New Equipment for 2008
12 March 2008
Butterworth are proud to announce that the investment in a CEM MARS Microwave Digestion system will enable them to prepare and analyse a wider range of demanding sample types by Inductively Coupled Plasma and Atomic Absorption spectroscopy.
The system allows samples such as, metal oxides, metallic catalysts, polymers that do not dissolve well by traditional means and digest them in a rapid and efficient manner for spectroscopic analysis. The option to used closed vessels will also aid in the preparation of the more volatile elements such as mercury.
The system is also capable of providing microwave – based solvent extraction, providing similar advantages in its ability to provide a rapid and efficient sample preparation process. The company is currently involved with a method transfer validation in association with a GC-MS application to monitor trace levels of extractables from plastic containers.
The system will also help Butterworth practice green chemistry, by reducing the volumes of acid and solvents used by up to 90%, as well as offering increased Health and Safety advantages for laboratory staff.
This month has also seen the commissioning of another major piece of equipment, a Antek 9000 Nitrogen Chemiluminescence analyser. This replaced an earlier version of the system which was the oldest piece of equipment in routine use. This instrument has the ability to detect and quantify ppb levels of nitrogen and is frequently used determine the protein content of Lactose.
The laboratory have also extended the range of viscometers with the purchase of a Brookfield LVDV II+Pro. This extended the previous range of 100 –40000 cP to enable cover the lower range of 1-6000 cP. In addition the laboratory maintains the ability to determine viscosity using Ubbelohde glass capillary viscometers.
As part of the ongoing equipment replacement programme, it has been decided that the current Perkin-Elmer Optima 3300RL ICP-OES will be replaced in this financial year. Design specifications are currently being considered to enable lower detection limits to be achieved than the current typical levels of 10ppb.
