Lab Unlimited UK

Intro:

Gasification is a process in which biomass or fossil fuel is converted into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide (syngas or synthetic gas).₁ As a result of higher combustion temperatures, the syngas created is more energy dense than organic fuel in its combustion, according to the theorem of thermodynamic efficiency by Carnot. Due to this, direct use of syngas is made possible for gas engines, kilns, boilers and thermal oxidizers. In some parts of the world, syngas made from biomass is thought to be less expensive than fossil fuel and can be directly substituted in most applications. Furthermore, the quality of the syngas produced depends on the composition of the reaction, which ultimately relies on precise control of oxygen or air entering the gasification chamber.

Hazardous waste, Medical waste Municipal solid waste and feedstock of biomass is where Syngas can be produced. While the amount of pollution created depends upon the feedstock, syngas burns cleaner than fossil fuels and has much lower emissions than greenhouse gases.

Read the rest of this article on our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/high-flow-control-for-gasification

We are on a mission to reduce plastic waste not just in our everyday life but in the lab! Did you ever think about how much waste is produced by using disposable inoculation loops?

WLD-TEC reported some startling results and statistics after testing the durability of stainless steel inoculation loops in combination with a safety laboratory gas burner and an infrared loop steriliser.

What did they conclude: plastic waste from 30,000 disposable inoculation loops, plus their packaging, can be saved with one stainless steel inoculation loop used with an infrared loop steriliser.

Using 30,000 disposable inoculation loops result in a significant amount of plastic trash as well as additional expenses of about £2,500 or more...

Lab Unlimited stocks a wide range of inoculation loops and loop sterilisers, contact our team of experts onlinestore@labunlimited.co.uk for more information or advise on how to reduce plastic waist in your lab.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology has enabled the new generation of bioproducts, including antibodies, growth factors, fusion proteins, vaccines, and growth factors, conceivable. It has made it possible for them to be produced using host cells and for alterations, such as additions or deletions, to be made.

The well-known human insulin generated in E. coli was one of the first products of recombinant DNA. The chemical was not precisely the same as human insulin because it had previously been isolated from the swine pancreas.

Is any cell suitable for bioprocessing?

These days, it is possible to create bioproducts using both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. With the latter in mind, there are many different systems, including yeasts, insects, plant, and mammalian cells.

It is important to note that prokaryotic and eukaryotic vectors yield distinct final products since some macromolecules are too big or complicated for bacteria or even yeasts to synthesise.

For these biomolecules to create proteins of greater quality and effectiveness—or with characteristics resembling those of humans—post-translational modifications are necessary. These alterations, which can only take place in mammalian cells, are crucial in modifying how proteins function. They comprise procedures like glycosylation, phosphorylation, the creation of disulfide bonds, and carboxylation.

It has been discovered that in some recombinant proteins, the bioactivity may depend on proper glycosylation. It is due to this ability that mammalian cells have become the main system to produce recombinant therapeutic proteins.

The bioactivity of some recombinant proteins may depend on appropriate glycosylation, it has been shown. Mammalian cells have evolved into the primary system for the creation of recombinant therapeutic proteins because of this capability.

Industrial biotechnology in the 21st century

However, today all therapeutic proteins are produced using recombinant DNA technology by cloning the protein gene in cell lines derived from mammalian cells, especially CHO cells. Previously, mammalian cells were used exclusively for research and development (R&D) and in the production of viruses for the manufacture of vaccines.

Since the capacity to carry out these post-translational changes differs according on the species, the origin of the tissue and the cell clone, low performance and unstable expression in these cell cultures have been a substantial barrier. It has also been established those environmental elements like the growth media, the bioreactor, or the condition of the cells now of synthesis might affect glycosylation variations.

Condalow®, a new generation of peptones created by Condalab, doubles growth density and has improved cell culture performance due to its distinct production technique that preserves growth factors and other vital biomolecules.

Additionally, to prevent differences brought on by this source in the procedures, these peptones have the highest batch-to-batch consistency and the lowest endotoxin levels on the market.

If you are interested in Condalow®, please contact our sales team at onlinestore@labunlimited.co.uk

Biocompatible wetted materials are important to avoid contamination. Learn about the importance of these components in Bioprocessing applications, with this article from Alicat Scientific - the leading company in flow solutions.

An article by Mic Chaudoir and Zane Forier

Bioprocessing has very specific requirements for wetted materials, in order to avoid contamination of the bioreactor environment. One of the potential contaminants are materials outgassed from elastomers, typically adsorbed onto elastomers during polymerisation.

While outgassing most commonly occurs under vacuum conditions, it can be a concern in any situation where a pressure drop is present (such as gas input lines for bioreactions). A number of studies have demonstrated outgassing from elastomeric components under a variety of conditions.¹

Outgassed components are of concern as they are thought to be inhibitory towards microbial growth and have been shown to have toxic effects in whole animal studies.²

The ASME Bioprocessing standards call out for specific materials used in the construction of bioprocessing equipment.³

While mass flow meters typically lie outside of the sterile boundary and do have contact with the final product, it is still good practice to follow the BPE-2016 standards.

Many high performing mass flow meters utilise elastomers to take advantage of this material’s superlative sealing properties, which result in lower leak rates and higher precision mass flow measurement. Mass flow meters also require rigid materials (ranging from inexpensive ABS plastics to exotic stainless steels) for their flow bodies and process connections.

Outgassing is a concern, as outgassed components would likely pass through sterilizing filters and are a potential source of process contamination. Therefore the BPE-2016 standards are often applied to mass flow meters, regardless of their position relative to the sterile boundary. 316L stainless steel can be used for elements in the flow path, including flow bodies and laminar flow elements.

Less frequently considered, but of greater potential concern are the elastomeric components used in high-performance mass flow meters. The BPE-2016 standards recommend using certain corrosion-resistant, high durability elastomers, including EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene), FKM (Fluoroelastomer) and FFKM (perfluoroelastomer).

The standards further recommend USP VI Elastomers for components likely to be in contact with the final product being produced, or with liquids in the same environment. If this is a concern, only USP Class VI elastomers with good permeation resistance should be used.

Outgassing is only able to occur after materials have first been permeated – so resistance to permeation is the critical factor in preventing subsequent outgassing. Marco rubber and plastics has published a nice comparison of permeation rates of common elastomers indexed with commonly used gasses.⁴

Additionally, elastomers used can also be FDA certified. USP Class VI and FDA certified elastomers have minimal reactivity and are certified safe for hygienic use.^5,6

While Alicat uses several types of elastomer in several products, Viton brand FKM (Fluoroelastomer ASTM D1418) meets the BPE 2016 standards, as well as being available in USP Class VI FDA certified form. Viton branded FKM also carries the implicit guarantee of Dupont’s high-quality manufacturing standards. Viton’s outstanding sealing characteristics, permeation resistance, high performance and available certifications mean that it’s often the preferred elastomer for these applications.

It is also good practice to use only Animal-Derived Ingredient (ADI) free products in bioprocessing. This avoids another potential source of contamination, as well as being an ethically sound practice. Choosing a mass flow meter which meets these requirements for compatibility should be an important part of any purchasing decision – and helps avoid potential contaminations of bioprocesses.

Lab Unlimited and Alicat Scientific are very aware of the need to prevent contamination of the fragile bioprocessing ecosystem. This includes the use of appropriate wetted materials, minimal outgassing and products free from contamination.

Contact us today to see how we can help you improve your Bioprocess application with fast, precise and clean flow.

Watch a webinar series, made in partnership with Cleveland Water Alliance, covering the principles and practices in water quality monitoring, regarding YSI's Algae, Turbidity, Conductivity, pH & ORP, as well as Dissolved Oxygen sensors.

The Cleveland Water Alliance and YSI, a Xylem brand, created a 5-part educational webinar series on sensing technologies, for everyone working with water quality monitoring, from students and undergraduates to professionals.

The series covered the principles and practices of water quality monitoring, focusing each session on a different parameter: Algae, Turbidity, Conductivity, pH, Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), and Dissolved Oxygen.

In each webinar, an expert from YSI described why and what it is important to monitor for each parameter, how monitoring technologies for that parameter have evolved, and the underlying principles of how they work.

Also, real-world examples were presented, to showcase how each sensor type operates in practice, revealing benefits or limitations that all users should understand and be aware of.

Couldn’t attend the live presentations? No problem!

The live webinar series has now ended but you can still watch the recordings to learn more about how each different sensor works. Simply click the one you are interested in, to see the recording on the YSI website.

How Algae Sensors Work | June 11, 2019

How Turbidity Sensors Work | July 9, 2019

How Conductivity Sensors Work | August 6, 2019

How pH & ORP Sensors Work | September 10, 2019

How DO Sensors Work | October 8, 2019

Would you like to know more information regarding the YSI Sensors we have available? Be sure to check out our website or contact our Sales Team. We will be happy to help you with your queries.

The Cleveland Water Alliance and YSI, a Xylem brand, are proud to offer a FREE educational webinar series on sensing technologies for everyone working with water quality monitoring, from students and undergraduates to professionals.

From sustaining aquatic life to the tight control of wastewater treatment, dissolved oxygen (DO) plays a role in nearly every water quality application.

Topics covered in this webinar:

• Applications where DO measurement is critically important
• The evolution of sensor technologies for measuring DO in the field
• The underlying principles of how the most current optical DO sensors work
• Real-world examples that demonstrate both the value and limitations of field-based measurements of DO

The live presentation of this webinar was on October 8th, 2019 at 6pm Irish Time. Therefore registrations for this webinar are now closed.

Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about the YSI Dissolved Oxygen Sensors. Our Sales Team will be happy to help you!

Lab Unlimited to be present at Ireland’s major environmental policy and management conference | 2nd of October | Croke Park | Dublin

Organised in association with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, this is Ireland’s biggest and most important environmental policy and management conference.

Now on its 15th year, the conference programme aims to tackle important environmental issues such as climate change, highlighting ways in which both policy-makers and industry can move forward to protect the environment.

Lab Unlimited will be present at this year’s Environment Ireland Conference showcasing a great selection of water monitoring solutions:

• YSI: Exo Water Quality Monitoring Sondes & ProDSS Multiparameter Meter
• WTW: 3630 Multiparameter Meter with wireless Intelligent Digital Sensors
• Parker Hannifin: THM Analyser
• Vienna Water Monitoring: E-coli Online Monitoring (Coliminder)
• Photonic Measurements: Portable UV254 Analyser
• Sensorex: UVT Meter
• TriOS: UV254 Photometers
• HT Hydrotechnik: LTC Data Logger

These solutions from our Environmental portfolio not only make sure you measure and gather accurate data every time, but also help optimise your time in the lab.

This year’s programme will also feature a public health and air quality session. According to the organisation, “While EU air quality standards are not currently exceeded in Ireland, the health-related external costs from air pollution are thought to be more than €2 billion annually.” Waste will also be a focus area at the conference as recent statistics show an increase in Ireland’s plastic packaging waste per person.

Check out the full programme and more information on the speakers on the Environment Ireland Conference’s website.

The Cleveland Water Alliance and YSI, a Xylem brand, are proud to offer a FREE educational webinar series on sensing technologies for everyone working with water quality monitoring, from students and undergraduates to professionals.

The pH of a water body can affect nearly all aquatic life in a system, and the oxidative-reductive potential is a related, but underappreciated parameter particularly in environmental and wastewater applications.

This webinar will be focusing on:

• Reasons to measure both pH and ORP
• The principles of operation of Ion Selective Electrodes (ISEs) as they’ve been adapted from the laboratory to the field
• Best practices for maintaining and troubleshooting measurements
• Real-world practice to demonstrate both the value and limitations of field-deployed pH and ORP sensors.

The live presentation of this webinar was on September 10th, 2019 at 6pm Irish Time. Therefore registrations for this webinar are now closed.

Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about the YSI pH and ORP Sensors. Our Sales Team will be happy to help you!

The Mission: Water magazine is published by the leading water and environmental company YSI, a Xylem Brand. Its mission is to bring you not only the world's most current and important water matters but also to show you how people dealing with these problems are facing and overcoming their challenges.

Through this FREE magazine you will learn about professionals around the world who are Minding the Planet, read articles featuring subject matter spanning different continents and also catch up on technical tips and educational resources from the world-renowned Xylem brand.

Latest issue, No. 6 “From Cells to Satellites”:

Red Tide Monitoring Efforts – A look at Florida’s recent battles with red tide and how the state’s approach to managing the ecological fallout has evolved with new technology.

Nord Stream 2 Discoveries – Read about the development of the Nord Stream2 natural gas pipeline in northern Europe and the hidden discoveries at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

To download your copy of the Mission Water Magazine Issue #6 please fill out the form on the right.

Interested in back-issues of Mission: Water?

Fill in the form to the right to access the full repository of all Mission: Water issues including:

Issue 1 – Sacred Stream
Issue 2 – Life After Horizon
Issue 3 – Water Heroes
Issue 4 – Eye of the Storm
Issue 5 – Summer on Ice

Should you like to know more regarding the water quality monitoring products we have available, please contact our Sales Team.

The bottle is designed to be ergonomic and provide the user with the safest most comfortable experience. This is achieved through a number of ingenious innovations such as a glass thread and shortened cap thread, specially contoured gripping zones, and designated labelling areas on both the bottle and cap.

See below for more details on these great features. Read More...

DURAN® YOUTILITY is an award winning system!!

The JULABO CORIO™ circulators have been developed with pioneering technologies to satisfy the demands of research and industrial laboratories around the world.

Intelligently designed to the core, the CORIO™ models stand out from the crowd due to their sleek modern design, easy and time-saving operation with user-friendly access to all relevant functions.

As JULABO understands that circulators play an important role in the daily work of many labs, all models meet the highest standards in terms of precision, reliability, and functionality.

The new CP models add to the CORIO™ family more powerful refrigerated circulators, heating immersion circulators and heating circulators.

The extended temperature range of -50°C to +200°C and a higher pump capacity of 27 l/min or 0.7 bar make the CORIO CP the ideal partner for the safe temperature control of simple external applications.

In addition to these features, the CORIO CP offers 3-point Absolute Temperature Calibration (ATC3) and guarantees the reliable compensation of temperature deviations even when used in larger baths. The CORIO CP can also be integrated into complex process structures thanks to the RS232 interface.

Other Features complete the intelligent product design:

• Integrated timer
• Bright, easy-to-read display
• Controls and safety functions are operated from the front
• Mains switch on the top of the circulator switches the circulator and refrigeration unit on and off simultaneously

JULABO also offer a comprehensive range of accessories that enables the flexible adaptation of the models to the individual requirements of a wide variety of applications.

What’s Available?

Refrigerated Circulators

The refrigerated circulators of the new CORIO CP series are perfect for all standard tasks and routine work in your laboratory, offering great reliability and robustness.

With a temperature range of -50°C up to +200°C and optimised design of cooling coil, the models offer more space in the bath with an enlarged filling volume and guarantee short heat-up and cool-down times.

See the CORIO™ Refrigerated Circulator models available.

Heating Immersion Circulators

For working temperatures from +20°C to +200°C. Complete with a universal bath attachment clamp for custom containers, this model is suitable for precise, internal standard temperature control tasks. Also, the CP Immersion Circulator can be equipped with an optional pump set for temperature control of external applications.

See the CORIO™ Heating Immersion Circulators models available.

Heating Circulators

The CORIO CP Heating Circulators feature professional technology for demanding applications. These units facilitate internal temperature control in the bath tank or control of externally connected applications. For working temperatures from +20°C to +200°C.

The new CP range is a great addition to the CORIO™ series. It reiterates the temperature control precision already provided by the CORIO™, and adds more power to your application, elevating this series to another level.

See the CORIO™ Heating Circulators models available.

Want to Know More?

Should you like to get a quote, book a demo or learn more about the new CORIO CP range, please contact our Sales Team.

Also, be sure to download the Corio™ Brochure and check out our website to see the full CORIO™ range available.

What does the future hold for continuous processing and flow chemistry in the upcoming years?

Looking at general shifts in the industry, as well as based on conversations with chemists and business leaders from multiple industries, the Syrris flow chemistry expert was able to reach some important considerations regarding the future of flow chemistry:

• Continuous flow scale-up will be big business
• Automated reaction self-optimisation: rise of the machine (learning)
• Reagentless chemistries on the rise
• Batch & Flow: Teamwork makes the dream work
• Reimagining old processes, such as API encapsulation
• The future is end-to-end personalised medicine

Curious as to how continuous flow chemistry – or a combined batch and flow approach – could enable your lab to perform faster, more reliably, and with more reproducible chemistry?

Then continue reading!

If you have questions regarding Flow Chemistry that are not covered by this article, or want to discuss your chemistry application further, we will be happy to help.

Continuous flow scale-up will be big business

Continuous lab-scale flow is a fast-growing market thanks to the commercial availability and ease-of-use of lab scale flow chemistry systems. Lab scale flow has a number of benefits over traditional chemistry methods – some of which are outlined here in a previous blog post "9 Reasons to Perform Flow Chemistry”. In 2019, we predict that continuous flow scale-up systems will help the transition between research and discovery, and process development at pilot scale and beyond.

There are already a dozen existing API manufacturing processes that have been granted FDA approval and this will only increase following the FDA’s drive towards more continuous manufacturing. This is already driving the need for a robust method of scaling from the lab to the pilot plant.

Systems like the the Titan, a modular pilot-to-manufacturing scale continuous flow system, will help chemists develop their chemistry from lab-scale flow chemistry systems – such as the Asia Flow Chemistry System – to pilot and manufacturing scale production of their chemical processes.

Automated reaction self-optimisation: rise of the machine (learning)

A big area that has been developing for a few years is automated reaction self-optimisation, and we envision this becoming commercially viable in 2019. With the integration of reaction analytics and flow chemistry, this emerging technology will allow the user, via automated methods, to optimised reactions and methods via machine learning (AI).

Reagentless chemistries on the rise

Thanks to the “green” efficiencies they provide – and the increasing number of conversations we’re having with customers from various industries – we predict that the use of reagentless chemistries such as electrochemistry and photochemistry will become more of a focus.

One of the reasons reagentless chemistries haven’t seen the traction they deserve is that performing them in traditional batch methods is notoriously difficult. Continuous flow chemistry systems make it easy, though.

Standard lab apparatus has made access to these chemistries restricted; the benefits of running these processes in a continuous fashion allows easier access, along with added benefits such as precise control of electron and photon transmission to the reactor.

Batch & Flow: Teamwork makes the dream work

Combining batch and flow technologies will enable chemists to leverage the best of both synthetic techniques. Both batch and flow techniques offer unique advantages in different scenarios and combining both with automated control enables the widest range of chemistry to be carried out.

This will be key in the development of multi-stepped, telescoped reaction methodologies.

Reimagining old processes, such as API encapsulation

As our understanding of the range of microfluidic applications increases, we can start to explore these benefits in other processes. The development of techniques such as targeted drug delivery by the encapsulation of API material in polymer matrices allows companies to reformat and reimagine current patents to extend their life.

Both Syrris and Dolomite Microfluidics are at the forefront of developing novel microfluidic processes that can enable lots of these new applications.

The future is end-to-end personalised medicine

Beyond 2019: we see continuous flow chemistry as enabling personalised medicine in the future through end-to-end drug factories.

Imagine factories and machines processing raw materials and producing a tablet at the end, tailored to the customer on demand. Continuous flow chemistry could make the “Star Trek Replicator” a reality – for medicine, at least!

These processes already exist from raw materials to tablet, but they need to be heavily refined. Combining the unique benefits of batch and flow chemistry will enable these processes to be refined to the point of being commercially viable, allowing true end-to-end personalised medicines to emerge.

Want to Know More About Continuous Flow Chemistry?

Be sure to check out the range of chemistry automation solutions we have available on our website and have a read on other Automated Chemistry articles: 5 Benefits of Automated Chemistry Systems, 9 Reasons to Perform Flow Chemistry and Flow Chemistry: Basics & Key Elements

If you have any questions or issues regarding continuous flow chemistry, be sure to contact our Sales Team. We will be happy to help you with all your chemistry needs and requirements.

LISA - The state of the art SAC₂₅₄ sensor by TriOS

The LISA UV sensor from TriOS combines long-lasting, energy-efficient UV-LED technology with a robust, durable design. By using unique nanocoated windows along with compressed air flushing, they allow for long operating times without cleaning - as do all TriOS sensors.

Integration of the sensor into existing process control systems or external data loggers is made quick and easy due to the TriOS G2 interface.

This makes the LISA UV sensors easily configurable through any standard web browser on a PC, tablet or smartphone. These sensors are also available with digital or analog output, in addition to the integrated network interface.

Very versatile, the optical path length can be easily adapted to your application, at any time, by using different lens sockets. An automatic turbidity compensation is carried out by a second measuring channel.

Through application-specific correlation LISA UV can be configured for direct output of BODeq, CODeq, TOCeq. A direct output of UVT₂₅₄ is also possible.

Main Features

- Optical window with nano coating
- Innovative UV-LED technology
- No sampling or preparation needed for test samples
- Without reagents
- Real-time sensor

Applications

Sewage treatment plants, Environmental monitoring, Drinking water, Monitoring of UV-disinfection systems

Want to Know More?

Should you like to know more about the LISA UV Photometers, please contact our Sales Team.

The experts at Analox – leading company in custom gas detection solutions – have created a list of the top ten most essential facts about Carbon Monoxide (CO) that you must know.

It is important to understand that CO is an odour & colourless gas that is found naturally in the atmosphere and that exists at around 0.2 parts per million (ppm), which is considered the safe level for humans. However, with the ever more intense industrial activity in the world, CO is reaching unsafe levels. 

Show me the Facts!

- At a concentration of 12,800 ppm, CO will cause someone to collapse, lose consciousness, and death is likely to occur in just one to three minutes

- In 2015, 53 people died in the UK from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning

- Carbon monoxide is the most common type of indoor air poisoning, in countries where they still rely on fires to heat homes and cook food

- The most common source of human-produced CO is formed during combustion, when there is not enough oxygen available to produce carbon dioxide

- CO gets into the bloodstream and prevents it from carrying oxygen to the cells and vital organs of the body

- CO is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it has no taste, no smell and you can’t see it

- Open fires, boilers and cookers all produce carbon monoxide

- Carbon monoxide leaves the body quickly, so taking immediate action such as turning off an appliance, opening windows and leaving the area in the case of a suspected leak could save your life.

And a Bit of Trivia

- Cats can sense a carbon monoxide leak and are known to refuse to come into the house – this is a good, but not to be relied upon, warning sign

- The phrase, ‘canary in a coal mine’ came about because miners used to take birds into mines to act as a warning signal for dangerous gases like carbon monoxide

Nowadays, many companies and organisations are making a great effort to monitor and control CO levels with a carbon monoxide gas detector. Browse our blog for more information: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3511

Lab Unlimited is pleased to show BioTek Instruments - global leader in life science instrumentation - as part of our product portfolio.

BioTek adds their 50+ years expertise and know-how with a wide selection of high performance, cost-effective products ranging from Microplate Readers, Micro-Volume Plates, Microplate Washers and Microplate Imager & Reader Software. 

Similar to Lab Unlimited, BioTek has the customer at the core of their mission, so they strive to develop fresh, original solutions that satisfy customer needs, even before the need is known.

With systems and solutions that bring innovation and efficiency to your lab, we stand by the BioTek slogan: Think Possible. It’s the difference between leading and following.

Check out our website for more information on the BioTek range of instrumentation we have available: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3518

The experts at BioSistemika know that inconsistent pipetting can interfere with your application results and even cause experimental failure. 

To make sure your pipetting technique is spot on, they have put together 12 simple tips you can follow to improve your pipetting technique!

1. Pre-Wet the Pipette Tip
Evaporation in the tip can cause sample loss before delivery, so make sure to aspirate and expel any samples at least 3 times. This increases humidity in the tip and reduces sample evaporation.

2. Immerse Tip in the Proper Depth When Aspirating
Too little immersion can lead to air aspiration where too much immersion can cause samples to cling to the outside of the tip. Aim for immersing the tip below the meniscus.

3. Pause After Aspiration
After the plunger stops the liquid in the tip might still be moving, so leaving the tip in the liquid for about one second after aspirating the sample will help keep the volume of sample correct.

4. Keep Plunger Pressure & Speed Consistent
The better consistency you achieve while aspirating and dispensing – applying the same force and speed – the better, more repeatable your results will be.

5. Take the Pipette Straight out
Always hold the pipette vertically, as holding the pipette at an angle or touching the sides of the container might alter the volume of the sample.

6. Check the Tip Before Dispensing
Gently remove any droplets from the outside of the tip, avoiding the tip opening, as absorbent material can draw sample out of the tip.

7. Check the Tip After Dispensing
Remove the tip after dispensing, while pressing the second stop of the plunger to avoid sample re-aspiration. Also, dispensing the sample with the tip touching the side of the container helps delivering any residual sample in the tip.

8. Standard Mode Pipetting
With aqueous samples, choose “standard” over “reverse” pipetting mode, as in reverse mode the pipette tends to deliver more than the calibrated volume.

9. The Right Pipette
The volume range in the pipette is everything. The closer it is to the volume of your sample, the more accurate your results will be.

10. The Right Tip
Make sure the tips are high quality with airtight seal to minimize pipetting force and are free of moulding defects. However, the most important thing to consider is that mismatched tips and pipettes can result in inaccuracy, imprecision, or both.

11. Ambient Temperature Balance
Try to reach a temperature balance between the liquid and the equipment. Working at a single, constant temperature improves overall precision, as it helps to minimise variations in air pressure, relative humidity and vapor pressure of the liquid.

12. Keep Pipette Handling to a Minimum
Always wear gloves when pipetting to reduce heat transfer, put it in the stand or set it on the bench when not in use and avoid handling pipette tips or containers of samples yet to be pipetted.

Read the full article on our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/cms/cms.jsp?menu_id=34728

Read about Nucleic Acid and Protein quantitation in the Microplate Format from the experts at BioTek, global leader in life science instrumentation.

The quantitation of nucleic acids and protein are conventional measurements used in basic science and clinical research. In this application note from BioTek, you will learn about different assays for total protein or nucleic acids that can be performed in microplates.

You will also see the main differences between tube-based instrumentation and microplate readers and how they relate to the assays.

In the paper you can read, “These assays have used either absorbance or fluorescence as a mean to measure the analyte in question. Regardless of the method employed, laboratories requiring high throughput have often adapted the described protocol to a 96- and more recently a 384-well microplate-based format. These standardized formats, in conjunction with instrumentation capable of recording measurements from them, allow for the rapid determination of large numbers of samples.”

Read the application note in full on our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3524

The new waterproof bonding on the IDS probes is what makes them perfect for outdoor measurements and your greatest ally in the field. According to WTW, come July 2018, the new modules will be labelled with an IP 66 rating (hose-proof).

One of the applications where these will prove to be more helpful is groundwater pumping testing. A classical pumping test includes the measurement of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and maybe Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP). The groundwater is pumped through a flow-through vessel equipped with the appropriate sensors which are connected to the meter(s) – any of the Multiline®IDS Portable Meters will do perfectly.

What’s the big advantage?

Ease of use, convenience, accurate results, no cables & no wet feet! When using tethered sensors, the operator would have to wait near the measuring spot until stable results were achieved – which can be hard sometimes, depending on the weather and field conditions. 

Now, using the IDS probes there’s no need for that! The sensors communicate with the meter, via wireless, without any problems or cable hassle. Plus, the measured values can be read in real time from a dry shelter close by or even a car.

Download the WTW IDS probes brochure, or check out the portable meters we have available on our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3549

Dr Weigert, leading company in professional systematic hygiene solutions, have announced a change in the formula of their popular special cleaner Neodisher® LaboClean FLA.

The company has stated that the change was due to the discontinuation of a component by their supplier, which forced a slight adjustment to the formula of the detergent. 

In a statement issued by the company, they state that "the complexing agent contained in the product was replaced by an equivalent alternative. The type of cleaning agent of the neodisher® LaboClean FLA and its characteristic features, application properties, as well as used concentration, remains unchanged. The equivalency of the formula was verified, evaluated and consequently, its conformance determined.”

This change in the formula will be taking place from December 2018. 

Should you like to know more about the Neodisher® LaboClean FLA formula change or how it may affect your application, visit our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3563

borer cleaning solutions have issued a product change notification regarding the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of the deconex 11 Universal & deconex 15 PF-x cleaning solutions.

The company has made some changes in the classification and labelling of these products, due to “the continuous harmonization of the classification and labelling of substances by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and the related adjustments to the classification of their raw materials.”

These changes only affect the MSDS, and not the actual composition of the product. The changes to the MSDS are effective immediately. Below are a list of the affected parts and their new updated MSDS:

- Deconex 11 Universal cleaner, 5kg, 4AJ-6083424 (500100.00-K05W)
- Deconex 11 Universal cleaner, 10kg, 4AJ-6202891 (500100.00-K10W) 
- Deconex 11 Universal cleaner, 1kg, 4AJ-6801886 (500100.00-F10W) 
- Deconex 15 PF-x, 1 kg, 4AJ-9192892 (518000.00-F10W) 
- Deconex 15 PF-x, 5 kg, 4AJ-9192893 (518000.00-K05W) 
- Deconex 15 PF-x, 10 kg. 4AJ-9192894 (518000.00-K10W) 
- Deconex 15 PF-x, 28 kg.4AJ-9192895 (518000.00-K25W) 

Be sure to download the Deconex 15 PF-x and the Deconex 11 Universal cleaner MSDS sheets.

Should you require any more information regarding these changes, check out our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3564

The Ultimate Guide for the YSI ProDSS instrument provides helpful insights, instructions and troubleshooting tips for calibrating your ProDSS water quality meter.

The guide includes a Calibration Worksheet to help you track and document all your calibrations and the performance of your sensors. For accurate calibration results, be sure to follow the calibration procedures in the manual of the meter and to check that your calibration solutions are fresh.

What You'll Find in the Guide?

Temperature | Conductivity | pH | ORP | DO | Turbidity | Depth |

Ammonium | Nitrate | Chloride

You will also find instructions on how to:
install and uninstall sensors
clean a sensor port
verifying sensor accuracy & calibration
resetting a sensor to factory default

Keep reading or download the easy printable guide to get all the tips and start calibrating your ProDSS like a pro!

Don't have a ProDSS yet? Be sure to read our post on the 7 Things You Need to Know about the ProDSS or download the newly issued brochure with all the main highlights about the ProDSS.

Should you need any further information about the ProDSS water quality meter, visit our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/cms/cms.jsp?menu_id=34767

Sunburn Treatment Gel is very important for everyone around this time, especially after one has enjoyed the sun a little bit too much. It naturally cools and soothes the burn while moisturising the skin.

Summer goes on with high temperatures, we are sharing an application note from the experts at Brookfield Ametek, regarding the measurement of viscosity in Sunburn Treatment Gel.

Three different methods were tested for this paper, using different Brookfield Viscometers/Rheometers, spindles and speed - all appropriate to perform testing in creamy, pasty, or gel-like materials.

In these methods, they used the Brookfield RVDV-II+Pro as well as the Brookfield RVDV-III Ultra and the Brookfield RVYR-1 Rheometer. These are now obsolete instruments, but one could use the DV2T and DV3T which are perfect and suitable to be used for the same applications.

Be sure to read the application note and discover more about the viscosity profile of Sunburn Treatment Gel. Check out our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3573

Harmful algal blooms (or HABs) are becoming more frequent, intense, and are now seen by many as a public threat. For this reason, now more than ever, water quality monitors and managers need reliable tools that can help them monitor, reduce, and manage the impacts of harmful algal blooms.

Why is the Total Algae Sensor (TAL) from YSI the Right Tool to Fight Harmful Algal Blooms?

They help with early detection by allowing easy collection of data on blue-green algae for data analysis with consideration of weather conditions as well as other important parameters.

Built for the field, this sensor features welded titanium construction and military-specification connectors which are ideal for rugged conditions. Similar to other smart sensors, the TAL sensor has onboard memory, processing, and allows for sensor-zeroing to be performed on-site.

Main Features:

Detect the onset of an algae bloom as early as possible to plan your response
Support a rational approach for the collection of samples for other laboratory analyses, saving you time and money
Understand the seasonal and weather-related patterns of algae growth in your system
Understand the relevance of other parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature

There are two sensors available:

The Total Algae-Phycoerythrin (TAL-PE) for saltwater, used for monitoring marine cyanobacteria and the Total Algae-Phycocyanin (TAL-PC) a dual-channel fluorescence-based sensor, perfect for monitoring freshwater cyanobacteria. Bot are ideal for early detection of blue-green algae that could lead to harmful algal blooms.

The Total Algae sensor is ideal for applications like beach monitoring, vertical or horizontal profiling, and source water monitoring for potentially toxic algae – especially when paired with the ProDSS multiparamter system or the EXO sondes.

Want to Know More?

Visit our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/total-algae-sensor

Alicat flow meters or pressure controllers output a large amount of data that can be useful in multiple ways. The most elementary way of communication would be through the LCD panel on the front of the device. Here you can choose to display different scientific parameters like: unit ID, absolute pressure, temperature, volumetric flow, mass flow, set point and gas type. 

However more advanced communication features are also available like internet protocols, ethernet-based protocols, RS232, RS45, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, DeviceNet, Profibus, EtherCAT, and analog signals like 4-20mA, 0-10 volt, or 0-5 volt.

Depending on your application it is important to choose the ideal form of communication and interaction with the instrument. According to Alicat, before deciding on which protocol to use, the customer needs to be mindful of the existing set up. “For example, a small laboratory starting from scratch interested in getting the experiment up and running quickly would be best served using RS232 connected to a computer. Even more simply, they could use the six buttons on the front panel, right out of the box. However, if a large factory is integrating an Alicat into a system with potentially hundreds of other existing devices on a common network, we can usually accommodate the protocol that allows the device to integrate into the factory’s system.”

Supported Protocols:


RS232 is the most feature-rich way to digitally communicate with 
your Alicat devices, (through a standard DB9 cable);

RS485 if you need to run a line for thousands of feet.

Internet protocols, ethernet-based protocols, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, DeviceNet, Profibus, EtherCAT (to communicate with other equipment and/or networks);

Analog signals like 4-20mA, 0-10 volt or 0-5 volt (to accommodate legacy systems);

Alicat has engineered a multi-drop version of their communication language that allows up to 26 devices to talk on the same RS232 network in parallel. “By assigning each with a letter of the alphabet, the named instruments will only respond when they are addressed by their corresponding letter.” 

Would you like to know more?

You can read the full article from Alicat or check out the range of flow meters we have available on our website: https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3528

Parker Hannifin released an application note regarding how their Trihalomethane (THM) Analyzer was able to help Anglian Water - largest water company in England and Wales – to optimize their processes.

In the paper, you can read how THM analysis can be quite costly and time consuming. It involves prepping the samples, sending them to the laboratory and waiting for the results. This approach means that the analysis data cannot be used for real time process control which can lead to harmful consequences in water safety. For companies and plants that are dealing with public water safety, such as Anglian Water, this called for a new strategy: the THM Analyzer.

The THM Analyzer provides rapid measurement of THMs in water. It is a time and cost saving solution for a water plant or facility, as it ensures safe drinking water without tedious sample preparation, allowing the analysis to be made on-site and within 30 minutes.

These features certainly appealed to Anglian Water when they started looking for an alternative to traditional THM analysis.

So, as we can read in the application note, when Anglian Water decided to change its strategy regarding their water treatment and supply processes, they installed a THM Analyzer. With this new approach, the company managed to improve their sampling processes by making them more time and cost efficient.

In the paper, you can also read what Mark Berry, Innovation Project Manager, at Anglian Water had to say regarding the The Parker THM Analyzer:

“Using the Parker THM analyser we are now able to measure THM concentrations inhouse, and in less than 30 minutes. We are currently analysing over 20 samples a week and have found the system to be very easy to use. Aside from the potential cost-saving benefits, the much faster analysis capabilities provide scope for further improvements in operational efficiency.”

Read the application in full and watch the video to see the THM in action on our blog:
https://www.labunlimited.co.uk/News-Article?articleid=3501