Pittcon 2019 was held March 17–21 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Living up to its promise to report on new findings in the laboratory sciences and present novel technologies and cutting-edge instrumentation, Pittcon 2019 featured a stimulating technical program, skill-building short courses, and a dynamic exposition of laboratory products. Some of these are listed below, in alphabetical order by company name.
BMT USA—Booth 2015
BMT ECO Line
This year will see the full launch of the ECO line of devices from BMT/MMM. The new ECO LCD controller allows for up to nine programs along with USB and Ethernet communication. The ECO family of laboratory equipment includes Microbiological Incubators, Cooling/BOD and Freeze-Thaw Incubators, Dry-Heat Ovens, Vacuum Ovens, Stability/Photostability, Shelf Life, and Environmental/Climate Chambers.
www.bmtusa.com
BRANDTECH—Booth 1028
BRAND Liquid Handling Station flow
The new BRAND Liquid Handling Station flow (LHS flow) is BRAND’s compact pipetting robot for applications where samples must be protected from particles and microorganisms. It closes the gap between electronic pipettes and highly complex, expensive pipetting robots. The new FlowBox directs a filtered air flow in horizontal layers across consumables.
www.brandtech.com
BRUKER—Booth 2754
INVENIO R Spectrometer
The INVENIO R represents the entry level of Bruker’s R&D FTIR spectrometers for demanding analytical and R&D applications. It features an optimized footprint for laboratory benches, an integrated touch panel, and MultiTect technology for five software selectable detectors. The novel optical beam path provides excellent signal-to-noise ratio, broad spectral range covering FIR to UV/VIS, and highest flexibility for sophisticated experimental setups.
www.bruker.com/products/infrared-near-infrared-and-raman-spectroscopy/ft-ir-research-spectrometers/invenio-r/overview.html
CARVER—Booth 3936
Automatic Hydraulic Laboratory Press
The Auto Series Plus features a large, 7” color operator interface, enhanced platen temperature control and autotuning, ramp heating capability, real-time trending of force and temperature, and seven-day timer for auto heatup. Other features include storage of up to 250 recipes, recipe preview, and optional data logging for cycle parameters. Auto Series Plus press models are available with 15–48 tons of clamping force and 6” × 6” to 19” × 19” platens. These benchtop presses are used in quality control and research and development for test sample preparations, destructive testing, molding, laminating, and fluid extraction.
www.carverpress.com/
COLE-PARMER—Booth 2229
Omega Zen Pipette Controller
Get over nine hours of continuous and accurate use with the Argos Technologies Omega Zen pipette controller. This portable, lightweight, and ergonomic pipette controller can be used with plastic or glass pipettes from 1 to 100 mL. An easy-to-read liquid crystal display (LCD) shows aspirate/dispense speed, gravity (drop) mode, and battery charge. Aspirate/dispense speed can be finely tuned using thumbwheel and triggers. The included auto-charging bench stand provides quick battery charging.
www.coleparmer.com
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPRESS—Booth 2228
SPE-Express System
The SPE-Express 2.0 System is offered in single-place, modular units that can be linked together to meet sample throughput demands. The system is fully enclosed—no fume hood is needed. It is the only system that both extracts the sample and evaporates the n-hexane, eliminating the transfer step. The system uses a fluid sensor to verify the sample vessel is empty, improving accuracy, and runs multiple samples simultaneously (up to three stations), which improves analyst efficiency.
www.envexp.com
FLUID IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES—Booth 3820
FlowCam VisualSpreadsheet Software Release 5.0
VisualSpreadsheet 5.0 software for the FlowCam automated particle analysis platform incorporates a powerful, relational-database structure with an intuitive interface combined with their standalone and automated liquid handling platform. It provides a high-throughput method of acquiring and analyzing quantitative image data from multiple runs simultaneously. VisualSpreadsheet software, when combined with 21CFR capabilities, meets regulatory standards for data integrity. The software is available for FlowCam instruments and desktop systems.
www.fluidimaging.com
FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS—Booth 1623
TurboTrace PFC
The TurboTrace PFC system is a fully automated sample preparation system for analyzing perfluorinated compounds in wastewater. The system is a green technique that provides consistent, reproducible results and eliminates sample reruns. It is specifically designed to isolate analytes of interest from a wide variety of liquid matrices such as urine, blood, water, and beverages. Sample sizes range from 2 mL to 8 L and use the same bottle the sample was collected in.
www.fms-inc.com
FRITSCH—Booth 3005
PULVERISETTE 19 Universal Cutting Mill
The Universal Cutting Mill PULVERISETTE 19 with variable rotational speed between 50 and 700 rpm and torque of up to 67 nm enables powerful comminution of hard, tough, elastic samples and small sample quantities due to the combination of low cutting rate and extreme cutting forces. It is an effective solution for cases in which thermal damage, loss of highly volatile substances, or excessively high fine share, for example, need to be avoided.
www.fritsch-international.com
HEMCO—Booth 2757
Lab Furniture Groupings to Meet Space and Budget Needs
HEMCO offers a cost-effective and time-efficient way to outfit your lab furniture requirements. A wide selection of lab furniture groupings from 4’ to 14’ long with sink, wall cabinet options, and corner adaptions allow you to quickly lay out a lab without having to select individual cabinets and fit countertops and sink cutouts. Cabinets feature drawer and door combinations, prefabricated worksurfaces, sink, and faucet. Fumehood options can be added to any grouping to complete a lab requirement.
www.hemcocorp.com
HORIBA—Booth 2607
Duetta Fluorescence and Absorbance Spectrometer
The Duetta ultrafast two-in-one spectrofluorometer for analytical molecular fingerprinting combines fluorescence and absorbance spectroscopy into one compact instrument. High-fidelity molecular fingerprinting with unique A-TEEM (Absorbance-Transmittance Excitation Emission Matrix) Technology offers full 3-D fluorescence EEM acquisition in under one second. It also provides best-in-class fluorescence sensitivity specification of 6,000:1 RMS for water Raman, UV-VIS-NIR fluorescence detection wavelength range from 250 to 1,100 nm, and automatic correction for primary and secondary Inner Filter Effects (IFEs).
www.Horiba.com/Duetta
HORIBA—Booth 2607
MacroRAM Macroscopic Compact Raman Benchtop Spectrometer
MacroRAM’s superior optical components, Class 1 laser safety, and HORIBA’s back-thinned scientific CCD cooled to –50 °C means it offers best-in-class sensitivity in an affordable instrument. MacroRAM, based on a 120-mm focal length spectrograph, includes a standard interlocked sample compartment for operator safety, holders for cuvette-based liquid measurements, a solid sample holder, and fiber optics for measurements out of the sample chamber. Easy setup is via USB. MacroRAM is suitable for routine and complex Raman measurements.
www.macroraman.com
HORIBA—Booth 2607
XGT-9000 Micro XRF Analytical Microscope
The new XGT-9000 Micro XRF offers high sensitivity, new high-quality optical imaging technology, and high-speed analysis of foreign materials. It provides nondestructive analysis with little to no sample preparation and the ability to obtain and access points of interest in just one click. Software provides chemical, thickness, and image analysis features. The microscope is equipped with three types of optical illumination: coaxial (reflection), dark field, and transmission. Combining coaxial and dark field illumination enables clear observation of samples with flat/uneven areas.
www.Horiba.com
HUDSON ROBOTICS—Booth 832
Rapid_pH Automated pH Meter
The Rapid_pH Automated pH Meter measures pH in 96-well microplates, and tubes in SBS formatted racks. Benefits include: simplify pH measurement using user-friendly, easy-to-use software; increase accuracy and repeatability; reduce measurement volumes; increase throughput; import sample descriptions; export read results in multiple formats; and relieve the tedium of measuring pH manually. The pH meter provides fast return on investment by allowing the scientist to walk away and work on other tasks.
https://hudsonrobotics.com
KEYENCE—Booth 820
Form, Contour, and Roughness Measurements in as Little as 1 Second
The VR Series is a noncontact optical profiler designed to provide form, contour, and roughness measurements over a 4” × 8” area with submicron resolution. Built-in Smart Measurement allows for place-and-measure capability, enabling any user to quickly capture full surface data and understand their parts in greater detail. The postprocessing Analysis software provides advanced measurement capabilities, making it easier to tie measurements to decision-making.
www.keyence.com/vr5000pr
KNF NEUBERGER, INC.—Booth 1120
Want More Flow? KNF Delivers
The new compact KNF diaphragm pump measures just 31 mm in width, yet the single head version produces free flow up to 5.5 L/min and to 10 L/min with the dual head. NMP830 HP produces best-in-class pressure of up to 3.0 bar and vacuum down to 50 mbar absolute. The flow-to-size ratio represents a 33–44% increase over earlier KNF NMP series pumps. The pump is available with brushed and 2- or 4-wire brushless DC motor options, and chemically compatible wetted components.
www.knfusa.com
LABCONCO—Booth 1419
FreeZone Triad Freeze Dryer
The Labconco FreeZone Triad freeze dryer prefreezes samples, freeze-dries on the shelf or in flasks, and stoppers under vacuum. With a small footprint, it fits in any lab. Its 2.5-L collector reaches –85 °C, making it suitable for freeze-drying low eutectic point samples. With the addition of the advanced Lyo-Works operating system, the Triad works smarter than ever. Data collection and storage allow for repeatability of protocols. Emails alert users to sample status. Optional End-Zone detects and alerts users when samples in flasks are dry.
www.labconco.com
LABVANTAGE—Booth 2935
LabVantage 8.4
LabVantage 8.4 encompasses LIMS, ELN, and LES. The new version incorporates numerous features, many of which are new or have been updated. The most significant changes are improved options for managing resource capacity and availability. The new Work Assignment & Planning (WAP) module allows laboratory managers to see both current and upcoming work and assign it to individuals or groups of users. The latest version also includes updates around Data Privacy, Master Data Navigator, Customer Specifications, Bulk Data Import, Automated Issue Tracking, and more.
www.labvantage.com
LECO—Booth 3127
TGA801 Next-Generation Thermogravimetric Analyzer
LECO’s new TGA801 thermogravimetric analyzer was designed to maximize user productivity and improve workflow through a number of features. It is suitable for determining multiple constituents such as moisture, ash, volatile content, and LOI in various organic, inorganic, and synthetic materials. Streamlined analysis is achieved through an automated thermogravimetric analysis batch of up to 19 samples with automatic endpoint recognition. Stable and precise mass measurements take place throughout the analysis cycle using an integrated, thermally isolated 0.0001-g low-drift balance.
www.leco.com/products/analytical-sciences/moisture-ash-volatile-content-and-loss-on-ignition/573-tga801-thermogravimetric-analyzer
LUMEX INSTRUMENTS—Booth 1230
Multiplexer for Mercury Monitor RA-915AM
The highly selective RA-915AM ambient air and process mercury monitor now extends its application range. The new compact multiplexer provides automatic determination of Hg concentrations in different sampling points. This solution allows the use of just one monitor to determinate mercury content in several locations, increasing the reliability of the system and reducing user’s expenses. The multiplexer enables sampling from 2 to 16 points with the length of the sampling line up to 150 m.
www.lumexinstruments.com
PFEIFFER VACUUM—Booth 2129
HiPace 700 H Turbopumps
Pfeiffer Vacuum is presenting extremely high-compression models with its new HiPace 700 H turbopumps. With a compression ratio of ≥2·107 for hydrogen, they are suitable for generating high and ultrahigh vacuum. Due to the high compression ratio, a low residual gas spectrum, which is desirable for certain mass spectrometry applications, is created in the chamber. Their advanced rotor design means that the turbopumps have an exceptionally high critical backing pressure of 22 hPa.
www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com/en/
QEC—Booth 721
Precision-Sealing Containers
Q-Seal™ precision-sealing leak-proof containers feature highly engineered premium closures with 720-degree thread engagement and sealing ring for leak-tight performance. The containers, well-suited for applications where container security is critical, are manufactured of natural HDPE plastic in a lighter, economical gram weight. The wide-mouth oblong shape allows easier filling and storage. Features include easy-to-read graduation marks in milliliters and ounces, available in 250, 500, and 1000-mL sizes.
www.qecusa.com
REGIS TECHNOLOGIES—Booth 2123
Reflect Chiral Columns
Reflect chiral columns are rugged polysaccharide phases suitable for a wide range of chiral compounds, scalable from analytical to preparative separations. The columns’ proprietary phase coverage provides excellent peak shape and resolution. High resolution greatly improves preparative loading, leading to greater productivity and higher-purity separations. The rugged columns are suitable for a wide range of chiral compounds and are built for durability. They are available in analytical to preparative sizes in five phases: Immobilized Amylose A, Immobilized Cellulose B & C, Coated Amylose A, and Coated Cellulose B.
http://www.registech.com/
RENISHAW—Booth 2011
RA816 Biological Analyser
The Renishaw RA816 Biological Analyser is a compact benchtop Raman imaging system designed for biological and clinical research. The easy-to-use instrument enables the rapid collection of detailed information from a range of biological samples, including tissue and biofluids. It enables biologists and clinicians to identify and assess biochemical changes associated with disease formation and progression, allowing them to obtain the full range of biochemical information without needing prior knowledge of specific molecular targets or time-consuming labeling or staining.
www.renishaw.com/RA816
SHIMADZU SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS—Booth 2108
Accurate, Sensitive GC-MS Series
GCMS NX systems use an advanced GC equipped with a next-generation flow controller that enables ultrafast and ultraprecise control and accommodates a variety of applications. The systems incorporate ClickTek, a mechanism that allows tool-free attachment and removal of consumables, for easier maintenance. An active time management function enables control of the total system operating time, reduces standby time, and automates verification operations for improved operating efficiency.
www.ssi.shimadzu.com
SIRIUS AUTOMATION GROUP—Booth 520
MicroTasker Laboratory Robot
The MicroTasker is a compact and economical sample prep robot for everyday tasks such as reagent mapping, analytical weighing (4 or 5 place), sample ID (1D/2D barcodes), tube sorting, dilutions, vortexing, internal standard addition, uncapping and recapping, transfers, and aliquoting. Features include: sample capacity of eight microplate racks or equivalent, choice of disposables and labware, less than ~2’ wide benchtop footprint, and easy-to-use interface with LIMS-compatible data management and 21CFR11 compliance options.
www.siriusautomation.com
ULVAC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.—Booth 1318
Chemical-Resistant Diaphragm Pumps
Compact and lightweight, the ULVAC UDP-6 is an economical, high-capacity, fully chemical-resistant two-head, dry diaphragm pump that creates a deep vacuum by reciprocating movement of PTFE diaphragms. These pumps are oil-free, requiring less maintenance by eliminating frequent and costly oil changes and potential backstreaming contamination. UDP-6 pumps are recommended for Ai 50L rotary evaporators, drying ovens, moisture and solvent evaporation, vacuum chucks, and other general laboratory pumping applications. ULVAC UDP-6 pumps are offered in the USA by Across International. See the UDP-6 at Across International’s Pittcon booth 1615, or at ULVAC’s booth 1318.
www.acrossinternational.com/ULVAC-UDP-6-6-cfm-Full-Chemical-Resistant-2-Head-Diaphragm-Pump-UDP-6.htm
VACUUBRAND, INC.—Booth 1029
VACUU·SELECT Controller
The easy-to-use VACUU·SELECT controller features an application-based touchscreen interface that covers all common lab vacuum processes. Operators can use the preloaded applications or create their own with the drag-and-drop editor. Integrated into the PC 3001 VARIO select pump, fully automated evaporations can be run at the touch of a button. The VACUU·SELECT controller continuously detects solvent boiling and automatically adjusts the pump’s motor speed to maintain process control, minimizing process time while preventing bumping and foaming.
www.vacuubrand.com
XYLEM ANALYTICS—Booth 2019
MultiLab Benchtop Instrument
YSI’s MultiLab instrument has gained popularity through the years in wastewater, environmental, and general laboratory applications due to its reliability, ease-of-use, and ability to measure multiple parameters. The MultiLab line has now expanded to include new wireless sensors for hassle-free measurement of pH, conductivity, ORP, and dissolved oxygen. Additionally, its compatibility with membrane-covered BOD sensors yields a faster response time, and the ability to power multiple BOD stir motors with one meter greatly increases throughput.
www.xylemanalytics.com