Ion analysis - made easy by Metrohm

Testing canned food for contamination by tin

info@metrohm.com — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:31:00 EST

Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) in combination with a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) is an analysis method for determining the concentration of tin in canned food. For convenience, the methods for the tin and lead determination are already implemented in Metrohm's 797 VA Computrace.

Just press the button and start measuring

Canning food is a good method of preservation which uses no chemical preservatives and is therefore widely used. Usually cans consist of tin plate which is tin coated steel. Tin is necessary to prevent iron from being corroded by the canned food. Unfortunately tin itself can slowly transfer into the food.Lead, which was used with tin until lately as a solder (also for cans), can also be determined with the described method from Metrohm.

A specification between Sn(II) and Sn(IV) is also possible.The anodic stripping voltammetry can be carried out on a 797 VA Computrace enriched with the unbeatable Dosino technique for liquid handling.

Iodine adsorption number of carbon black automatically

info@metrohm.com — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:34:27 EST

In the rubber and tire industries carbon black has been used for many years as a reinforcing filler for increasing the abrasion resistance of vehicle tires, seals, conveyor belts, etc.

Previously the titration for determining the iodine adsorption number used to be carried out manually and was plagued by several problems. The greatest difficulty experienced in the determination is the recognition of the titration endpoint: as the color change occurs in an almost black solution, different laboratory technicians will achieve different results.

For the first time ever, Metrohm�s �Robotic Iodine Adsorption Analyzer� allows the fully automated determination of the iodine adsorption number. The system consists of an 814 USB Sample Processor with two towers and an 809 Titrando. A combined Pt-ring electrode is used as the indicator electrode. Each sample is weighed out into a 75 mL sample vessel, a magnetic stirrer bar is added and the vessel is placed on the autosampler rack, which can accommodate up to 24 sample vessels.

iColumns - intelligent separation columns

info@metrohm.com — Wed, 09 May 2007 03:09:36 EST

The first intelligent column generation worldwide for ion chromatography comes from Metrohm and offers the following advantages:

Immediate availability of all column data
Active monitoring of all important column functions
Traceability of all column parameters without security gaps

If an iColumn is built into an IC system of the new Metrohm 850 Professional IC family then the MagIC Net™ software immediately recognizes the type of column. A mouse-click is all you need for the software to display the column standard conditions such as standard eluent and flow, the permitted maximum values for pressure and flow as well as the correct type of precolumn. These and further data are stored on the chip of the iColumn.

If an intelligent Metrosep column is used in different IC systems, the up-to-date data stored on the column’s chip is available to every instrument. This ensures traceability without security gaps and GLP-monitoring for all the iColumns used with different IC systems. System validation becomes significantly easier.

Analyzer remote control via ethernet

info@metrohm.com — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:36:37 EST

Metrohm has introduced the ProcessLab analyzer, which uses a standard Windows interface on a PC and can be controlled remotely via a local corporate Ethernet (TCP/IP based) Metrohm's analytical device, the ProcessLab, can be remote controlled via a local corporate Ethernet (TCP/IP based) and comes in a robust steel case which normally is placed in a production environment. ProcessLab is easy to operate for semi-skilled workers, but as with any analytical equipment, needs some maintenance which can be done directly at the system. Remote access to ProcessLab facilitates surveillance and changes can be made directly from any Windows office PC. Assessing running methods is easy, and reduced travelling results in a time saving. ProcessLab is easy to operate and needs no additional software although advanced technical software and hardware knowledge is necessary to perform the installation. The 'Windows remote desktop' is used to install such a connection.

Food titration system is compact

info@metrohm.com — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:33:40 EST

The Food Titrino offers users a complete package for all the usual analyses in the food industry.

The Food Titrino offers users a complete package for all the usual analyses in the food industry. Apart from almost 100 determination methods described in detail, users can also obtain accessories that are needed for their titrations. The Metrohm Food Titrino is a compact titrator with an LCD screen for real-time curve display.

With the Food Titrino users have the possibility of storing their titration methods not only in the instrument's internal memory, but also on a memory card, which makes them transportable across different laboratories and sites.

The connection of a PC keyboard and/or a barcode reader (options) is advantageous and helps avoid errors when alphanumerical sample data have to be entered or read in.

The (online) balance connection eliminates input errors; the printer connection ensures complete documentation of the determinations.

The increasing number of foodstuff quality labels appearing in the market place demonstrates that quality is the decisive purchasing factor.

Together with the Food Titrator users receive detailed and an easily understandable explanation concerning the qualification of their titrator and the validation of their method.

This means that users are always on the safe side - results will stand up to any test.

Automatic monitoring of phosphating lines

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:29:59 EST

The new 'ProcessLab' at-line analyzer can automatically monitor and control bath composition in a complete process line, for example in the automotive industry for the phosphating of metal surfaces

Metrohm ProcessLab is a new at-line analyzer, following on in the success of the Titrando range of laboratory titrators. The system uses well established hardware and software, including the titrator Titrando and tiamo software. The advantages to the process industry are the Industrial PC and I/O controller for sending information to process control systems.

The system will automatically monitor a complete process line for the phosphating of metal surfaces. It can also analyze the phosphate bath and the degreasing and cleaning baths. Typical analysis for these are pH, conductivity, free and total alkalinity for cleaning and rinsing baths. Also free and total acids, nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, zinc and fluoride for phosphating baths. All of this analysis is carried out in the ProcessLab, without operator intervention, and results are relayed to the process controller so remedial action for bath quality is regulated automatically.

Ecotrode Plus is 'new standard for pH titration'

info@metrohm.com — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:02:41 EST

The fixed ground-joint diaphragm is suitable for a wide range of samples, from clear, ion-deficient solutions up to highly concentrated suspensions or emulsions In order to utilise the advantages of the fixed ground-joint diaphragm to the full extent in titrations, a new type of membrane glass has also been developed for the Ecotrode Plus, which, in addition to a short response time, exhibits very high endurance. In short: a membrane glass that does not give up easily, even in continuous use. The fixed ground-joint diaphragm is suitable for a wide range of samples, from clear, ion-deficient solutions up to highly concentrated suspensions or emulsions. The fixed ground-joint diaphragm allows low-noise potential measurements that are only dependent on the ionic strength and stirring speed to a minimal extent, thus meeting crucial requirements for a rapid and precise titration.

The teaching laboratory pH meter: 827 pH lab

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 04:00:00 EST

The pH meter 827 pH lab from Metrohm is perfectly suited to rugged use, such as university teaching laboratories.

wipHi – wireless communication with printer and PC

“Point and shoot” connection to printer and PC via IrDA-Interface
Various GLP-compliant reports
Data transfer to LIMS

compHort – Designed for easy operation

pHidelity – “Swiss made” technology you can rely on

High-precision measuring input with a resolution of 0.001 pH
GLP at its best: three-point calibration with automatic buffer recognition and temperature compensation
Automatic reading or sending of measured values

The novel “Long Life Primatrode” is ideal for use with the 827 pH lab. This electrode is equipped with a plastic shaft and an NTC temperature sensor and combines accuracy with outstanding robustness at a reasonable price.

Affordable Heavy Metal Analyses

info@metrohm.com — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:00:02 EST

The Metrohm 797 VA Computrace offers the capability of performing analyses for environmentally-sensitive heavy metals with several advantages:

� Inexpensive, reliable instrumentation

� Low maintenance and running costs

� Detection and quantification limits in the ppb � ppt range

� Large database of standard methods

When compared with analytical spectroscopy techniques for environmental waters, voltammetry has several unique features:

� Determination of �free� and complexed metal ion concentrations

� Differentiation between oxidation states e.g. Cr(VI) & Cr(III)

� Measurement of complexation capacity

� Discrimination between organic and inorganic metal species

Order your free copy of the Metrohm Monograph �Introduction to Polarography and Voltammetry�!

Oxidation stability of biodiesel and blends according to EN 14 112

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:26:55 EST

In addition to other alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol or biogas (methane), fatty acid methyl esters are increasingly found on the market; these are then known as biodiesel, RME (rapeseed oil methyl esters) or FAME (fatty acid methyl esters).

Fatty acid methyl esters are usually obtained from oil seeds and are mainly used in their pure form or mixed with conventional diesel fuel in the transport sector.

Fatty acid methyl esters are relatively unstable on storage, they are slowly oxidized by atmospheric oxygen. The substances produced in this way could cause motor damage. This is why the oxidation stability is an important quality criterion for biodiesel; it is regularly determined during the production process.

With the 873 Biodiesel Rancimat from Metrohm this determination can be carried out quickly and simply. The oxidation process can be delayed by the addition of antioxidants. The 873 Biodiesel Rancimat can also be used to determine the effectiveness of antioxidants.

Intelligent IC - IC for Professionals

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:19:45 EST

Metrohm proudly presents the next generation in ion chromatography: The 850 Professional IC is the first professional ion chromatography system with intelligent system components:

Intelligence in the newly developed hardware of the 850 Professional IC,
Intelligence in the MagIC Net™ software,
Intelligence in the Metrosep iColumns.

Professional IC guarantees excellent results, gapless system monitoring, guaranteed traceability of all actions and the simple operation of even complex procedures. The 850 Professional IC also stands for a robust system setup using high-end components. A long working life with low running costs is guaranteed.

Anions and cations in drinking water, ultratrace analysis in nuclear power plants, ions in complex sample matrices in the semiconductor industry, method development in R&D – the 850 Professional IC, the 858 Professional Sample Processor and the MagIC Net software present a system for reliably mastering any analytical challenge.

Analyzing the effect of enzymes in washing powders

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:22:18 EST

Washing powders usually only contain one type of enzyme, though some have two or all three; the activity of these enzymes can be determined using a pH Stat titration

Enzymes are biological molecules that catalyse (speed up) chemical reactions. Enzymes are specific - they will only work on particular molecules.

Only a tiny amount of enzyme is needed to have a huge effect on a reaction. The rate of enzyme activity depends on the amount of enzyme present, and also the temperature and pH of the reaction solution. The most favourable pH for many enzymes is 6-8, but there are exceptions: pepsin, a digestive enzyme in the stomach, works best at pH 2.

Washing powders usually only contain one type of enzyme, though some have two or all three. The activity of these enzymes can be determined using a pH STAT titration. In the reaction phase the pH value is held constant under vigorous stirring (using a homogenizer) by adding sodium hydroxide solution (pH stat titration) and the NaOH consumption is recorded as a function of time. The reaction is terminated when either a given conversion (NaOH consumption) has been achieved, if the reaction rate (NaOH consumption per unit of time) is too small or after the maximum permitted reaction time has elapsed.

The Metrohm system used for the automatic determination of the enzyme activities consists of an 815 Sample Processor, an 842 pH Stat Titrando, and several other 800 Dosinos for adding the substrate solution and various auxiliary solutions, etc. The titration software tiamo™ controls the system.

New pH electrode - a masterpiece from Metrohm

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:25:00 EST

You certainly have been dreaming about an electrode that is perfectly suited for the fully automatic titration of small volumes. With the new flat membrane electrode (6.0256.100), Metrohm has made your dreams come true.

The new geometry with the ring-shaped ground-joint diaphragm around the pH glass membrane gives an excellent repeatability and reduces the measuring error to an absolute minimum.

The flat membrane electrode is also equipped with the «Long Life» reference system from Metrohm. Thanks to this unique system, the response time to changes in pH and temperature is extremely short.

Fields of application:

• pH surface measurements in the paper, textile and food industries
• pH measurement of soil samples (aqueous suspensions)
• Fully automatic titrations with a sample changer
• Titration of small volumes

All combined pH glass electrodes with c(KCl)= 3 mol/L as reference electrolyte, including the flat membrane electrode, should be stored in the patented Metrohm Storage Solution (6.2323.000) when not in use. The optimal composition of this Storage Solution guarantees that the pH glass electrode is always ready for use.

MATi 1: Fully automated water analysis�so easy

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 10:23:21 EST

Water quality is important for many different application fields � from tap water to production processes, water quality has always to be checked. Conductivity and pH value as well as the alkalinity and the total hardness are typical parameters that have to be monitored. The determination of so many different parameters in a single sample needs a large number of different steps and is very time-consuming. Wouldn�t it be nice to keep it simple� to just put an appropriate amount of sample in the sample beaker on the rack and be assured that the rest is done fully automatically? MATi1 combines all the necessary steps, such as accurate sample metering, direct measurements, addition of auxiliary solutions and reagents as well as convenient collection of all the data and results in a sophisticated database.

Biofuel: Simple determination of low-level cations

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:59:39 EST

After low-level anions in fuel-grade ethanol, we present here the determination of low-level cations in the same matrix. The contamination of ethanol fuel with soluble metal ions such as lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and other cations can affect engine performance since salts and sediments that precipitate can block the nozzles and cause corrosion in the vehicle components in contact with the fuel. The article (LC-GC Application Notebook - September 2006) describes a simple ion chromatography methodology to determine a number of cations in pure 200 proof denatured ethanol. A Metrohm 861 Advanced Compact IC equipped with conductivity detector and Metrohm Inline Matrix Elimination (MISP) technology is applied for this method.

pH electrode Solvotrode for non-aqueous acid/base titrations

info@metrohm.com — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:55:21 EST

Non-aqueous titrations play a key role in monitoring product quality in many areas, including the pharmaceutical, oil, and plastics industries, as well as the edible oils and fats industries. The Metrohm Solvotrode (6.0229.100) is a combined pH glass electrode that has been specially designed for use with non-aqueous acid-base titrations. It makes complicated titrations easier because it can be used in many applications where it was previously necessary to use three and four electrode systems due to electrostatic interferences. This electrode also uses the Metrohm Long Life reference system: an Ag/AgCl cartridge with a silver ion barrier that ensures an extended life and consistent measurements.

Intelligent titrator plus intelligent sensors with the 857 Titrando plus iConnect

info@metrohm.com — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:49:11 EST

Thanks to the most advanced electronics Metrohm has been able to reduce the measuring amplifier to the size of a postage stamp. This means that the complete measuring amplifier fits in the electrode cable head. Directly in the sensor, the analog/digital converter of the latest generation in the iConnect converts the analog measuring signal into a digital data flow. With the iConnect the sensor and measuring amplifier are always calibrated together and the calibration data stored in the intelligent electrode. As the measuring amplifier is no longer built into the instrument, the electrode and iConnect can be used together with different titrators. The calibration procedure is no longer associated with a particular titrator.

10 good reasons why you should consider the Metrohm 797 VA Computrace instead of an AAS or ICP

info@metrohm.com — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 03:39:30 EST

The 797 VA Computrace from Metrohm is the modern PC controlled voltammetric workstation for the determination of trace metals - in addition many different organic compounds and anions can also be quantified � and thanks to the sophisticated intuitive software design the operation is unbelievably simple. The 797 VA Computrace offers at least equal sensitivity for a fraction of the purchase price of an ICP or AAS instrument all backed by the Swiss guarantee of quality. The instrument can be used as a standalone instrument or with differing levels of automation for higher sample throughput to meet application requirements. Some of the reasons are the very good detection limits for heavy metals and the extremely low running costs, many official standards requiring voltammetry, the versatility of the instruments, the quality assurance, and the reliability. Interested? Find more on our website!

Water content in tablets or meat? - A child's play with Titrando plus homogenizer

info@metrohm.com — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:56:37 EST

Sample preparation - ready for analysis in no time at all! The quality, shelf life and stability of many products depend to a large extent on their water content, which means that its determination is very important. We recommend Karl Fischer titration for determining the water content. In comparison with other methods, Karl Fischer Titration has proved to be quick, accurate and reliable. With the new Titrando/homogenizer combination manual sample preparation can be dispensed with. The high-frequency homogenizer effortlessly homogenizes the sample without any other actions being required to form a thick paste. As the comminution and homogenization process takes place directly in the sealed titration vessel, any falsification of the analytical results can be ruled out.

Free Metrohm Monograph 'Introduction to Polarography and Voltammetry'

info@metrohm.com — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 04:31:18 EST

Our latest Metrohm Monograph about voltammetry Introduction to Polarography and Voltammetry offers an easy-to-read introduction into the basics of polarographic and voltammetric trace analysis.

On not more than 60 pages the most important current measurement techniques are described in an illustrative matter with self-explanatory figures: Direct current methods, pulse methods as well as alternating current methods are covered. The description of polarographic and the various types of stripping voltammetric methods are the second main focus. Chapters about instrumentation and sample preparation complete the monograph.

The monograph is recommended for everyone who wants to know more about trace analysis using polarography and stripping voltammetry.