NEW PRODUCTS FOR ANALYSTS Equipment, Apparatus, Instruments, Reagents, Materials Adsorption Fractionates-
A new method of adsorption fractionation is the result of more than 10 years of research and experimentation in the Burrell Corp. laboratories. The method permits the rapid and accurate analysis of light hydrocarbon gases, through and including pentanes. The gases are separated, identified, and measured by volume of separated fractions. Separation is achieved by physical adsorption. Identification is made by measurement of thermal conductivities, and the volume of each fraction is arrived at by determination of the change in pressure of an evacuated system. Accuracies of the order of 0.2% are obtained. Identifications and measurements of the gas fractions are recorded on a potentiometer, so that a complete and automatic record of each analysis is available to the operator. Contrasted with previously available methods requiring from 6 to 8 hours, the new fractionator does the job in from 1 to 3 hours with approximately 300 ml. of sample. Gases containing predominantly light fractions, which have presented difficulty with other methods, may be analyzed reliably. Operators need not be skilled. The Burrell apparatus is relatively low in cost. No liquid air or other refrigerant is needed. An electrical connection is the only requirement for immediate operation. The instrument measures 2 X 3 X 6 feet. 1 L a b e l i n g Tape
A pressure-sensitive labeling tape is now available in four colors and four widths from the Labelon Tape Co. Originally introduced in two colors and two widths, the tape is currently produced in black, blue, red, and green in 0.625-, 0,75-, 1.0-, and 1.5-inch widths and comes in 400-inch standard and 800-inch industrial rolls. Made of two layers of acetate with a white waxy substance laminated in between, the tape derives its writing qualities from the fact that the pressure of the pencil or stylus, rather than the lead, makes the impression on the tape. Pressure on the top clear layer removes the white waxy substance and exposes the bottom colored i
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layer to view, in a manner similar to that of a child's "magic slate" toy. The neoprene-base adhesive, which requires no moistening, adheres readily to wood, glass, plastics, metals, and ceramics. The tape may be transferred from one surface to another repeatedly without leaving a sticky residue or destroying the adhesive qualities of the tape. Made of nonhygroscopic acetate, the product will not turn yellow with age, discolor, or curl at the edges. 2 Bismuth W i r e a n d R i b b o n
Fitzpatrick Electric Supply Co. has announced the successful production of ductile bismuth wire and ribbon. While all the electrical and physical properties of bismuth were known at the turn of the century, no practical use for bismuth was developed because there was no known way to overcome its brittleness and lack of tensile strength. The company claims to have surmounted these difficulties to a large extent. It has produced bismuth that is ductile enough to be wound on its own diameter at room temperature. However, its tensile strength is still relatively low and consequently the material must be handled with care. 3 Blood Sugar D e t e r m i n a t i o n s T h e precise d e t e r m i n a t i o n of blood sugar content within limits of a diagnostic r a n g e in less t h a n 5 m i n u t e s is now . ., possible with a new machine de,• • , vcloped by t h e M a t h e w s o n M a chine Works. Called t h e Hewson Clinitron, the a p p a r a t u s has been used to run tests on 4300 blood specimens in approximately 40 hours, with only one a t t e n d a n t . W i t h o u t the machine, t h e processing of this n u m b e r of .specimens would require 10 to 15 weeks of a laboratory technician's time, with a labor cost alone of several h u n dred dollars. A specially formed General Electric t u b u l a r h e a t e r p e r m i t s closely controlled heating of t h e t e s t tubes a t various steps in t h e process. T a b l e t s of zinc hydroxide, potassium iodide, - . - . . . .
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potassium ferricyanide, a n d t a r t a r i c acid are a d d e d to t h e specimen during t h e reaction. T h e test tubes are progressively heated, steamed, a n d subjected t o t h e .subdued h e a t of t h e t u b u l a r heater. T h e test t u b e s are t h e n tilted, shaken, a n d cooled. If t h e blood sugar value is below the screening level, t h e solution will be blue. If above this level, indicating a n increase of blood sugar above t h e s t a n d a r d range, t h e solution will be colorless. This affords a precise, easy reading b y t h e unassisted a n d u n t r a i n e d eye. T h e machine is portable, weighing 53 p o u n d s . T h e heating element is protected b y a guard, a n d a reflector slide provides h e a t a d j u s t m e n t in t h e event t h a t t h e voltage drops below t h e normal 110 volts. 4 N-Bromomethylphthalimide iV-Bromomethylphthalimide is t h e latest in a series of reagents announced b y t h e Dajac Laboratories. T h e comp o u n d offers a d v a n t a g e s over t h e more commonly used reagents for synthesizing derivatives of alcohols a n d phenols. I t is stable a n d can be stored w i t h o u t special precautions. Solid derivatives m a y be formed even with low-molecularweight alcohols. T h e reaction is rapid a n d t h e derivatives m a y b e easily separated a n d purified. T h e chance of u n desirable side products being formed is eliminated. A table of t h e phthalimidomethylene ethers t h a t h a v e already been characterized is available. 5 Radiation Monitor T h e new instrument, SU-3B, offered b y Tracerlab, Inc., has been developed for use as a routine contamination monitor in radioactivity laboratories. I t m a y b e employed in checking l a b o r a t o r y bench tops for cont a m i n a t i o n (including contamination from such low-energy b e t a emitters as C 1 4 a n d S 35 ), checking glassware in tracer experiments for a d e q u a t e decontamination, monitoring " b a c k g r o u n d " counting rate to detect large-scale fluctuations, and monitoring h a n d s a n d l a b o r a t o r y coats for contamination. T h i s compact, direct-reading, a.c.-operated i n s t r u m e n t has three fullscale meter ranges of 200, 2000, a n d 20,000 counts per m i n u t e . I t comes completely equipped, including a mica end-window Geiger t u b e enclosed in a detachable probe assembly and connected t o the instrument b y a convenient length of flexible cable. T h e laboratory monitor weighs 17 pounds, is housed in a walnut cabinet, and has a clip for holding t h e Geiger t u b e
horizontally near the table t o p . Other features include a built-in loud speaker monitor a t t h e rear of the chassis for use as a n aural monitor, a control on t h e front panel for adjustm e n t of the volume, and a pulse-generating circuit, synchronized with the 60-cycle line frequency, which allows a quick calibration check t o b e m a d e w i t h o u t the use of a n external generator. T h e monitor is capable of driving a recorder having low current drain. 6 Direct Current Source A new all-electronic i n s t r u m e n t which operates from a.c. lines t o provide a continuously variable d.c. supply over t h e range of 0.0001 to 10 volts has been developed b y t h e General Precision L a b o r a t o r y . T h e voltage source is a precision u n i t designed primarily for use in connection with high impedance devices—for d.c. amplifier testing, for the calibration of d.c. oscilloscopes and v a c u u m t u b e voltmeters, a n d for other laboratory and plant uses. T h e m a x i m u m o u t p u t impedance of t h e u n i t is 1000 o h m s , with accuracy m a i n t a i n e d a t 0 . 1 % of full scale. A multiplet u r n potentiometer is provided having divisions of 0.001 of full scale. T h e circuit m a y be operated with i n p u t voltages of 105 to 130 volts a t 50 t o 60 cycles. T h e u n i t is housed in a m e t a l cabinet 10 inches wide, 8 inches deep, a n d 8.75 inches high. Fuse, o u t p u t terminals, and controls are placed in front for easy accessibility. 7 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene T h e compound 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene, now available from Jasonols Chemical Corp., is a pale yellow liquid having a melting point of 22° C. a n d a characteristic p u n g e n t odor. I t has found use as a fiuorinating agent a n d , more recently, as a reagent for characterizing alcohols and other compounds containing labile h y d r o g e n a t o m s . T h e increased activity of t h e fluorine in dinitrofluorobenzene is caused b y the two nitro groups a n d t h e resonance s t r u c t u r e of t h e quinoid g r o u p ing. T h e reaction of dinitrofluorobenzene w i t h alcohols produces a n ether a n d , t h u s far, several 2,4-dinitrophenyl ethers h a v e been isolated. 8 Washfastness Testing Atlas Electric Devices Co., manufacturer of L a u n d e r - O m eters, Fade-Ometers, and Weather-Ometers, has developed new specimen containers for t h e N o . 3A t e n t a t i v e accelerated
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washfastness test recently adopted by the AATCC. This new test, employing metal specimen containers 3.5 inches in diameter and 8 inches in length, duplicates the color destruction and abrasive action of five average commercial or home launderings in a single 45-minute test. This is one tenth of the time required by the old test methods. Through the use of easily installed adapters, the unbreakable containers are mounted horizontally at right angles to the shaft in any standard or research Launder-Ometer. Mounted in this fashion, the test specimens are subjected to a forceful throw, a long slide, and a strong impact. The 100 steel balls in each container and a lower liquor volume also increase the abrasive action. The tentative test is applicable to cotton or linen textiles in fabric form and is especially designed for evaluating the washfastness of colored textiles expected to withstand frequent laundering. As many as 20 samples may be tested simultaneously. 9 Magnetic Stirrer
Manufactured by Laboratory Industries, Inc., the MagneStir, a new magnetic stirrer, employs Teflon-covered stirring magnets which are resistant to breakage and to attack by acids and alkalies. The motor will stir 1 liter or more of liquids up to 60% glycerol solution at a speed of over 1800 r.p.m. A separate on-off switch permits the stirrer to be turned on or off without change in the speed setting. The cast aluminum housing is designed either for use directly on a bench or table or mounted securely on a setup frame. The stirring bars, covered with a 0.031-inch layer of Teflon, are available in three sizes: 0.31 X 0.75, 0.31 X 1.25, and 0.31 X 1.75 inches. Stirring bars covered with borosilicate glass can also be furnished in several sizes. Magnetic stirrer is available for voltages of 115 and 230 volts at 50 to 60 cycles. TO Glass-Lined Hood
Glass-lined fume hood, with a water-spray system in the exhaust ducting, minimizes the danger of acid fumes in the chemical analysis laboratory of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. The new unit, designed and installed by Pratt & Whitney, points the way to similar safety advances in other laboratories. The danger arises in the company's laboratory from the absorption of fumes in the lining of the hoods where analytical reactions on metal test specimens are carried out. A hot bath of perchloric acid, which is used in a great many of these analyses, generates the fumes and causes deposits to accumulate on the inner surfaces of the exhaust piping system, as well as in the joints and behind the lining of the test hoods. Efforts to deal with the deposits by a regular program of cleaning, which involved washing the hood lining and scraping off the accumulated rust and deposit in the exhaust piping, proved unsatisfactory. These difficulties were eliminated by the design of the new hood. The installation is a sixcompartment unit having a total length of 36 feet and a height of 7.25 feet. Each recess is lined with sheets of white Carrarra structural glass, 0.344 inch thick on the walls and ceilings and 0.75 inch thick on the working surface top. Carrarra glass, a Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. product, will not absorb the fumes or deposits. It is kept clean simply by wiping with a wet paper towel or cloth. The glass is shockresistant and withstands the range of temperatures encountered in the laboratory. Joints in the glass lining are made of silicone rubber, which by its resiliency provides a satisfactory
seal and cushioning effect. Moreover, it'does n o t react with perchloric acid to form highly flammable compounds, as do other carbon-base rubbers. F o r further protection, t h e r u b ber is w r a p p e d in Teflon, which is even more highly resistant t o chemical a t t a c k . A key to successful performance is the special water s p r a y equipment in t h e exhaust piping system. This spray operates continuously when t h e exhaust blower is running. T h e spray serves as a continuous wash-down system for the exh a u s t piping, and not only keep it clean and free from the accumulation of d u s t and deposit b u t also protects the inside of the pipe from corrosive a t t a c k . T h e hood installation represents a safety investment of $15,000. 11 Oscillometer E . H . Sargent & Co. has announced t h e availability of a new high-frequency oscillometer of the resonance-retune t y p e . I n principle, t h e increase in the capacitance of a sample cell containing the u n k n o w n is balanced b y the removal of a fixed capacitance, which is adjusted b y a range switch a n d b y the setting of a highprecision variable condenser. This condenser has a precision of approximately ± 0 . 0 0 5 mmf. over a range of 5 mmf., or with d e p a r t u r e s from linearity of the order of 0 . 0 5 % . T h e i n s t r u m e n t will accommodate a capacitance change of from 0 to 50 mmf. Appropriate cells permit t h e titration of electrolytes, as well as t h e m e a s u r e m e n t of small samples or flowing systems. T h e i n s t r u m e n t is sensitive t o traces of polar materials in nonpolar subtances and m a y be used to determine t h e composition of mixtures containing organic compounds. T h e oscillometer m a y also be used in acidimetric and precipitation determinations. 12 Flexible Manometer A m a n o m e t e r offered b y F . W. Dwyer Manufacturing Co. can be rolled into a shape t h a t can readily be fitted into a pocket. T h e m a n o m e t e r , m a d e of flexible vinyl plastic, can be rolled, twisted, or b e n t into a n y form. T h e U-tube will r e t u r n to its full length when unrolled. T h e adjustable plastic scale is firmly held between the tubes. 13 Freeze-Drying Units A compact, factory-assembled freeze-drying unit, Model 203F, has been announced b y the F . J. Stokes M a c h i n e Co. I t employs Freon refrigeration for t h e drying of guinea pig complement, cultures, serums, vitamins, a n d other biologicals. D r y i n g and freezing are accomplished in a t a n k adjacent to the condensing chamber, on an electrically heated and thermostatically controlled drying shelf. T h e sight glass in the lid permits inspection during freezing. T h e u n i t has a b a t c h capacity of 3500 m l . Model 203 freeze-drying unit has a b a t c h capacity of 900 m l . F o u r complete drying cycles m a y be m a d e before regeneration of the desiccant is necessary. Standard equipment includes a v a c u u m p u m p and McLeod gage, in addition t o nine desiccant baskets and a supply of desiccant. 14 McLeod Gage A new McLeod gage, suitable for the A S T M proposed test for the distillation of petroleum products a t reduced pressures, is now being distributed b y t h e E m i l Greiner Co. T h e UITs t r u m e n t has scales graduated in b o t h the square and linear systems, t h e former permitting more sensitive observations. Readings are m a d e directly in millimeter values. Individual
36 A calibrations of volume ratios can also be made directly. The gage possesses various desirable features, such as a trap to prevent the overflow of mercury, a heavy-walled mercury reservoir, a specially designed air filter that prevents contamination of the system, and a constriction of the main tube that prevents breakage of the flask by a sudden return of the mercury. The instrument has a range from 0.1 to 20 mm. linear and 0.01 to 20 mm. square. The manufacturer also offers a series of other McLeod gages which allow maximum sensitivity in the various working ranges desired. 15 Odor Control A tiny lamp capable of dissipating odors has been developed by engineers of the Westinghouse Lamp Division. Three times as powerful as the ozone lamp introduced in 1945, the new Odorout bulb emits ultraviolet radiations which transform the oxygen around the lamp into ozone, an air purifier. The 3.5-watt, walnut-sized lamp, when burned in a special wall fixture, destroys cooking, smoking, dampness, mildew, and other odors. The bulb alone sells for $1.30 and lasts 6 months when operated 24 hours a day. It must be burned in a special fixture with a current-controlling device such as a transformer. Eight manufacturers now produce special Odorout wall fixtures which use one to four lamps in each unit. These units range in list price from $6.95 to $18.95, including lamp. 16
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cutworms, grasshoppers, and a variety of other insect pesta controlled by toxaphene. Hercules Powder Co. 22 Riboflavin. Booklet describes use of riboflavin as an ingredient in livestock, poultry, and other animal feeds. A summary of the latest available information on the role of riboflavin in nutrition is included, as well as sections describing sources of riboflavin, deficiency symptoms, and recommended nutrient allowances. Commercial Solvents Corp. 23 Dehumidiflcation. Leaflet on dehumidification contains table of recommended humidities in various industries and provides information on equipment available for controlling and measuring humidity. Abbeon Supply Co. 24 Butyl Stearate. Data sheets describe physical properties and applications of butyl stearate, a colorless, relatively nonvolatile liquid which solidifies at temperatures below 66° F. and is compatible with a wide variety of organic materials. Witco Chemical Co. 25 Soybean Lecithin. An 18-page booklet provides information on properties and suggested uses of Arlecin, a soybean lecithin. Bulletin includes results of consistency and settling tests in which paints containing product are compared with those employing aluminum and zinc stearate as antisettling agents. Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. 26
MANUFACTURERS' LITERATURE
Storage Batteries. Brochure discusses rechargeable storage batteries which are up to one fifth the size and one sixth the weight of average storage batteries. Physical and electrical characteristics, as well as style of terminals, are indicated. Yardney Electric Corp. 27
Glossmeter and Reflectometer. An 8-page publication describes improved portable glossmeter and 45° 0° reflectometer. New optical design minimizes calibration failures. Experimental 20° unit for high-gloss surfaces and a 45° unit for ceramic materials are available. Henry A. Gardner Laboratory, Inc. 17
Combustion Tube Furnaces. A 4-page pamphlet describes combustion tube furnaces which have a maximum safe working temperature of 1000° C. For intermittent periods of comparatively short duration, the furnaces may be operated at a maximum temperature of 1065° C. Hinged-type furnaces will reach 1000° C. in 40 to 80 minutes and the solid-type furnaces in 45 to 75 minutes. Hevi Duty Electric Co. 28
Hydrogen Peroxide. Attractive 36-page brochure gives information on hydrogen peroxide: uses, handling, storage, shipment, freezing point and melting point curves, density of solutions, packaging and labeling, and factors influencing stability of compound. Details are given on the preparation and analysis of hydrogen peroxide solutions. Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. 18 Recorder. Bulletin 330 describes and illustrates new Model MD-2 recorder, a portable, self-contained instrument which will plot automatically on rectangular coordinates any two variables capable of actuating the movable cores of miniature variable transformers, either directly or through accessory Bourdon tube units. Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton Corp. 19 Hydrogen Ion Concentration. "The Meaning, Application, and Measurement of p H " is the title of leaflet which specifies the pH values of common acids and alkalies, the intensity of acidity or alkalinity, and the most desirable pH range of industrial waters for different conditions and applications. Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co. 20 Potentiometer Controller. A 2-page announcement gives specifications for new strip-chart pneumatic control potentiometer. The controller provides a full 11-inch calibrated chart width and over 120 feet of chart length. MinneapolisHoneywell Regulator Co. 21 Insecticides. A 24-page booklet on toxapheno agricultural insecticides contains sections on economically important insect pests, a brief history of the development of toxaphene, and a list of common and scientific names of the insects mentioned. State and federal recommendations are given for the control of cotton insects, livestock pests, alfalfa insects.
Portable Pyrometers. Two portable pyrometer models are described in Bulletin PPY-1, which also gives specifications for thermocouple holders and tips. Model 4 may be used within 0° to 3000° F. range. Wheelco Instruments Co. 2 9 Oxygen Recorder. A 16-page booklet explains how an analysis is made by use of the paramagnetic properties of oxygen. Booklet contains a diagrammatic explanation of the operation of the recording section and various gassampling systems used with the instrument. Such features as the voltage regulator, alarm contacts, slide-wire, and cam unit are discussed. The Hays Corp. 30 Instruments and Accessories. U-type, well-type, and multiple tube manometers, inclinometers, draft gages, liquid level gages, sight feed bubblers, and manometer accessories are discussed and illustrated in 44-page booklet. Among the new instruments described are packaged test units for use in industrial calibration work. Meriam Instrument Co. 31 Turbidity Measurements. Pamphlet describes turbidimeter used in sulfate determinations and in measurement of suspended matter and colloids generally. Instrument may be adapted to many analytical tests commonly performed with a nephelometer. Hellige, Inc. 32 Physical Measurements. Booklet contains descriptions and specifications of transformer, recording and dial-indicating thermometers, and recording pressure and vacuum gages. Electric Auto-Lite Co. 33 Mercury Cleaning. A 4-page leaflet provides information on 5-, 25-, and 150-pound-capacity mercury cleaning units and gold-adhesion filters. Bethlehem Apparatus Co. 34
