rus
Issue #2/2018
M.V.Tremasova, T.G.Borisova, V.N.Tsupreva
The latest analytical equipment of the company Shimadzu
The latest analytical equipment of the company Shimadzu
One of the world’s leading manufacturers of analytical and testing equipment, Shimadzu Corporation introduces new products, such as gas chromatograph Nexis GC-2030, liquid chromatographs i-Series Plus Prominence-i and Nexera-i series as well as IRSpirit Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer. They are equipped with all the necessary accessories for efficient and productive operation with full control of all the chemical analysis stages.
DOI: 10.22184/2227-572X.2018.39.2.114.116
DOI: 10.22184/2227-572X.2018.39.2.114.116
Теги: fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer gas chromatograph liquid chromatographs газовый хроматограф жидкостный хроматограф ик-фурье-спектрометр
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
In 2017 Shimadzu released a new model of gas chromatograph, Nexis GC-2030 (Fig.1). This instrument can be called a new stage in the development of gas chromatography technologies which Shimadzu has been developing for more than 60 years. Nexis GC-2030 is designed to solve a wide range of analytical tasks, from routine quality control in the food, pharmaceutical, oil and gas industries, examination of environmental objects, perfumes and cosmetics, medical products, varnishes, paints, plastics, clean gases and gas mixtures to forensic-toxicological, clinical and scientific examinations.
The main distinctive feature of GC-2030 is the ultimate ease of use, ClickTek technology allows you to abandon standard adapters and threaded nuts but install capillary columns without using of any special tools (Fig.2). Due to the new mechanism with a two-position lock, it is enough to turn half the nut until a typical click to install the column. Such a nut cannot be under-tightened or over-tightened, so the ClickTek technology guarantees the reliability of fasteners and the absence of any leaks in the line, as well as saves time for periodic maintenance. With these connectors it is possible to install any traditional capillary columns which users used to work with previously. The injector of gas chromatograph Nexis GC-2030 is equipped with a similar mechanism which simplifies and accelerates the procedure for replacing the glass insert and septum (Fig.3).
There is a liquid crystal colour display on the front panel of the instrument, simple and intuitive icons that guide users through the entire control system; you can set analysis parameters, install and save methods, monitor the chromatogram online and conduct self-diagnostics. The updated LabSolutions GC software has a similar interface. There is also remote control of Nexis GC-2030 from a tablet or smartphone.
Another important advantage of the new gas chromatograph is a wide range of six detectors with high sensitivity levels. It is <1.2 pg C/sec (as per Dodecane) for a flame ionization detector (FID), and <4.0 fg/sec (as per Lindane) for electron capture detector. At the same time, up to four detectors with individual temperature and gas flows control for each can be installed. Besides common ones, Nexis GC-2030 can be equipped with a unique barrier discharge ionization detector (BID) , which can simultaneously determine both organic and inorganic compounds at the trace level. The BID sensitivity is <0.8 pg C/sec (as per Dodecane); it demonstrates high reliability and stability. All Nexis GC-2030 detectors show an ultrafast response with the frequency of data collection up to 500 Hz and the ability to set a filter time constant over a wide range from 2 to 2000 msec thus making it possible to work in both normal and fast gas chromatography modes.
Nexis GC-2030 has a number of additional features that increase efficiency and productivity. New advanced flow controller (AFC) allows controlling of the carrier gas in one of the following modes, constant pressure, constant flow or constant linear velocity as well as in the programming mode of any of them. Due to the wide range of Nexis GC-2030 features it is possible to reproduce almost any technique created on another instrument. The constant linear velocity control mode of the carrier gas is optimal for the analysis of samples with a complex matrix as it makes it possible to obtain well-separated peaks even at a temperature gradient of the oven. Other useful functions of the new gas chromatograph include controlled cooling of the column, preventing damage to the stationary phase; setting the ‘sleeping’ mode to save the resource and energy costs; possibility of configuring up to three independent analytical lines; the installation of an optional hydrogen leakage sensor that allows the safe use of hydrogen as a carrier gas and abandon the costly helium.
HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
High-speed analysis, simplified method transfer, minimized environmental impact and easy maintenance are just a few of the many features of the new Shimadzu i-Series compact liquid chromatograph line. The i-Series Plus (Fig.4) includes the compact HPLC systems Prominence-i and UHPLC systems Nexera-i. All the series of chromatographs, with the exception of the Prominence-i LT model are equipped with a built-in detector, degasser, auto sampler and column oven with the sample cooling feature. In addition, chromatographs are connected to spectrofluorometric or refractive index detectors. Another additional detector can be connected with the optional analogue-to-digital board.
The main advantages of HPLC-series systems Prominence-i include high performance and user friendliness. It provides highly-stable baselines by incorporating a double temperature control function in the detector that is resistant to room temperature variations, and high reproducibility in micro quantity injections of 1 μL or less. The interactive control of the instrument with a touch screen minimises the operator’s work without his having to carry out daily routine operations. With Prominence-i, it is easy to transfer chromatographic analysis methods developed for both Shimadzu chromatographs and other companies’ instruments.
The complete set of the Prominence-i LT chromatograph does not include an absorbance detector as the other models, to offer full flexibility in detector choice.
In addition to the basic performance described above, Nexera-i series chromatographs provide pressure of 66 MPa for support ultra-high-speed analysis.
The Nexera-i MT chromatograph, which implements the UHPLC method, has been specially adapted to transfer to it methods from traditional HPLC systems.
All systems have pretreatment functions to adjust the samples before starting analysis, including processes to dilute the target component contained in the sample to be measured and to add a certain amount of a reaction reagent in order to detect the target component with high sensitivity. The system can automatically dilute samples up to 100 times. Automated reagent addition allows a wider range of components to be analyzed directly. As a result, the human error is minimized; reproducibility, accuracy and reliability of measurements are enhanced which is especially important in the analysis of pharmaceuticals and food stuffs. i-Series Plus also offers new software features that meet international data integrity requirements in the pharmaceutical industry.
IR SPECTROSCOPY
At the end of 2017 Shimadzu released a new compact IRSpirit Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (Fig.5). This instrument is ideal for routine measurements in laboratories of quality control departments. The ergonomic design allows to use space effectively with a footprint smaller than an A3 size sheet of paper.
High configuration flexibility is determined by the availability of various types of detectors and window materials. Despite the small and compact size, the operational stability of the FTIR instrument is provided by the system of internal self-diagnostics as well as an interferometer equipped with an advanced dynamic alignment system. Different configurations of the IRSpirit series are available: IRSpirit-T and IRSpirit-L. IRSpirit-T offers the highest signal-to-noise ratio of 30000:1 (DLATGS detector, KBr window) in its class of compact FTIR instruments. IRSpirit-L (detector LiTaO3) is a perfect instrument for routine analysis.
As high-end models (IRAffinity-1S and IRTracer-100), IRSpirit operates with LabSolutions IR software and new IRPilot program. This dedicated program features 23 standard application workflows within four programs: identification test, contaminant analysis, quantitative analysis and film thickness calculation. For the analysis, it is enough to select the analysis purpose and accessory software without setting parameters. In addition, with IRSpirit you can make identification test and contaminant analysis by using the appropriate programs of LabSolutions IR.
The IRSpirit series is characterised with the widest sample compartment in its class, it easily accommodates accessories for the analysis of liquid and solid samples, gas cells as well as a variety type of attachments (ATR, diffuse reflections and etc.) for work without sample preparations. Thus, the IRSpirit Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer with different accessories and software is an optimal system for a wide range of analytical tasks. ■
In 2017 Shimadzu released a new model of gas chromatograph, Nexis GC-2030 (Fig.1). This instrument can be called a new stage in the development of gas chromatography technologies which Shimadzu has been developing for more than 60 years. Nexis GC-2030 is designed to solve a wide range of analytical tasks, from routine quality control in the food, pharmaceutical, oil and gas industries, examination of environmental objects, perfumes and cosmetics, medical products, varnishes, paints, plastics, clean gases and gas mixtures to forensic-toxicological, clinical and scientific examinations.
The main distinctive feature of GC-2030 is the ultimate ease of use, ClickTek technology allows you to abandon standard adapters and threaded nuts but install capillary columns without using of any special tools (Fig.2). Due to the new mechanism with a two-position lock, it is enough to turn half the nut until a typical click to install the column. Such a nut cannot be under-tightened or over-tightened, so the ClickTek technology guarantees the reliability of fasteners and the absence of any leaks in the line, as well as saves time for periodic maintenance. With these connectors it is possible to install any traditional capillary columns which users used to work with previously. The injector of gas chromatograph Nexis GC-2030 is equipped with a similar mechanism which simplifies and accelerates the procedure for replacing the glass insert and septum (Fig.3).
There is a liquid crystal colour display on the front panel of the instrument, simple and intuitive icons that guide users through the entire control system; you can set analysis parameters, install and save methods, monitor the chromatogram online and conduct self-diagnostics. The updated LabSolutions GC software has a similar interface. There is also remote control of Nexis GC-2030 from a tablet or smartphone.
Another important advantage of the new gas chromatograph is a wide range of six detectors with high sensitivity levels. It is <1.2 pg C/sec (as per Dodecane) for a flame ionization detector (FID), and <4.0 fg/sec (as per Lindane) for electron capture detector. At the same time, up to four detectors with individual temperature and gas flows control for each can be installed. Besides common ones, Nexis GC-2030 can be equipped with a unique barrier discharge ionization detector (BID) , which can simultaneously determine both organic and inorganic compounds at the trace level. The BID sensitivity is <0.8 pg C/sec (as per Dodecane); it demonstrates high reliability and stability. All Nexis GC-2030 detectors show an ultrafast response with the frequency of data collection up to 500 Hz and the ability to set a filter time constant over a wide range from 2 to 2000 msec thus making it possible to work in both normal and fast gas chromatography modes.
Nexis GC-2030 has a number of additional features that increase efficiency and productivity. New advanced flow controller (AFC) allows controlling of the carrier gas in one of the following modes, constant pressure, constant flow or constant linear velocity as well as in the programming mode of any of them. Due to the wide range of Nexis GC-2030 features it is possible to reproduce almost any technique created on another instrument. The constant linear velocity control mode of the carrier gas is optimal for the analysis of samples with a complex matrix as it makes it possible to obtain well-separated peaks even at a temperature gradient of the oven. Other useful functions of the new gas chromatograph include controlled cooling of the column, preventing damage to the stationary phase; setting the ‘sleeping’ mode to save the resource and energy costs; possibility of configuring up to three independent analytical lines; the installation of an optional hydrogen leakage sensor that allows the safe use of hydrogen as a carrier gas and abandon the costly helium.
HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
High-speed analysis, simplified method transfer, minimized environmental impact and easy maintenance are just a few of the many features of the new Shimadzu i-Series compact liquid chromatograph line. The i-Series Plus (Fig.4) includes the compact HPLC systems Prominence-i and UHPLC systems Nexera-i. All the series of chromatographs, with the exception of the Prominence-i LT model are equipped with a built-in detector, degasser, auto sampler and column oven with the sample cooling feature. In addition, chromatographs are connected to spectrofluorometric or refractive index detectors. Another additional detector can be connected with the optional analogue-to-digital board.
The main advantages of HPLC-series systems Prominence-i include high performance and user friendliness. It provides highly-stable baselines by incorporating a double temperature control function in the detector that is resistant to room temperature variations, and high reproducibility in micro quantity injections of 1 μL or less. The interactive control of the instrument with a touch screen minimises the operator’s work without his having to carry out daily routine operations. With Prominence-i, it is easy to transfer chromatographic analysis methods developed for both Shimadzu chromatographs and other companies’ instruments.
The complete set of the Prominence-i LT chromatograph does not include an absorbance detector as the other models, to offer full flexibility in detector choice.
In addition to the basic performance described above, Nexera-i series chromatographs provide pressure of 66 MPa for support ultra-high-speed analysis.
The Nexera-i MT chromatograph, which implements the UHPLC method, has been specially adapted to transfer to it methods from traditional HPLC systems.
All systems have pretreatment functions to adjust the samples before starting analysis, including processes to dilute the target component contained in the sample to be measured and to add a certain amount of a reaction reagent in order to detect the target component with high sensitivity. The system can automatically dilute samples up to 100 times. Automated reagent addition allows a wider range of components to be analyzed directly. As a result, the human error is minimized; reproducibility, accuracy and reliability of measurements are enhanced which is especially important in the analysis of pharmaceuticals and food stuffs. i-Series Plus also offers new software features that meet international data integrity requirements in the pharmaceutical industry.
IR SPECTROSCOPY
At the end of 2017 Shimadzu released a new compact IRSpirit Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (Fig.5). This instrument is ideal for routine measurements in laboratories of quality control departments. The ergonomic design allows to use space effectively with a footprint smaller than an A3 size sheet of paper.
High configuration flexibility is determined by the availability of various types of detectors and window materials. Despite the small and compact size, the operational stability of the FTIR instrument is provided by the system of internal self-diagnostics as well as an interferometer equipped with an advanced dynamic alignment system. Different configurations of the IRSpirit series are available: IRSpirit-T and IRSpirit-L. IRSpirit-T offers the highest signal-to-noise ratio of 30000:1 (DLATGS detector, KBr window) in its class of compact FTIR instruments. IRSpirit-L (detector LiTaO3) is a perfect instrument for routine analysis.
As high-end models (IRAffinity-1S and IRTracer-100), IRSpirit operates with LabSolutions IR software and new IRPilot program. This dedicated program features 23 standard application workflows within four programs: identification test, contaminant analysis, quantitative analysis and film thickness calculation. For the analysis, it is enough to select the analysis purpose and accessory software without setting parameters. In addition, with IRSpirit you can make identification test and contaminant analysis by using the appropriate programs of LabSolutions IR.
The IRSpirit series is characterised with the widest sample compartment in its class, it easily accommodates accessories for the analysis of liquid and solid samples, gas cells as well as a variety type of attachments (ATR, diffuse reflections and etc.) for work without sample preparations. Thus, the IRSpirit Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer with different accessories and software is an optimal system for a wide range of analytical tasks. ■
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