LMS Volume 33 |ssue 4 | Page 32

32  LMS  Issue 4 | 2014 Liquid Handling/Analysis Count on it! T he new Eppendorf Multipette® M4 is simple, stress-free and ergonomic. It reaches beyond traditional pipette limitations. Even liquids that are difficult to pipette are no match for the M4. The Multipette M4 makes performing long pipetting series faster and easier. The aspirated liquid can be dispensed up to 100 times without refilling the tip and it has a volume selection range of 1μl to 10ml. On the Multipette/Combitip system, volumes are dispensed using the positive displacement principle. The liquid is directly dispensed without an air cushion, ensuring the correct volume is always dispensed regardless of the density, viscosity and volatility of the liquid. In addition to serial dispensing, the Multipette is also the perfect instrument that is able to go beyond the limitations of a standard pipette. The instrument produces stressfree work via an integrated step counter. Dispensing procedures can be continued error-free after an interruption or distraction. The clearly arranged and easy-to-read display guarantees intuitive operation. The step counter supports error-free filling. The integrated ‘sleep’ function switches off when the M4 is not being used, thus reducing energy consumption and saving battery life. The central Combitip ejector ensures full emptying that can easily be ejected with one hand using the operating lever. ⚛ Merck Millipore Field Marketing Manager: Adele Heath Tel: 011-372-5129 Email: [email protected] Guidelines for Good Density Measurement Helpful tips for accurate densit y results with DMA M density meters Follow five guidelines for accurate and reproducible density results: Water check: Perform a water check every day before measurements. Only use ultra-pure (for example, bi-distilled or de-ionised) water. Adjustment: An adjustment changes the instrument constants. For the consistency and comparability of results, an adjustment should only be performed if the water check fails and using fresh water and cleaning 1 2 the measuring cell does not help. Sample preparation: To get reproducible results prepare samples with care, and the same way every time. Sample filling: Fill the measuring cell very carefully and with­out bubbles. Use automatic sample filling devices to eliminate filling errors due to the operator. Cleaning: Remove the sample from the measuring cell immediately after the measurement and clean the instrument regularly. 3 4 5 All in all, what makes for good density measurement? Awareness of the entire measurement workflow, from start to finish – from the moment one starts working in the lab to the moment they are cleaning the equipment. Just keep a trained eye on the five basic areas and you will be well on your way. ⚛ Anton Paar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Contact: Andre van Zyl Tel: 011-021-5165/6/7 Email: [email protected] It’s all in the LiquiPhysics M ettler Toledo’s LiquiPhysics™ density meters provide accurate results for quality control checks in liquid analysis applications. Their range of digital benchtop and portable density meters measure density and specific gravity with high precision and a short measuring time. The benchtop density instruments have a built-in Peltier thermostat to control the temperature. These meters have a rugged design and ErgoSense™ for touch-free operation. The portable density meters provide automatic temperature compensation for Brix%, alcohol, Plato, API and % sulphuric acid or user-defined temperature correction coefficients to suit specific samples. LiquiPhysics meters can be upgraded with a refractometer, pH meter, titrator, spectrophotometer or polarimeter into a multi-parameter system. Density, refractive index and pH of raw material and products are important parameters that need to be accurately determined. Often, the colour or the optical rotation of the samples also needs to be measured. LabX™ software for LiquiPhysics Excel lence Systems convenient ly manages measurement results, offers full support to comply with the 21 CFR 11 regulations, enables smooth and seamless LIMS/SAP integration, and organises comprehensive sample lists. No computer is required. LabX, connected via ethernet, utilises the instrument’s terminal so an operator can continue