NEW PRODUCTS FOR ANALYSTS Equipment, Apparatus, Instruments, Reagent Materials L i q u i d O r g a n i c Silicates
sample. T h i s fact, combined with t h e v e r y low b a c k g r o u n d (16 t o 18 counts per m i n u t e ) which in p a r t is t h e result of t h e h e a v y lead shielding, further increases t h e sensitivity of this flow counter. 2
D e v e l o p m e n t of a new g r o u p of organic silicates which will remain liquid over a n extremely wide t e m p e r a t u r e range h a s been a n n o u n c e d b y Oronite Chemical C o . These materials contain silicon—as do t h e a l r e a d y established a n d b e t t e r k n o w n silicones—but h a v e different chemical composition a n d properties. Some of Oronite's silicates are liquid over a t e m p e r a t u r e range of —100° t o m o r e t h a n 700° F . A m o n g their possible applications: h e a t transfer liquids, lubricants, surface coatings, a n d polishes. T h e fluids can be tailor-made t o achieve m a x i m u m efficiency for each job. 1
Safety G o g g l e s T w o completely revised a n d improved series of safety goggles-—7000 a n d 3081 series—have been announced b y t h e American Optical Co. T h e 7000 series m e t a l safety goggles provide m a x i m u m eye protection, along with rugged construction, rigid N saddle bridge, a n d rein ' _ ^ " forcing bar for extra A;:,. . .: ; 4::j;o; •'• ~\ \ strength. Temples now jgjg , _' h a v e brown t u b i n g which c a n n o t discolor a n d will outlast t h e life of t h e t e m ple. A new feature allows t h e lenses t o be replaced without removing side shields. T h e 3081 series h a s t h e s a m e s t u r d y construction a n d t h e same new design features. Side shields of soft leather provide comfortable p r o t e c t i o n against h e a t a n d cold, flying particles, a n d light. B o t h goggles can b e o b t a i n e d with clear or Calobar a n d regular or 6-curve lenses. 3
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W i n d o w l e s s F l o w Counter T r a c e r l a b is offering its S C - 1 6 windowless flow counter, a low-background r a d i a t i o n counter designed for operation in either t h e Geiger or proportional regions. T h e i n s t r u m e n t is essentially a shielded counter t u b e into which solid samples are directly inserted a n d t h r o u g h which a c o n s t a n t gas flow is m a i n t a i n e d t o p r e v e n t air c o n t a m i n a t i o n . T h e a b sence of even t h e t h i n n e s t window b e tween t h e sample a n d t h e counting c h a m ber m a k e s this i n s t r u m e n t particularly useful for t h e detection a n d m e a s u r e m e n t of alpha-radiation a n d of weak b e t a radiation, such as t h a t e m i t t e d b y carbon 14 a n d sulfur 35. I t also permits m o r e efficient counting of low-activity r a d i a t i o n from v e r y dilute samples.
Double Monochromator T h e double m o n o c h r o m a t o r offered b y t h e C e n t r a l Research Laboratories dissects white light i n t o n a r r o w - b a n d c o m p o n e n t s of h i g h spectral p u r i t y . I t furnishes radiation in a n y p o r t i o n of t h e spectral range from a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1400 A. in t h e ultraviolet t o 25 microns in t h e infrared. This range is covered in several overlapping steps b y m e a n s of i n t e r c h a n g e able optical elements fabricated from glass, q u a r t z , a n d v a r i ous s y n t h e t i c optical crystals. T h e s e optical elements con sist of aspheric collimator lenses in prefocused interchangeable m o u n t i n g s a n d m a t c h e d dispersing prisms of t h e s a m e optical m a t e r i a l as t h e lenses. T h e e n t r a n c e a n d exit slits are fixed in position, as are t h e
A u n i q u e feature is t h e three-position r o t a t i n g platform, which h a s t h r e e recesses for holding standard-size s a m p l e containers, such as planchets a n d brass rings a n d disks for filter paper. One position is for sample loading, one for preflushing, a n d t h e t h i r d for counting. T h e platform is a d v a n c e d one position when a sample is t o b e changed. T h e m e a s u r e m e n t of t h e next sample can begin with no waiting t i m e because all t h e air will a l r e a d y h a v e been flushed o u t while t h e sample is located in t h e i n t e r m e d i a t e position. T h e end-on t u b e construction results in 2ir geometry, which is t h e m a x i m u m possible geometrical efficiency for a flat
TECHNICAL DATA ANALYTICAL
DEPARTMENT
MARCH
CHEMISTRY
1951
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30 A entrance and exit collimators, so that the aperture ratio re mains constant a t / / 4 . 5 over the entire spectral range. Wave length selection and focusing are accomplished simultaneously by the straight-line motion of a carriage carrying the curved center slit, by ahgning the optical axes of the intermediate collimators with the light path, and by rotating the prisms to maintain minimum deviation. An electrically reversible synchronous motor drive is provided for wave-length control. Carriage speeds of 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 mm. per minute are obtainable. Two general-purpose optical systems are available for this instrument : a light source mounting and motor-driven chop per assembly, utilizing a spherical mirror to give a half-size image of the source on the entrance slit; and a detector as sembly with an adjustable ellipsoidal mirror forming a six times reduced image of the exit slit a t a thermocouple or bolometer detector, and providing a mounting table for the experimental objects. Special external optical systems can be designed to meet particular requirements. The over-all dimensions of the instrument housing are : length, 25.5 inches ; width, 15 inches; and height, 13.5 inches. 4 Beaker with Handle Requests for a better means of handling large beakers have been answered by Corning Glass Works, which announced a -.-,—_ __ new 3000-ml. borosilicate glass beaker with a sturdy glass handle. Because the handle can be firmly gripped, the danger of dropping a beaker of hot liquid is minimized. The glass handle is attached by a stainless steel band, which also acts as a protective collar. Handles and bands are easily removed and are interchange able. Chemically stable and resistant to thermal and physical shock, the handled beaker has a heavily beaded top rim to prevent chipping. 5 Stainless Steel Hose Allied Metal Hose Co. has developed a new type of stainless steel hose for use where extreme temperatures, high corrosivity, or high internal pressures are involved. This flexible, corrugated metal hose is fabricated from thin-walled tubing and comes in sizes ranging from 0.25 through 4 inches in internal diameter. The wall thicknesses range from 0.010 inch in the 0.25-inch size to 0.035 inch in the 4-inch size.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY This type of hose is made in two patterns having either nor mal or close pitch. The normal pitch hose has a free flexing radius from 10 inches in the 0.25-inch size to 41 inches in the 4-inch size. The close pitch hose has a free flexing radius from 5 inches in the 0.25-inch size to 33 inches in the 4-inch size. 6 Servoscope and Servoboard Produced by the Servo Corp. of America, the Servoscope is a precision analyzer for measuring the response of servomechanism systems and components to sinusoidally modulated corrier and low-frequency a.c. signals. The Servoscope is effective over a con tinuously variable fre quency range of 0.1 to 20 cycles per second. In conjunction with a cathode-ray oscilloscope, this instrument may be used to measure the relative am plitude and phase angle of any a.c. or d.c. servo system, servo component, automatic control, or regulator. Primarily de veloped for feedback control systems, the instrument may also be used as a stable generator of low frequency sine and square waves. A.c. carrier frequencies of 50 to 800 cycles per second are accepted to produce sinusoidally modu lated suppressed carrier signals. The Servoboard (see cut) is a set of standard precision me chanical parts, including gears, shafts, bearings, hangers, and mounting plates which, when coupled to the necessary motors, tachometers, synchros, potentiometers, and amplifiers, rapidly builds a flexible experimental mechanical assembly of a servo system, computer, or regulator. 7 Determining Carbon in Steel Savings up to 7 5 % in the time required for making deter minations of carbon in steel are claimed to be possible by the use of Fisher Scientific Co.'s induction carbon apparatus. A compact, self-contained unit replaces the furnace, rheostat, and external combustion train of conventional apparatus. The necessary external equipment consists of a cylinder of oxygen, a carbon dioxide absorption bulb, and a balance. With the new apparatus, carbon determinations can be made routinely in 2.5 minutes, as compared with the 10 minutes frequently required when other types of equipment are used. The new apparatus employs a quartz sample holder and an induction-type coil which heats the sample with radio-fre quency energy. Ignition takes place within 2 minutes. The
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Technical Data Department A N A L Y T I C A L CHEMISTRY 332 W e s t 42nd S t r e e t N e w York 18. Ν. Υ.
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Use this handy r e t u r n c a r d t o save y o u r s e l f t i m e . I t will bring information of use t o chemists a n d e n g i neers in l a b o r a t o r y , p i l o t p l a n t , and p r o d u c t i o n . The items l i s t e d in this special section have been selected b y t h e e d i t o r s of ANALYTI CAL CHEMISTRY f o r t h e i r v a l u e a n d timeliness in helping y o u t o keep a b r e a s t of t h e l a t e s t developments in t h e f i e l d .
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2 3, N O . 3, M A R C H
1951
assembly includes a platinum-wire c a t a l y s t for converting carbon monoxide t o carbon dioxide. T h e carbon dioxide formed b y t h e ignition passes t h r o u g h a n absorber which re moves t h e sulfur dioxide present. T h e gas t h e n passes t h r o u g h a carbon dioxide absorbent. Once t h e sample is weighed a n d placed in t h e q u a r t z heating chamber, t h e com bustion cycle is entirely a u t o m a t i c . T h e a p p a r a t u s is de signed t o handle t h e full factor weight of 2.727 g r a m s . I n a series of tests with N a t i o n a l B u r e a u of S t a n d a r d s samples, it was found t h a t t h e accuracy of t h e results was ± 0 . 0 0 5 % . T h e i n s t r u m e n t will handle a wide v a r i e t y of steel alloys with carbon contents ranging from 0.072 t o 5 . 1 % . I t operates o n 230 volts a n d 50- t o 60-cycle a.c. 8 Polyethylene Bottles Designed for h e a v y - d u t y use, a 32-ounce u n b r e a k a b l e poly ethylene bottle in t h e s t a n d a r d Boston r o u n d shape is now available from t h e Plax Corp. T h e new quart-size bottle is t h r e a d e d t o a c c o m m o d a t e s t a n d a r d 38-mm., 430-fmish acid pour-out caps. T h r e a d finishes for other t y p e s of s t a n d a r d closures can b e supplied on special order. T h e range of Bos t o n round bottles offered b y t h e c o m p a n y now comprises 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-, a n d 32-ounce sizes. 9 Remote Pipet Control T h e development a n d production of a remote pipet control h a v e been a n n o u n c e d b y Nuclear Research a n d Development, I n c . Recognizing t h e need for a device which permits t h e remote pipetting of radioactive liquids, N R D has designed this i n s t r u m e n t to perform all t h e necessary pipet operations without t h e necessity of handling the pipet a t a n y stage of its use. T h e i n s t r u m e n t can be used with pipets ranging from 100 λ u p t o 5 ml. I t grasps t h e pipet a n d holds t h e lip in a tapered receptor. A t t h e handle is a built-in 5-ml. h y p o dermic syringe. T h e sensitivity of t h e i n s t r u m e n t m a y be increased b y t h e use of a smaller syringe with a n appropriate bushing. T h e device is m a d e almost entirely of a l u m i n u m a n d weighs a b o u t 0.87 p o u n d . 10 Automatic Titrator B e c k m a n I n s t r u m e n t s has a n n o u n c e d t h e availability of a new a u t o m a t i c t i t r a t o r . This i n s t r u m e n t n o t only m a k e s it possible t o r u n a c c u r a t e t i t r a t i o n s more rapidly a n d conveniently t h a n b y m a n ual methods, b u t it also gives objective, r e p r o d u c ible results t h a t are free of errors caused b y personal factors. I n a series of t i t r a tions, it is only necessary t o fill t h e buret, place t h e sample in t h e beaker, a n d t u r n t h e rest of t h e opera tion over t o t h e t i t r a t o r . Raising t h e beaker holder into posi tion automatically s t a r t s t h e stirrer m o t o r a n d begins t h e flow of t i t r a t i n g solution. A special electrical circuit antici pates t h e approaching end point a n d scales down t h e delivery of t h e t i t r a t i n g solution in progressively smaller increments t o assure a highly accurate t i t r a t i o n . W h e n t h e e n d point is reached, t h e flow of t i t r a t i n g solution automatically stops a n d a light shows t h e completion of t h e titration—all without further a t t e n t i o n from t h e operator. Only 1 t o 1.5 m i n u t e s are required t o complete m a n y routine titrations, a n d even titrations t o 0 . 1 % accuracy can be completed in 2.5 m i n u t e s or less. T h e adjustable holder accommodates beakers from 10 t o 400 ml. in capacity, a n d t h e i n s t r u m e n t m a y be used with all
31 A s t a n d a r d burets down t o 5 m l . in size. As m a n y as four de livery u n i t s can be a c c o m m o d a t e d b y a single amplifier con trol unit, t h u s m a k i n g a wide choice of t i t r a t i n g solutions immediately available. I n addition t o its use as a n a u t o m a t i c t i t r a t o r , t h e i n s t r u m e n t can also serve as a n a . c powered p H m e t e r t o give a c c u r a t e readings over t h e range of 0 to 14 p H . I t can also be used t o provide voltage readings over t h e range of — 600 t o + 1 4 0 0 m v . 11 Density Measurement A new direct-reading Densitrol has been a d d e d t o Precision T h e r m o m e t e r a n d I n s t r u m e n t Co.'s line of liquid density measuring i n s t r u m e n t s . This i n s t r u m e n t is of value n o t only where periodic checks of liquid density m u s t be m a d e b u t where process conditions, such as excessive corrosiveness or flammability, prevent t h e drawing of samples from t h e sys t e m . T h e i n s t r u m e n t operates as a simple by-pass in a n y liquid line or vessel. Specific g r a v i t y m a y be read directly. T h e i n s t r u m e n t uses a t o t a l l y submerged, chain-weighted p l u m m e t as t h e measuring element. T h e p l u m m e t is selfcentering, operates without friction, a n d will n o t stick t o t h e sides of t h e chamber. T h e reading scale is boldly m a r k e d and is read across a single reference line on t h e p l u m m e t . T h e length of t h e scale is 5 inches. Models are available with or without a t h e r m o m e t e r , which is calibrated directly in t e r m s of t e m p e r a t u r e correction a n d is m o u n t e d on t h e c h a m ber. Suitable for high or low t e m p e r a t u r e or v a c u u m service, these i n s t r u m e n t s can be constructed from a wide v a r i e t y of materials a n d are suitable for either clear or opaque liquids. 12 Ultraviolet Light Source T h e H a n o v i a Chemical a n d M a n u f a c t u r i n g Co. offers a high-pressure q u a r t z l a m p as a source of ultraviolet light. T h e active length of t h e mer c u r y arc is a b o u t 1.5 inches a n d it is C-shaped. T h e l a m p is useful in microscopy, for a b sorption spectra work, for fluo rescence analysis, a n d for illu m i n a t i n g optical apertures. A filter m a y be obtained which absorbs t h e short ultraviolet a n d visible radiations a n d t r a n s m i t s radiations largely a t 3660 A. T h e l a m p is con nected t o a n ordinary 105- t o 125-volt line t h r o u g h a 6-foot length of electrical wire. A p proximately 100 w a t t s are d r a w n b y t h e burner. T h e u l t r a violet intensity of radiations a t 3130 A. a n d shorter, measured a t 20-inch distance, is over 250 microwatts per square c m . A b o u t 3 m i n u t e s ' t i m e after s t a r t i n g is required for electrical stabilization a n d before t h e b u r n e r provides full ultraviolet intensity. 13 Miniature Ion Exchange Unit A new a n d refillable ion exchange u n i t delivers, from a n ordinary faucet, water equal in chemical q u a l i t y t o t h e tripledistilled p r o d u c t . Called t h e Filtr-Ion a n d m a n u f a c t u r e d b y La M o t t e Chemical P r o d u c t s Co., it is a small a n d low-cost application of t h e M o n o b e d ion exchange principle, designed for small q u a n t i t y uses where more elaborate e q u i p m e n t would be impractical. Although t h e t u b e is b u t 8.5 inches long a n d 1.625 inches in diameter, t h e Filtr-Ion u n i t is identical in chemical action w i t h t h a t of t h e huge M o n o b e d water-condi tioning a p p a r a t u s commonly used in s t e a m power p l a n t s . T h e device is essentially a t r a n s p a r e n t t u b e filled with
32 A
ANALYTICAL
Amberlite ion exchange resins. It is merely slipped over the end of a cold water faucet. Small holes in the top cap prevent excessive flow through the bed of resins. Deionized water is delivered through a small plastic tube. The unit is not in tended to remove bacteria or impurities which are not ionized. As water passes through the apparatus, metallic and other ionic solids are taken out by a mixture of anion and cation exchangers. Fiberglas filters trap physical impurities. The Amberlites change color when they become exhausted. Initially blue-black, the bed of resin turns light yellow in a gradually descending line as exhaustion progresses. When the yellow band reaches the bottom, the unit is refilled. Re fill packages contain enough resin for two complete refills and include new filter elements as well. The quantity of deionized water delivered will vary with the hardness or mineral content of the raw water. Normally, up to 10 gallons of laboratoryquality water may be expected from each unit. 14
MANUFACTURERS'
LITERATURE
Toxicant. Folder describes Thanite, a toxicant used in space and residual sprays. A terpene chemical, it not only kills flies by direct spraying but also acts as repellent against the stable fly, horn fly, and housefly. As little as 1% Thanite in a 5% D D T household spray gives quick knockdown. Hercules Powder Co. 15 Water Conditioner. Water conditioning equipment em ploying ion exchange is the subject of an 8-page folder. In cluded are descriptions of water softeners, hydrogen-zeolite water treatment, deionizing equipment, and general and specialized applications of ion exchange. Illinois Water Treatment Co. 16 Alkyd Resin. A number of suggested paint formulations utilizing a new fast-drying glyptal alkyd resin are discussed in folder CDC-187. Glyptal imparts excellent adhesion, gloss and color retention, chemical and weather resistance, and flexibility to a variety of coatings. General Electric Co. 17 Colloidal Graphite. Bulletin 427 describes the use of colloidal graphite as a parting compound. Because it is unaffected by temperatures up to 3500° F. in inert atmos pheres, colloidal graphite is used to prevent sticking, corro sion, galling, and "freezing" of parts. Acheson Colloids Corp. 18 Synthetic Tanning Agents. A company bulletin gives the history of naphthalene-type synthetic tanning agents, the mechanism of syntan chemistry, and the application of syntans in conjunction with chrome and vegetable tannages. The grades, analyses, and typical uses of synthetic tanning agents are mentioned. American Cyanamid Co. 19 Refrigeration Oils. A 12-page booklet gives the character istics and recommended applications for various grades of refrigeration oils. The "floe test" for determining an oil's suitability under low-temperature conditions is described. For various grades of oil, tables give technical data on vis cosity, wax separation point, pour point, and dielectric strength. Sun Oil Co. 20 Hormones. A list of hormones and their wholesale prices are set forth in data sheet. These hormones include diethylstilbestrol dipropionate, testosterone dipropionate, methyltestosterone, pregnenolone acetate, testosterone acetate, progesterone, and estrone. Mann Fine Chemicals, Inc. 21 Synthetic Detergents. Technical Bulletin 50A-7 discusses dry mixing with various forms of Ultrawet, having average
CHEMISTRY
bulk densities between 0.16 and 0.37. Ultrawet SK is a spray-dried bead form of an alkyl aryl sulfonate, which is 35% active and 65% sodium sulfate. Ultrawet K, a flake detergent, contains a minimum of 85% alkyl aryl sulfonate; the balance, sodium sulfate. Atlantic Refining Co. 22 p-Nitrophenyl Phosphate. Bulletin 104 covers the de tailed procedure for the use of p-nitrophenyl phosphate in the determination of both acid and alkaline serum phospha tase. This procedure is said to be an improvement over the usual methods in that it is faster and uses as little as 0.005 ml. of serum. Sigma Chemical Co. 23 Cellular Rubber. A 20-page booklet describes the prop erties of cellular rubber: tensile strength, elongation, heat and sound insulation value, resistance to oils and chemicals, influence of heat and aging, toxicity, and others. Sponge Rubber Products Co. 24 Instruments. An amply illustrated, 82-page booklet dis cusses instruments of value in research and analysis. Under the heading of analytical apparatus, the booklet gives details on robotized polarographs, titrators, and stills. Sections cover spectrometers, continuous gas analyzers, pyrometers, electronic indicators, high-vacuum gages, potentiometers, and other apparatus. Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co. 25 Publication. First issue of new magazine, Labitems, con tains articles of technical and general interest to laboratory technicians, engineers, and management. Information about more than 50 products are included, among them balances, clamps, vapor pressure bombs, colorimeters, manometers, cartesian manostats, burets, titrimeters. Emil Greiner Co. 2 6 Tackiflers. Tackifier resin emulsions for natural and neoprene rubber latices are the subject of data sheet A39. Also described are the compounding and handling of tackifierlatex adhesives. American Resinous Chemicals Corp. 27 Electronic Parts. A new 130-page catalog of electronic parts provides full technical information on all items listed, in addition to illustrations and drawings of many compo nents. Sun Radio and Electronics Co. 28 Moisture Tester. A 6-page bulletin discusses midget moisture tester specifically designed for instantly determin ing the moisture content of wood, lumber, plaster, and wood products. The instrument measures moisture by an electri cal resistance method. Readings in per cent moisture are taken directly at the touch of a button, with no conversion tables or long laboratory tests necessary. Tagliabue Instru ments Division. 29 Peroxygen Compounds. The modification of starches, proteins, and gums with peroxygen compounds is the sub ject of a 16-page data sheet. Practical examples, various suggestions, and a selection of literature references are con tained in the publication, which also illustrates the principles of depolymerization of these high molecular weight substances by means of hydrogen peroxide. Buffalo Electro-Chemical Co., Inc. 30 Photoelectric Recorder. An illustrated 12-page bulletin describes Type CE high-speed photoelectric recorder. Con struction of deflection-type recorder makes it possible to ob tain a wide range of sensitivities and response characteris tics. Sensitivities can be obtained as low as 1.0 microam pere full scale; response periods can be as fast as 0.25 second for full-scale deflection. Potentiometer-type recorder is also available. General Electric Co. 31 Analytical Balances. Illustrated booklet gives details on high-speed analytical balance, microanalytical balance, semimicroanalytical balance, and specific gravity balance. Price list is included. August Sauter Ν. Υ., Inc. 32
