpm,
The system can be equipped with one or two
Its pipette adapter accommodates all INTEGRA multichannel pipettes with fixed and adjustable tip spacing. Programme setup and selection is done using the pipette’s intuitive user interface.
turbo-Function with 14 000 rpm • Knife blades with up to four cutting edges – up to 56 000 cutting processes per minute • Up to < 1 400 ml sample quantity of the grinding
dispensers to dispense pure water and ultrapure water respectively. External pre-filtrations, feed tank, booster pump, distribution pump and leak protect are all controlled by the main system.
Additionally, three work positions are available to
vessel, with the Vario-Lid system for variable
The internal P-pack cartridge further removes
accommodate reagent reservoirs, tube racks and
volume
oxidants, organics, particles and scaling ions to
plates. It also features two dedicated positions for automatic tip loading and tip ejection. ASSIST PLUS automated multichannel pipetting offers: • Precise tip positioning in wells
• Max feed size 40 mm, final fineness < 300 µm, average grinding time 30 seconds (depends on material) • 20 SOPs can be saved and USB interface SOP management
prevent them from fouling of the RO membrane and other purification components. These integrated water systems combine optimised sequence of water purification, delivery and monitoring technologies without
• Optimal tip immersion depths
• Continuous, reverse and interval mode
compromising product water quality. The EDI
• Consistent pipetting angle
• Easy cleaning
(electrodeionisation) module ensures delivery of
• Controlled pipetting speeds
• All parts in contact with sample material such as
superior quality Type II water consistently and
• No pipetting mistakes
grinding vessel, lid and knife are autoclavable for
reliably with no need for special maintenance or
• Strict adherence to pipetting programmes.
sterile comminution.
chemical regeneration.
sales@labotec.co.za
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LMS Issue 5 | 2018
sales@labotec.co.za
frances.renwick@microsep.co.za w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
HOW TO PICK UP YOUR MINERALOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS?
AERIS MINERALS EDITION • The most intuitive X-ray diffractometer • Direct mineralogical information to improve geometallurgical models • Designed for operator use
EMPYREAN The multipurpose X-ray diffractometer for phase identification, quantification, mineral mapping and 3D imaging
MINERALS EDITION OF ZETIUM Integrated SumXcore technology combines WDXRF and EDXRF elemental analysis. It can also include a small spot analysis tool for fast element distribution mapping
EPSILON 4 • Multi-functional instrument to comply with international regulations • Highest sensitivity on the market • Significant savings on operational costs
Unit 4, Bush Hill Office Park Jan Frederick Avenue Rand Park Ridge South Africa T +27 11 577 0884 F +27 11 577 0882 M +27 82 575 2628 wynand.smit@malvernpanalytical.com
www.malvernpanalytical.com
S TR ANGER THAN S CIENCE F IC TION
Far-out news from the edges of science Soldiers now pilot drones with their minds
Our sci-fi future is approaching far quicker than predicted, and few organisations seem as hell-bent on hastening it as DARPA, the US Defense Department’s completely not-scary research division. Building on research from three years ago that allowed a paralysed woman to steer an F-35 fighter jet in a flight simulation, DARPA has developed a neuralcomputer interface which allowed a paralysed volunteer to control multiple drone craft in a simulator simultaneously. The volunteer, known as Nathan, controls both the flight paths and actions that the drones take while receiving detailed feedback signals from them. The drones can notify Nathan of threats in the vicinity and recommend courses of action based on real-time intelligence appraisals. DARPA claims to have spent a number of years refining the technology and hopes to achieve a roll-out soon. Brain-computer interfaces are becoming increasingly high-tech and are appearing more often in the private domain. Elon Musk, the SA-born tech pioneer, has announced that his company, Neuralink, will have developed a commercially available interface within the span of a year.
Digital teacher educates Kiwi kids about renewable energy
Learners at a primary school in Wellington, New Zealand, have been treated to the first ever lesson by an AI teacher. Will, a software programme that appears to students as a face on a screen, interacted with learners and answered their questions about renewable energy such as wind and solar power or geothermal heat. Created by New Zealand AI company Soul Machines, Will can be run on any number of devices such as laptops or smartphones, allowing students to be taught in small groups of two or three. Will is capable of responding to questions posed by learners and quizzes them on topics covered. Common questions include how long sunlight takes to reach Earth and how tall a wind turbine is. Students were positive about their experiences with Will, lending weight to futurist predictions that AI could replace teachers entirely as early as 2027.
Scientist claims Earth made of blueberries would turn into jam Sometimes thought experiments are worth engaging in simply for the joy of thinking involved. At least, that’s what we think motivated computational neuroscientist Anders Sandberg, a research fellow with Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute, when he published a paper outlining what would happen if Earth turned into a giant ball of blueberries. Sandberg begins by assuming that the blueberries that replace Earth are of the big, thick-skinned variety, not the wild, thin-skinned type. It is unlikely that the blueberries will fit perfectly into each other, so the space between them would fill with air, which would reduce gravity on the surface significantly and cause humans to experience an 87 percent drop in body weight. Meanwhile, the air between the blueberries would be forced outward as gravity squishes the berries towards the planetary core. Everything would heat up to the point where the planet’s surface becomes boiling blueberry jam and steam, which would form a quasi-atmosphere. Lastly, the moon would hurtle off into space, released from our gravity.
Anti-ageing pill could extend lifespan to 150 years
A breakthrough by researchers from Harvard and the University of New South Wales has demonstrated how the human lifespan could be extended to 150 years and could allow people to regenerate their own organs as early as 2020. The technique is based on reprogramming cells and utilising the anti-ageing activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a coenzyme found in all living cells. NAD plays a significant role in generating energy within the body. The study’s lead researcher, Harvard’s Professor David Sinclair, believes that the treatment, which will be available in a pill form, could even reverse paralysis and hair loss. He claims to have selfmedicated with the treatment and experienced a 24-year drop in biological age, reversed his sister’s menopause and turned his 79-year-old father into an avid white-water rafter. Clinical trials have yet to start but it is hoped the treatment could reach the market within five years.
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LMS Issue 5 | 2018
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PROD U C T DIREC TORY
Refer to Company Directory for contact details Amino acids analysis • Anatech Instruments • LabDynamics • Shimadzu South Africa
Anaerobic workstation • Labotec
Atomic absorption • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Shimadzu South Africa
Atomic force microscopy • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Chemetrix • Shimadzu South Africa
Autoanalysers & Consumables • Anatech Instruments • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
Autoclaves • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • The Scientific Group
Autoimmune • The Scientific Group
Automation • Anatech Instruments • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • The Scientific Group
Balances/Counting scales • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • LabDynamics • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group
Battery testing • Bruker South Africa • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic)
Biohazards (see Laminar Flow) • Labotec
Biotechnology equipment & consumables • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Kuhner) • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • National Separations
Bitumen testing • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Verder Scientific
Blood grouping • Davies Diagnostics • The Scientific Group
Blood transfusion equipment & accessories • The Scientific Group
Blood virus • The Scientific Group
Blot kits (southern, northern, western) • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group
Boiling point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Calibration service & equipment • Air Filter Maintenance Services • LabDynamics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations
Calorimeters • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • LECO Africa
Carbon/Hydrogen/Nitrogen sulphur analysers • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Verder Scientific
Cement testing • Bruker South Africa • Metrohm SA • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • Verder Scientific
Centrifuges • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Labotec
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• Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • The Scientific Group
Certified reference materials & standards • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Industrial Analytical • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters, ERA & Romil) • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical
Chemicals & reagents • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Industrial Analytical • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters, Romil & Recipe) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Chemiluminescence consumables • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Hygiena International) • National Separations
Chromatography data systems & software • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters)
Chromatography ion/gas/liquid/thin layer • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa
Circulating coolers • Analytical Solutions
Circulators • Analytical Solutions • Labotec
Clean room equipment • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec • Microsep (Lighthouse) • National Separations
Cleaning agents • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group
Climatic chambers/environmental • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs
Clinical analysers • The Scientific Group
Cloud point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Coagulation • The Scientific Group
Coal analysis equipment • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical
COD analysers • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Colony counters • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Microsep (Interscience) • National Separations • The Scientific Group
Colour measurement • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Columns • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa
Compressors • Labotec
Computer equipment, software & repairs • LabInfo (TSI)
Concrete testing equipment • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Conductivity • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Corrosion • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Metrohm SA
Crucibles • Verder Scientific
Cryo equipment • Labotec
Culture media & accessories • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations
Cuvettes & cells • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Data integrity • Microsep (Hanson Research)
Data loggers & systems • Hanna Instruments • Monitoring & Control Labs
Deionisers • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations
Densitometers • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Density specific gravity meters & scales
• Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Distillation • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
DNA testing • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group
Dropping point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Drug testing • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Davies Diagnostics
Dryers • Labotec
Dynamic mechanical analysers • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Electrochemical analysers • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Electrodes • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Electron microscopes, equipment & consumables
• Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Derivatizing agents • Merck Pty Ltd
Dessicators • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations
Detectors • Anatech Instruments • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • PANalytical
Dewar flasks • Labotec
Diabetes monitoring • The Scientific Group
Diagnostic standards • Industrial Analytical • Microsep (Recipe)
Diamond knives • The Scientific Group
Diffractometers • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa
Digestion • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Digital cameras • Advanced Laboratory Solutions
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Discrete analysers • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Labotec
Disintergration • LabDynamics • Microsep (Hanson Research)
Dispensers/dosing • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Interscience, Mettler Toledo & Rainin) • National Separations
Dissolution • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Hanson Research)
Dissolved oxygen • Hanna Instruments
• Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Chemetrix • The Scientific Group
Electrophoresis • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Elemental analysers • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • LECO Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • Verder Scientific
Elisa equipment & reagents/test kits • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mabtech) • National Separations • The Scientific Group
Em sample preparation • Advanced Laboratory Solutions
Embedding media • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Environmental monitoring/equipment • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo, ERA, Horiizon Technology & Lighthouse) • Shimadzu South Africa
Fat determination • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Fermentors - lab • Analytical Solutions • Labotec
Fermentors - process • Labotec
Fibre optics • Labotec
Filtering equipment & consumables • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations
Fine chemicals • Industrial Analytical
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
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PROD U C T DIREC TORY • Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs
Flash chromatography • Anatech Instruments
Flash point testers • Monitoring & Control Labs
Flow injection • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments
Fluorescence • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Davies Diagnostics • LabDynamics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group
Food analysis equipment • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo, Vicam, Hygiena International & Interscience) • National Separations • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa
Fraction collectors • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa
Freeze dryers • Labotec
Freezers/ultra low freezers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • The Scientific Group
Fridges • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec • The Scientific Group
FTIR • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa
Fuel cell • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Metrohm SA
Fume hoods/cupboards • Labotec • National Separations
Furniture • Air Filter Maintenance Services
Furnaces • Verder Scientific
Fusion equipment/consumables • Industrial Analytical • PANalytical
Gas analysers • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • Scientific Supply Services
Gas generators • Afrox • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Davies Diagnostics • LECO Africa
Gas installations • LECO Africa
Gas testing • Chemetrix • Microsep (Lighthouse)
Gases - specialty • Shimadzu South Africa
GC/GC-MS • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • Scientific Supply Services • Shimadzu South Africa
Gel permeation chromatography • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa
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LMS Issue 5 | 2018
Refer to Company Directory for contact details General laboratory consumables • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • LabDynamics • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations • The Scientific Group • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
Genetic disorders • Anatech Instruments
Genomics • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Genotyping • Anatech Instruments
Germinators
• Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa
Image analysis/data processing • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Interscience)
Imaging instruments • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group
Immuno-haematology
• Labotec
Grain grading equipment • Bruker South Africa
Green histology solutions
• Davies Diagnostics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Grinding vessels • Verder Scientific
Haematology equipment • Davies Diagnostics • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group
Hardness • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Labotec • LECO Africa • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters)
Headspace analysers • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Shimadzu South Africa
Heating & cooling blocks • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Monitoring & Control Labs
Heating mantles • Labotec
Histology equipment & consumables • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mabtech)
Hollow cathode lamps • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • LabDynamics
Homogenisers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Hot plates/stirrers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations
HPLC/GC/MS equipment & consumables • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • National Separations • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group
HPLC/MS • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Advion) • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa
Humidity measurement • Hanna Instruments • Labotec
• Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mabtech)
Impact testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions
Incubators (See Ovens, furnaces & incubators) • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations
Infra-red spectroscopy • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Ion analysis • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa
Karl Fischer water content analysers • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Kjeldahl • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Laboratories - accreditation • Air Filter Maintenance Services
Laboratory & GMP training • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy
• Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs
Hygrometers • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs
ICP & consumables • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Shimadzu South Africa
ICP-MS • Anatech Instruments
Melting point apparatus • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Mercury analysers • Metrohm SA
Metallurgical sample prep/metallography • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • LECO Africa
Microanalysis • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Labchem • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations
Microfiltration • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations
Microplate readers/ harvesters/washers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group
Microscopy • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
Microtomes & accessories • Labotec • The Scientific Group
Mixers/blenders • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Interscience)
Moisture analysis • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa
Mortuary equipment
Laminar flow/biohazards • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec
Laser systems • Labotec
Leak detectors • Chemetrix • Labotec • National Separations
LIMS • Bika Lab Systems • LabInfo (TSI) • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo)
Lubricants • PANalytical
Luminometers & reagents • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Microsep (Celsis & Hygiena International)
Magnetic stirrers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations
Magnets
Hydrometers
Melt flow index • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Microbiology
Immunology equipment
• Merck Pty Ltd
• Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
• Labotec
Mass spectrometers • Anatech Instruments • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Advion) • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa
Material sectioning • LECO Africa
Materials testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions
• Labotec
Mycotoxin analysis • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Chemetrix • Microsep (Waters & Vicam)
Nanotechnology • Analytical Solutions • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Lighthouse) • National Separations • PANalytical • The Scientific Group
Near infra-red analysers • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • Metrohm SA • PANalytical
NMR • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Merck Pty Ltd
Oil testing • Bruker South Africa • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical
Optical emission • Chemetrix • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa
Orbital shakers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs
Ovens, furnaces & incubators • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Kuhner) • LabDynamics • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs
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PROD U C T DIREC TORY
Refer to Company Directory for contact details • National Separations • Verder Scientific
Paint testing equipment • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Particle size measurement • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • Shimadzu South Africa • Verder Scientific
Pathogen testing equipment • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations
PCR/real-time PCR instruments & Consumables • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • National Separations
Petroleum testing • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Hanna Instruments • LabDynamics • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
pH instrumentation • Analytical Solutions • Chemetrix • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Photometers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA
Pipettes/diluters • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Davies Diagnostics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Rainin) • The Scientific Group
Plant growth chambers & rooms • Labotec
Plastic labware • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Merck Pty Ltd
Plastics testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical
Platinum laboratory ware • PANalytical
Polarimeters • Monitoring & Control Labs
Porosimeters • Advanced Laboratory Solutions
Potentiostats/galvanostats • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Metrohm SA
Power supplies • Analytical & Diagnostic Products
Protein analysis • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa
Proteomics • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • National Separations
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Pumps • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations
Purge & trap systems • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix
Pycnometers/density measurements • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Quality control • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • The Scientific Group
Raman analysers • LabDynamics • Metrohm SA
Spectrometers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical
Spectrophotometers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Shimadzu South Africa
Spectroscopy - accessories
Rapid diagnostic test kits • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Davies Diagnostics • Microsep (Recipe) • National Separations
Reactors • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Real-time reaction monitoring • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Reference cultures/ quality control organisms • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Industrial Analytical
Refractometers • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Repair & maintenance • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • LabDynamics • Labotec • Metrohm SA
Rheometers • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Monitoring & Control Labs
Rotary evaporators • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
• Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical
Spray dryers • Labotec
Stirrers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations
Surface/surface area analysis • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Celsis & Hygiena International) • National Separations • PANalytical
Surface tension • Advanced Laboratory Solutions
Synthesis workstations • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Syringes • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • National Separations
Temperature & humidity • LabInfo (TSI) • Monitoring & Control Labs
Safety equipment & accessories • Merck Pty Ltd
Salt spray chambers • Labotec
Sample preparation equipment/ consumables • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Industrial Analytical • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo & Horizon Technology) • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • PANalytical • Verder Scientific • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
Samplers • Anatech Instruments • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • PANalytical
Scientific analytical equipment • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments
Sensor development • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic)
Sieves & shakers • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Kuhner) • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • The Scientific Group • Verder Scientific
Slip melting point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Sodium analysers • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Softening point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Soil testing equipment • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo & Horizon Technology) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Verder Scientific
Temperature measurement/ thermometers/thermostats • Davies Diagnostics • Hanna Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA
Tensile/compression testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Shimadzu South Africa
Textile testing • ATS Laboratory
Texture analysers • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical
Thermal analysis • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa
Thermal desorption • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Shimadzu South Africa
Thermal optical analysis • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Thin layer chromatography (TLC/HPTLC) • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Camag)
Tissue culture chambers & rooms • National Separations
Tissue processors • Labotec • The Scientific Group
Titrators • Analytical Solutions • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
TOC analysers • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • Shimadzu South Africa
Tubing • Labotec • National Separations
Turbidity • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)
Turnkey laboratory design • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
Ultrasonic baths • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • The Scientific Group
UV transilluminators • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • The Scientific Group
UV/visible spectrophotometry • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Shimadzu South Africa
Vacuum coating • Labotec • The Scientific Group
Vacuum systems & measurement • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations
Validation • Air Filter Maintenance Services • LabDynamics • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical
Viscometers • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs
Water analysis equipment • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations
Water baths • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations
Water distillation/purification • LabDynamics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations • The Scientific Group
Water samplers • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd
Weathering testers • Labotec
Western blot kit (See Blot Kits...) • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group
X-ray analysis • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment
X-ray crystallography • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical
X-ray diffraction • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa
X-ray fluorescence • Bruker South Africa • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa
Zeta potential • AMS Laboratory Technologies • Analytical Solutions • Micron Scientific • SMM Instruments
LMS Issue 5 | 2018
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C OMPANY DIREC TORY
your testing solutions partner
Sample Preparation Mechanical Testing
Rheology
Precision matters in everything we do
Thermal Analysis
HiQ - Precision matters in everything we do, which is why our HiQ range of gases and equipment provides the accurate solution you need for optimum control in all specialised laboratory applications.
Microscopy Spectroscopy
AFROX Customer Service Centre: 0860 020202 Email: customer.service@afrox.linde.com www.afrox.com
Surface Science
SmartCall: 086 0000 ALS (257)
SmartFax: 086 1111 ALS (257)
E-mail: info@advancedlab.co.za
Web: www.advancedlab.co.za
Branches: Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town
Twitter: @advancedlab
AFMS provide certification and supply of biological safety cabinets, laminar flow benches and fume hoods. We supply and install Bsl 3 Laboratories and Bio Containment Facilities and are the authorised dealers for Baker products (www.bakerco.com). We also offer Certification of Clean Rooms and are suppliers of Incubators, Ovens, Water Baths and Circulators. PO Box 459, Honeydew 2040 30 Summit Road, Midrand, Gauteng Tel: 086-111-2367 | Fax: 011-462-1489 Email: afms@afms.bz | www.afms.bz
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A N A LY T I C A2017/12/11 L& DIAGNOSTIC PRODUCTS
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PRODUCT & SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON.
Instrumentation
Anacon supplies analytical consumables for all major instrument manufacturers and is the sole agent for the PHOTRON range of hollow cathode and deuterium (D2) lamps. Our product range includes: hollow cathode lamps (1.5 and 2”) - coded, uncoded and lumina type; deuterium Lamps for AA, UV, and HPLC detectors; graphite furnace tubes and platforms; and glass or quartz cells (cuvettes).
a Cell Image Multi-Mode Readers a Electrophoresis Equipment a Hygiene Monitoring Systems a Image Analysis a Microplate Instrumentation a Radiation Monitoring Systems a Robotic Liquid Handling Systems a Rapid Microbial Detection Systems a Dry Bath Incubator / Shaker Incubator a Rocker Shaker Vortex a Centrifuge a Magnetic Stirrer
Anacon also provides support for older generation Varian instruments. This includes routine and breakdown servicing, operator training, and assistance with sourcing obsolete and scarce spare parts such as keyboards, disk drives, and printed circuit boards.
a a a a a
For more information on our products or our range of preowned equipment please check our website.
PO Box 6378, Weltevreden Park, 1715
PO Box 731003, Fairland 2030 | 180 Kessel Street, Fairland 2195 Tel: 011-476-5690 | Fax: 011-476-7833 Email: Anacon@iafrica.com | www.anacon.co.za
Reagents & Supplies Dehydrated Culture Media Ion Chromatography Resins Petrifilm Pipettes Sampling Sponge/Swabs
Analytical Solutions specialises in the supply of scientific equipment to academic, research and analytical laboratories.
Elisa Kits
a Bacterial Pathogens a Food QC / Allergens a Mycotoxins a Pesticides Residues a Plant Diseases/Viruses
Tel: 011-794 5959 Fax: 011-794 5963 Email: support@adpsa.co.za website: www.adpsa.co.za
We are agents for Eppendorf, Erweka, Jasco, Unity Scientific, Biocontrol, AMS France, Dani Instruments, SI Analytics, Microtrac, Velp Scientifica, Fedegari autoclaves, Julabo, Ohaus, Schmidt+Haensch and Microfluidics.
Gauteng Tel: 087-610-0900 Fax: 011-704-7713 Western Cape Tel: 087-610-1000 Cell: 079-699-7987 KwaZulu Natal Tel: 087-610-1100 Cell: 082-872-3235 info@analyticalsolutions.co.za www.analyticalsolutions.co.za
LMS Company & Product Directory block- Renewals Friday, January 6, 2017 12:37:02 PM
Assuring you of our commitment to quality products and service • Mass Spectrometry • Water & Electrochemistry • Molecular Biology • Life Sciences • Chromatography • Spectroscopy
www.anatech.co.za PO Box 98485, Sloane Park, 2152 T: 011 462 6776 F: 011 704 6490 sales@anatech.co.za
Quality Control Instruments to ISO BAMR is a family run business that supplies, repairs, services and calibrates instruments in the Coatings, Corrosion, Physical Paint Test and Allied Industries since 1946. Instruments include: Abrasion, Adhesion, Climate, Coating Thickness (Elcometer), Density, Elasticity, Film Applicators, Fineness of Grind, Gloss (Elcometer), Reflectometers, IQ gauges (Rhopoint), Hardness, Moisture (Max Doser, Protimeter, Tramex), Pinhole and Spark, Surface Profiles, Salt, Dust and Cleanliness, Ultrasonic Material Thickness, Viscosity Cups and Rotational Testers
PO Box 23973, Claremont 7735 Tel: 021-683-2100 Email: sales@bamr.co.za www.bamr.co.za
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We are Sartorius in South Africa
21 Bavaria Avenue, Midrand, South Africa P O Box 6553, House 1685 South Africa Tel 011 315 5444 | Fax 086 477 6390 sales@biotechsolutions.co.za www.biotechsolutions.co.za
Innovation with Integrity Bruker South Africa Tel: +27(0)11-463-6040 info.za@bruker.com www.bruker.com/za
Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy is a supplier of the following high technology lab equipment for the sub-saharan countries: â&#x20AC;˘Â Advion: Compact and affordable high performance Mass Spectrometer & HPLC â&#x20AC;˘Â Bio-Logic: High performance instruments for the research lab - Electrochemistry, Battery & fuel cell, Sensor development, Nanotechnology and Corrosion â&#x20AC;˘Â Camag: The world leader in Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC/TLC) â&#x20AC;˘Â Kuhner: The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most reliable Shaker/ Shaking Incubator from grams up to 2 tons Office: +27 11 804 3503 fax: +27 86 719 2778 email: bruno@bslc.co.za www.bslc.co.za Address: PO Box 773, Gallo Manor 2052
Davies Diagnostics (Pty) Ltd
Authorized Distributor
Chemical Analysis Solutions Clean Room Maintenance offers an unparalleled quality service in the maintenance & validation of containment systems and supply of consumables in the air filtration & purification industry. Proudly and expertly for 30 years and more to come, we supply; install and service all types of Fume Hoods, biohazard safety cabinets; HVAC units and laminar flow units. We provide objective particle count testing of cleanrooms; hospital theatres and we also supply and fit all types of primary, secondary and HEPA filters for all your air purification needs. 16 Berlandina Street, Roodepoort 1724 PO Box 4193, Hamberg 1726 Tel: +27 11 763 8820 Cell: 083 585 0786 | Fax: +27-11-763 2769 Email:â&#x20AC;&#x201A;cynthiak@cleanroom.co.za
Chemetrix (Pty) Limited | 400 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16th Road | Block H Central Park | Midrand Tel +27 11 541 9801 | Fax +27 11 541 9802 Countrywide support call centre 0860-AGILENT (0860 244 5368) Website : www.chemetrix.co.za Email lynnettel@chemetrix.co.za
www.cleanroom.co.za
Offices in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Nairobi
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. P O Box 3222, Randburg, 2125 Tel:
+27 11 777 7600
Fax:
+27 11 787 6917
Email: mkt@daviesdiag.co.za www.daviesdiagnostics.co.za
Innovative Solutions for Your Laboratory Requirements!
Your trusted source for 26 years!
Hanna Instruments produce the following products: Chemical Test Kits, pH, Conductivity, TDS, ISE, Titration, Dissolved Oxygen, Multi-Parameters Meters, Magnetic Stirrers, Photometers, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Turbidity, Refractometers, Temperature, Relative Humidity, Lux, Process Instrumentation and Dosing Pumps. Head office (JHB) 6 Vernon Road, Morninghill, Bedfordview T: (011) 615 6076 | F: (011) 615 8582 | E: hanna@hanna.co.za CAPE TOWN BRANCH Unit B, 18 Bellville Business Park, Belville, Cape Town T: (021) 946 1722 | F: (021) 946 1723 | E: ct@hanna.co.za DURBAN BRANCH 2 Sunnyside Centre, 48 Sunnyside Lane, Pinetown T: (031) 701 2711 | F: (031) 701 2706 | E: durban@hanna.co.za
www.hanna.co.za w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
Laboratory Design & Supply â&#x20AC;˘ Scientific & Precision Equipment â&#x20AC;˘ Calibration & Services
Our vision and goal is to constantly add value by: l l l l
Supplying premium products Increasing footprint in African market Improving quality of laboratory results Spares holdings and back-up support
Tel: +27 (0) 11 916 5000 E-mail: info@imp.co.za www.imp.co.za / www.impautomation.com
816 1416
Industrial Analytical (Pty) Ltd. (part of LGC Standards), an ISO 9001:2008 certified and BBBEE rated company, specialises in the supply of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)/ reference standards, ISO accreditedSolution Standards for ICP/ AAS, Fine Chemicals (high purity metals/compounds and HPLC solvents) and Claisse fusion equipment. ISO Certificates of Analysis (COA), with guaranteed purities (up to 99.999999% pure) and MSDS supplied with our products.
PO Box 12897, Vorna Valley 1686 Tel: 011-466-4321 | Fax: 011-466-4611 Email:â&#x20AC;&#x201A;sales.za@lgcgroup.com www.lgcstandards.com LMSâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; Issue 5 | 2018â&#x20AC;&#x192;
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Raman HPLC
grow, nurture, evolve...
LECO Africa is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the privately owned company LECO Corporation, USA, servicing the South African Analytical and Metallographic industries since 1976.
Visit our new website www.labotec.co.za
Chromatography parts & consumables
We provide LECO Analytical, Metallographic, Spectrographic and Separation Science equipment, Consumables and related spare parts manufactured and assembled in the USA.
Dissolution Software Columns Water systems
Labotec is your guarantee of
WORLD CLASS LAB EQUIPMENT
with South African-based after-sales support and service
Tel. 011 675 1266 Cell. 082 498 1111 labdynamics@mweb.co.za www.labdynamics.co.za
Merck (Pty) Ltd
Merck is an innovation-driven life science company offering a broad spectrum of proven tools and technologies, together with performance solutions that help our customers succeed in the research, development and production of biotechnology and pharmaceutical drug therapies.
www.merckmillipore.com
Tel: 086-006-3725 Fax: 086-052-2329 Email: labsupply@merck.co.za PO Box 1998, Halfway House, 1685
011 315 5434 | 021 531 7660 | 031 566 4870 sales@labotec.co.za
Metrohm SA is the sole agent for the following Metrohm products: • Titration, pH and conductivity, Karl Fischer, Ion chromatography and Voltammetry • Autolab potentiostats • Applikon online process analysers • Near-infrared systems for lab and process • MIRA - portable Raman analyser.
Microsep (Pty) Ltd www.microsep.co.za
Microsep is a supplier of high technology scientific, analytical, laboratory and weighing instrumentation in Southern Africa. Our focus is to provide high quality scientific 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. Market leading brands include Waters Chromatography and Mettler Toledo.
Our products are widely used in industries such as environmental, pharmaceutical, food, mining, electroplating, petrochemical and tertiary institutions for teaching/research.
2 Saturn Crescent, Linbro Business Park, Frankenwald Ext. 30, Sandton, 2196
Postnet Suite 587, Private Bag x29, Gallo Manor 2052 Tel: 011-656-1918 Fax: 011-656-2698 Email: info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.co.za
NAT
10 Village Crescent, Linbro Business Park, Gauteng Jbg: 011-608-4664 Cpt: 086-010-9259 Dbn: 031-914-2912 sales@moncon.co.za exports@moncon.co.za www.moncon.co.za
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Tel: 011-553-2300 021-914-0393 021-886-9157 031-701-4705/6 041-365 5168
Fax: 011-553-2400
Email: info@microsep.co.za
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Service Workshops and Sanas Laboratories for Viscosity and Temperature Calibrations in Johannesburg and Durban.
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Supplying Laboratories with Instrumentation & Chemicals for 26 Years
IONAL
Monitoring & Control Laboratories
Tel: 011-974-1681 Fax: 011-974-1848 www.lecoafrica.co.za
H AFRICA
Service Validation Calibration
LECO Africa serves the entire Sub-Saharan region, with offices in Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal, and distributors in the Eastern Cape, Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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National Separations www.natsep.com National Separations (NATSEP) is the supplier of laboratory filtration, water purification and consumable products for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food & beverage and industrial industries. NATSEP, a subsidiary of Microsep (Pty) Ltd, is the official Southern African distributor for Sartorius Stedim Biotech, Albet and Amazon Filters. NATSEP provides the most cost effective filtration solution, by combining excellent products with years of filtration expertise and exceptional service. Tel: Jhb: 011-553-2300 Fax: 011-553-2400 CT: 021-914-0393 021-886-9078 CT: 021-886-9157 DBN: 031-701-4705/6 PE: 041-365-5168 Email: salesjhb@natsep.co.za / info@microsep.co.za w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a
C OMPANY DIREC TORY © Copyright LMS 2018
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PANalytical is a leading supplier of analytical instrumentation including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Near Infrared (NIR) and cross belt analysers. PANalytical provides the total X-ray solution by means of the latest innovative technology in X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Using the best specialists in South Africa, PANalytical offers XRF and XRD training courses. The variety of courses can either be presented at the customer’s site or at the PANalytical offices in Rand Park Ridge, Johannesburg.
PANalytical (PTY) LTD Unit 4, Bush Hill Office Park Jan Frederick Avenue Rand Park Ridge South Africa
EDITORIAL EDITOR: Conrad Strydom Cell: 084 815 4260 lmseditorial@newmediapub.co.za SUB EDITOR: Gill Abrahams LAYOUT & DESIGN: Allison McCallum
T +27 11 577 0880 F +27 11 577 0882 M +27 82 575 2628 wynand.smit@ panalytical.com
Shimadzu SA (Pty) Ltd
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 manufactures specialised Inlet Systems for sample introduction of gases and semi-gaseous mixtures.
Tel: +2711 476 8065 | www.ssscc.co.za
• CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS • LIFE SCIENCES • POINT OF CARE
www.shimadzu.co.za Shimadzu SA (Pty) Ltd. offers direct sales, service and support to customers in the Southern African Region for all of their analytical and measuring instruments including instruments for chromatography, massspectrometry, spectroscopy, elemental analysis, surface analysis, materials testing, life scienice research, weight measurement, thermal analysis, particle size analysis and TOC analysis.
PO Box 384 Welobie 1714
Wild Fig Business Park Units 37-40 1494 Cranberry Street Honeydew Roodepoort 2170
Tel: 011-795-2608
Fax: 011-795-1493
Email: info@shimadzu.co.za
ADVERTISING ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Merinda Lottering - Cell: 071-765-5702 Merinda.Lottering@newmediapub.co.za DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Felicity Garbers felicity.garbers@newmediapub.co.za PUBLISHING TEAM GENERAL MANAGER: Dev Naidoo PUBLISHING MANAGER: Johann Gerber Johann.Gerber@newmediapub.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER: Angela Silver ART DIRECTOR: David Kyslinger CONTACT Johannesburg Office: Ground floor, Media Park, 69 Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park, 2092 Postal Address: PO Box 784698, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146 T +27 (0)11 877 6111 F +27 (0)11 713 9024 www.lmsmagazine.co.za PRINTING Printed and bound by Paarlmedia COVER PRICE R40.00 VAT Incl. ISSN: 1013-1205 Published on behalf of Media24 Magazines by New Media Publishing (PTY) Ltd.
The Scientific Group, 14 Roma Street, Cosmo Business Park, Randburg, 2188 p 087 353 5600 | f 086 557 2874 e tsgenquiries@ascendismedical.com w www.ascendishealth.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR: Aileen Lamb CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Bridget McCarney EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: John Psillos NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Irna van Zyl Head Office: New Media House, 19 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001 Postal Address: PO Box 440, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051 Tel: +27 (0)21 417 1111 Fax: +27 (0)21 417 1112 Email: newmedia@newmediapub.co.za
Unless previously agreed in writing, LMS owns all rights to all contributions, whether image or text. SOURCES: Shutterstock, supplied images, editorial staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information given to readers, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom. All rights reserved. © LMS. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.
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www.carbolite-gero.com
Laboratory Ovens and Furnaces from 30 °C to 3000 °C NEW Ashing furnace with balance AAF-BAL 11/17
CARBOLITE GERO is a leading manufacturer of high temperature furnaces and ovens from 30 °C to 3000 °C with a focus on vacuum and special atmosphere technology. With more than 80 years of experience in thermal engineering our products are used in research laboratories, pilot plants and manufacturing sites worldwide. n Ovens up to 700 °C n Standard & custom built chamber & tube furnaces n Vacuum, inert & reactive gas furnaces
Verder Scientific Pty Ltd 10 Village Crescent · Linbro Business Park · Johannesburg · 2065 Gauteng · South Africa phone: +27 (010) 612 01 41 · sales@verder-scientific.co.za · www.verder-scientific.co.za