Thermo Fisher Scientific's most compact
modular Total Nitrogen/Sulfur/Chlorine analyzer

The new TITAN 4000 Total Nitrogen/Sulfur/Chlorine (NSX) from Thermo Fisher Scientific is a streamlined NSX analyzer, up to 60% smaller than competing analyzers, offering users in the refinery and petrochemical markets superior sample introduction and enhanced oxidative combustion performance. Its innovative detectors enable increased analysis speed and productivity, as well as maximum accuracy and reliability of results. Its extensive working range covers total nitrogen/sulfur/chlorine applications from low ppb (parts per billion) to high ppm (parts per million) concentrations. In addition, the use of a powerful combustion method allows the analyzer to cater for a wide range of applications in refinery and chemical samples, including naphtha, aromatics, automotive fuels, biodiesel fuels, gaseous and LPG samples.

In order to ensure optimum productivity within today's global market, the fast reporting of total sulfur, nitrogen and chlorine content data, coupled with superior analytical accuracy is essential.  Traditional analyzers achieve analysis times of six minutes, requiring extra carrier gas facilities and frequent user interface handling. In contrast, by eliminating the need for frequent system checks, the innovative Thermo Scientific TITAN 4000 NSX analyzer is capable of analyzing TN/TS samples within an unsurpassed two minutes and TX samples in under four minutes.

Refer to picture above: The TITAN 4000 Total Nitrogen/Sulfur/Chlorine (NSX) analyzer is up to 60% smaller than competing analyzers.

By operating in real-time and with minimal sample handling requirements, the TITAN 4000 analyzer decreases analytical costs and complies with current market driven ASTM, IP and UOP methods. The powerful new analyzer features a unique, patent-pending chromium plated copper spray injection design, which is able to inject high boiling point component samples without blocking the injection system. The sample introduction and combustion technology, with pre-soot detection (patent pending), ensures optimum analysis and result precision, reducing lead time and minimizing matrix effects. 

Contrary to other technologies, the TITAN 4000 injection port and the plug flow quartz combustion tube require only oxygen gas. Maintenance is reduced through removing the need for their frequent replacement. A heated filter and a number of gasflow and temperature control sensors further eliminate the need for user interaction. These features improve the autonomy of the system and reduce instrument downtime and maintenance, minimizing operation costs associated with gas consumption and consumables. In addition, the combination of safe, sensitive and reliable TS-UVF, TN-CLD, microcoulometric techniques and reduced instrument interaction lead to heightened laboratory safety.

Building on more than 25 years of experience in trace level elemental analysis (EA), Thermo Fisher has taken a "modular plug-and-play" approach in developing the new generation TITAN 4000, ensuring maximum ease-of-use and productivity. The NSX's exceptionally enhanced modularity and upgradability allow straightforward and quick module exchange functionality. In addition, the system's own module diagnostics make tools for future analysis easily accessible. User-friendly new generation software, Thermo Scientific VISUAL, simplifies the analytical operation by minimizing user involvement in setting up the analyzer. In addition, the VISUAL functions, including priority samples, auto-multiple point calibration lines, Auto-RSD, self diagnostics and leak testing allow 24/7 unattended operation.

For further information, email: analyze@thermofisher.com or view website: www.thermo.com/titan4000   

Thermo Fisher Scientific's Infinity™ Fume Hoods
are designed for energy-efficient hazard containment

Thermo Scientific Hamilton Infinity™ Fume Hoods have enhanced ergonomics for user comfort. These hoods are designed to address the ever-increasing requirements for safety, energy-efficiency and aesthetics. Optional GreenFumeHood® technology eliminates atmospheric pollution from the exhaust, minimizing building infrastructure and dramatically reducing energy consumption costs. This innovative new range of fume hoods can not only save money, but also maintain user-safety while remaining environmentally friendly.   

Refer to picture above: The new line of Thermo Scientific Hamilton Infinity™ with enhanced ergonomics for user comfort, are designed to address the ever-increasing requirements for safety, energy-efficiency and aesthetics.

With low-voltage LED lighting, minimal exhaust static pressure, and variable air volume (VAV) compatibility to minimize exhaust air when the sash is down, the Hamilton Infinity Fume Hoods provide energy-efficient hazard containment. A full-height slanted front viewing area and side viewing panels enable simple and easy monitoring of precious samples, while a flush sill enhances safety by eliminating possible glassware tripping hazards. In addition, the Hamilton AutoSash™ technology maximizes laboratory safety by ensuring correct sash positioning. An additional trough is positioned at the front of the unit to catch any spills. The unique optional GreenFumeHood technology utilizes Neutrodine® filters in place of traditional carbon filters to eliminate emissions. Complete user assurance and filter replacement is provided via the Microsoft® gGuard Communications package, which offers real-time remote management capabilities.

The Thermo Scientific Hamilton Infinity line of fume hoods is extremely ergonomic, with highly advanced safety and energy-saving features making them ideal for virtually any laboratory. For further information, view website: www.thermo.com/hamilton  Refer to page 265

Affordable robot package for Universities and Research Laboratories

UK automation and robotics specialist, Barr & Paatz of Totnes, is offering an affordable 5-axis articulated robot package, especially compiled for technical training at universities, quality control and sample handling in medical and research laboratories, or other applications where a compact, electrically-powered robot is required. Offered at a substantial discount off list price, the Barr & Paatz academic/research bundle comprises a class-leading Mitsubishi RV-2AJ robot, a powerful 64-bit controller with PC interface, an electrical gripper, a hand-held teach pendant and connection cable set. As part of the package, Barr & Paatz is also offering a free version of its own easy-to-use programming software, plus free telephone support and technical advice.

"The Mitsubishi RV-2AJ is the perfect robot trainer, which has been used by thousands of student and trainees throughout the world," says Barr & Paatz MD, Stirling Paatz. "It's highly compact design and flexible reach make it a popular choice for university, laboratory and research use, while it is also the entry point for a range of robots that's used extensively in the automotive industry and other manufacturing sectors. So what's learned and trialled on this benchtop package is immediately applicable to much larger robots in current use."

Affordable 5-axis articulated robot package, especially compiled for technical training at universities, quality control and sample handling in medical and research.

Barr & Paatz has been in the vanguard of robotics training and application for 20 years and is an official supplier and integrator of Mitsubishi industrial robots, which are regarded as the class leaders in small-scale kinematics. Over the years it has configured, installed and commissioned many robot workcells based around Mitsubishi RV hardware and has developed its own custom programming environment, which is extremely user friendly and included FOC in the bundle. It has supplied similar robot packages to the Faculties of Computing at Plymouth University and the University of Ulster, to be used in their training and research work.

Notable for its slimline, compact lines and an installation footprint no larger than an A5 sheet of paper, the Mitsubishi RV-2AJ is perfect for benchtop applications in the classroom or laboratory. With a maximum payload of 2.5kg, 5 degrees of freedom, a precision repeatability of ±0.02mm and a reach of 482mm, it is ideal for component or sample handling and placement, in confined spaces. Equipped with an electrical gripper set, it has no need for a compressed air supply and all cables are routed internally, to prevent snagging. Absolute position encoders are fitted to all axis servo motors, enabling the robot to start work as soon as it is powered up.

Included with the academic/research package is a Mitsubishi CR1 controller, with an A4 footprint, PC interface and a 64-bit processor, for controlling axial, linear and 3D motions and multitasking with up to 88 programs. There is also a hand-held teach pendant, providing multifunction control and programming for the Mitsubishi RV series robot; featuring a bright 6.5" touchscreen display, its intuitive interface makes it easy to control robot movements, program in teach mode and perform extensive diagnostics.

"It's a very powerful, state-of-the-art robot package at an attractive price," says Stirling Paatz. "For university departments, it's a great opportunity for them and their students to get up to speed on modern robotics.

"For laboratories and research establishments, it's the ideal compact, yet powerful machine for a bench type environment." For further information, e-mail: spaatz@barr-paatz.co.uk

Thermo Fisher Scientific extends its pipette range

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., have further extended the Thermo Scientific Finnpipette F3 Series, Finnpipette® product family. This entry-level series includes eight single-channel models covering 1 µl to 10 ml, as well as nine fixed-volume pipettes (1 µl to 1 ml) for assured versatility. Offering superior accuracy and the highest levels of pipetting precision, this series of pipettes is ideal for clinical, government or educational use. Adding the F3 series completes the full range of Thermo Scientific Finnpipettes.

Each color-coded Finnpipette features a revolutionary double-action pipetting push-button. The rotating upper part of the push-button is designed to prevent any accidental volume alterations while pipetting. The Advanced Volume Gearing Mechanism allows superior volume precision to two decimal places. The Finnpipette F3 Series incorporates a range of novel ergonomic features to minimize the occurrence of repetitive strain injury (RSI). The handle softly contours the shape of the user's hand, and the improved wide-supportive finger rest allows the user to relax their hand between pipetting actions. The smooth round-shaped tip ejector is safe to use with gloves and the wide top permits easier tip ejection. The larger display makes the numbers easier to read and allows volumes to be set quickly, so the researcher can focus on their work.

As the latest addition to the Finnpipette product family, the new F3 Series is compatible with most common tips, which are available as standard, sterilized racked or refill kits. For further information, view website: www.thermo.com/finnpipette  Refer to page 265