Compiled by Jason Andrukaitis and Carrie Meadows
Process analyzer
Waters Corp. has unveiled its new PATROL™ UPLC™ process analyzer, a real-time liquid chromatography online process analytical technology system. The analyzer is able to detect and quantify complex multiple component manufacturing samples and final product on the production floor. The system moves existing liquid chromatography analysis from off-line quality control laboratories directly to the manufacturing stream, resulting in significant improvements in production efficiency with real-time analysis, reducing process cycle times and ensuring product quality. Early analysis supports that the system can enable process recovery increases during major manufacturing steps, virtually eliminating the need for any reprocessing.
Waters Corp.
Milford, MA
www.waters.com
Mobile particle counter
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With its comprehensive software and large, easy-to-use touch-screen, the Lasair III particle counter establishes a new level of functionality in portable particle counters. The large, 8.4-in., liquid-crystal display (LCD) infrared touch-screen makes it easy to see data and navigate through the screens. The navigation structure is intuitive and easy to use. This counter is available in 1 cfm and 50 LPM flow rates from 0.3- to 25-μm size particles. The 100 LPM flow rate is suitable for monitoring 0.5- to 25-μm size particles, capable of sampling 1m3 in only 10 minutes. This comprehensive unit is ISO 21501 and 21 CFR Part 11 compliant.
Particle Measuring Systems
Boulder, CO
www.pmeasuring.com
High-purity semiconductor materials
Los Angeles-based American Elements announces expanded production capacity for certain high purity semiconductor materials. Materials include zinc telluride, bismuth telluride, cadmium telluride, and several other telluride and selenide products essential to many next-generation optics, electronic, and photovoltaic applications. Marketed under the trade name AE Semi-Conductor MaterialsTM, the new bulk manufacturing unit is designed to produce these materials in several forms including powder and in lump or chunk forms for use in thin-film deposition applications. American Elements is a leading manufacturer and supplier of engineered and other advanced material products with distribution offices in Europe, Asia, and South America.
American Elements
Los Angeles, CA
www.americanelements.com
Gas analyzer vacuum oven
Cascade TEK has paired its industrial flagship vacuum oven, the SVO-9, with a residual gas analyzer to create the SVO-9 RGA. By incorporating a residual gas analyzer into a production vacuum drying oven, it is possible to determine exactly when a part is sufficiently outgassed. This helps identify the appropriate endpoint in the vacuum drying process when dealing with inconsistent batches where residual moisture, gas, and contamination levels may vary from one batch to the next. Each vacuum oven drying system has a high-resolution display panel that communicates with the gas analyzer to calculate and display the various VOCs, solvents, and moisture that a component may outgas during the drying process. The supplied software makes it possible for outgassing levels to be visually graphed and displayed on the unit’s high-resolution display panel or on a PC monitor. Utilizing ideal time, temperature, and vacuum levels improves drying process efficiency. As the frequency of over-cooking decreases, overall drying times will also decrease, lowering costly energy consumption and increasing production yields.
Cascade TEK
Hillsboro, OR
www.cascadetek.com
Work surface system
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Eagle MHC announces the introduction of its new AdjusTable® work surface systems. The systems’ “clean” design incorporates stainless-steel components in addition to unidirectional airflow and ESD control, making them well suited for the special needs of cleanroom and electronic assembly operations. The basic unit begins with a rugged stainless-steel tabletop and either an H-frame or C-frame base combination. An undershelf is available that adjusts in 1 in. increments for easy, level positioning without the use of tools. Users can create any number of custom configurations by adding additional wire or solid stainless steel undershelves and overshelves. Standard models are offered in 36-, 48-, and 60-in. lengths, and in 24-, 30-, and 36-in. widths. Optional full-wire overshelf choices include 14-in. standard overshelves mounted to four posts or 12-in. cantilevered overshelves mounted on two posts; both are available in a choice of chrome, stainless steel, or electropolished finish.
Eagle MHC
Clayton, DE
www.eaglegrp.com
Sealing films
Excel Scientific introduces its new ThermaSeal A™ sealing film. These films are an advanced version of classic ThermalSeal polypropylene films. ThermalSeal A films incorporate a stronger and thicker adhesive layer for more secure sealing of microplates in PCR and storage applications. Although shaped to fit within the rim of raised-rim plates for more reliable sealing of all wells, ThermalSeal A films can also be used for sealing standard microplates. Each film has two removable end tabs that aid in positioning the film to the plate. Recommended temperature range is