Software streamlines monitoring communication, data collection
The new 21CFR11 GAMP 4.0 software module, from Rees Scientific, offers users on-line review and approval of information from the vendor’s environmental monitoring equipment. It combines the automation of centralized alarm/data collection with the ability to generate, review, comment, and approve on-line.
The software applies a 21CFR11 signature to data records; provides footnote referencing records on printouts containing the record; and provides “manifestation of the electronic signature” (required when the record is shown on-screen). Users no longer have to print reports for review and sign-off. Once records are reviewed or approved on-line, users can access the reviewers’ comments on-line or can print a hard copy.
Incubator features provide constant contamination control The NU-5510 DHD AutoFlow Direct Heat Decontamination CO2 incubator, from NuAire, provides continuous HEPA filtration, guaranteeing high-quality control of airborne contaminants. The dual decontamination cycles—a 95ºC wet decontamination cycle and a 145ºC dry sterilization cycle—are useful for cell line changes and/or when working with hazardous agents, according to the manufacturer. Dual temperature sensor probes are mounted under the inflow to the 99.99% efficient HEPA filter, controlling the chamber environment. Interior corners are coved for ease of cleaning and to prevent contaminants for being trapped. The interior volume of the unit is 6.65 ft3. Optional accessories include an automatic internal tank switch, RS-232 communication output, additional shelves, external CO2 tank alarm, and external tank switch.
Tap-fed system produces Type 1 laboratory water The Direct-Q line of tap-fed, point-of-use water systems, from Millipore, is designed for users who need 5 to 15 L of ultrapure water per day but do not have easy access to acceptable-quality, pretreated feedwater. The quiet, compact Direct-Q units produce up to 0.6 L/min of Type 1 water on demand, directly from potable tap water. Performance is automatically monitored by pressure, temperature, and resistivity sensors, and data are clearly displayed on a screen. The display also indicates when routine maintenance should be performed. The manufacturer offers a full line of consumable purification cartridges for various lab applications.
Vendor revamps line of undercounter glassware washers Miele Inc.’s new G 78 line of undercounter glassware washing systems have features designed to increase efficiency and simplify validation, according to the manufacturer.
Generation G 78 includes three washers. The G 7883 provides eight cleaning programs in a standard-size undercounter unit. The G 7883CD adds HEPA-filtered forced air drying and on-board liquid detergent dispensing. The G 7835 combines all the features of the G 7883CD with the Profitronic control system, which lets the user freely program up to 45 custom wash routines.
A new upper spray arm provides additional coverage, and an improved spray arm system allows 99% of overall pump capacity to be available for cleaning. Speed sensors on the circulation pump will shut the machine down in the event of an obstruction to prevent overheating. All models in the G 78 series also include features that simplify validation, including flow meters on incoming water lines and dual temperature sensors. An electronic door lock helps prevent unauthorized access. An audiovisual alarm system alerts the operator to a variety of machine conditions. A validation test port allows easy sampling of chamber conditions during the load.
Flexible casework system eases reconfiguration The Starsys System of flexible lab furniture, from Metro, is designed to be durable, functional, and highly mobile. Configurations of units can be changed by lab staff without requiring aid from facilities personnel. Available items include mobile and stationary workstations, carts, tall cabinets, base units, and overhead cabinets. Varied heights and widths are available, as are working heights of 30, 33, 36, and 39 in.
All components feature an aluminum and steel substructure with advanced polymers forming the outer skin. Surfaces are chemical-resistant and will not chip, peel, dent, or corrode over time, according to the manufacturer. Epoxy resin worktops are standard, with other materials available as options.
Vendor adds venturi valves to ventilation product line TSI Inc., supplier of monitors and controls to hospitals and labs worldwide, has enhanced the design flexibility of its product line by offering venturi valves in addition to dampers and airflow stations. Venturi valves’ advantages include pressure independence and minimal straight duct requirements. They may be combined with closed-loop face velocity control to ensure safety, comfort, and energy efficiency, according to the manufacturer.
TSI offers an Excel macro to help designers select the venturi valve size most appropriate for particular projects. Users simply enter key parameters, including minimum and maximum flows, safety factor, and desired pressure drop. The macro automatically calculates the valve size required, simplifying the design process. To request the macro, e-mail .
Contact: TSI Inc. 651-490-2811; 800-874-2811; www.tsi.com.
Brochure describes fume hoods with innovative features Fisher Hamilton’s Concept fume hood line is illustrated and described in a four-page, four-color brochure. Concept hoods incorporate state-of-the-art features, according to the manufacturer. The hoods are designed for face velocities of 60 to 100 ft/min. Features include a 35-in. sash viewing height; the patented AutoSash automatic positioning system; a low-profile sill airfoil; a downdraft bypass; a chain-and-sprocket sash counterbalance system; and a preset baffle system.
Three models are available: bypass vertical rising/unframed sash, restricted bypass vertical rising/unframed sash, and restricted bypass combination sash. Each model comes in three possible depths (from 31.25 to 43.25 in.) and five widths ranging from 4 to 8 ft. All hoods are UL 1805 Classified and are tested for containment using the ASHRAE 110 Standard.
Hydrogen generator line produces lab gas with water The Chrysalis II Standard Economy Purified Gas (SEPG) line of hydrogen generators employs membrane technology for electrolytic production of pure hydrogen gas. It is suggested by the manufacturer, Matheson Tri-Gas, for operation with gas analyzers, as fuel gas for flame tools, or a source of pure hydrogen in plasma chambers and other isolated environments. The electrolytic membrane technology is clean, requires less maintenance than other technologies, and requires no caustic solutions for operation, according to the manufacturer. Only deionized water is required for the production of reliable, continuous output of >99.999% pure hydrogen.
A user-friendly digital display provides system operating status and diagnostic capabilities. An optional remote-control feature is available, and an optional “cascading flow” feature allows labs to connect up to 32 units in parallel operation to deliver a large flow of hydrogen. Single-unit outputs range from 100 to 500 ccm.
Point-of-use system produces high-quality lab water The NANOpure DIamond ultrapure water system, from Barnstead, produces water of up to 18.2 megohm/cm purity, exceeding ASTM, CAP, and NCCLS Type 1 water requirements. A single water connection and easy cartridge replacement contribute to efficiency in the lab, according to the manufacturer. The monitor and controls can be mounted up to 10 ft away from the water system for flexibility in installation. Units are field-calibratable to NIST standards, eliminating downtime caused by sending in equipment for calibration. Models are available for analytical, ultraviolet, UF, or life science applications, and are wall- or bench-mountable.
Washer-disinfector cleans vivarium equipment The new 9100 series of cart washers-disinfectors are useful for life sciences labs in cleaning animal cages, cage racks, water bottles and related equipment, according to Getinge, the manufacturer. The unit is a shallow pit- or floor-mounted washer-disinfector with an integral control system. Cleaning is performed from the sides via oscillating vertical pipes with nozzles; optional docking wash carts with spray arms between the loading levels are also available. Units include a high-capacity, low-energy drying system with heat exchanger and HEPA filter. A power door of hardened, laminated glass is standard. Wash chambers and the circulation system are manufactured of solid stainless steel for maximum durability.
Brochure provides insight into laboratory projects The Austin Co.’s “Laboratory Design, Engineering and Construction” brochure summarizes the capabilities of The Austin Co., an international firm of consultants, architects, designers, engineers, and constructors. The company specializes in laboratory facilities for the industrial, commercial, governmental, and institutional markets. The literature provides a snapshot of recently completed Austin projects and information that may provide insight into your next project.
Mobile bench adjusts to varied height positions Labconco Corp. now offers an updated variable-height mobile bench in a glacier white finish. The bench supports loads up to 540 lb and has a corrosion-resistant worksurface of phenolic board with a melamine high-pressure laminate. The work area measures 38 3 28 3 1 1/8-in. thick. The bench height can be adjusted in four increments from 19 5/8 to 37 3/8-in., using steel pins with nuts inserted into the vertical frame members. Metal tubing is painted with corrosion-resistant dry powder epoxy. The table moves on 5-in.-dia., nonmarking polyurethane casters for easy steering and vibration control. Toe-locks prevent movement when desired. No assembly is required.
New laboratory pretreatment/central water system introduced The new CENTRA range of central pretreatment and distribution systems, from USFilter/ELGA LabWater, incorporates reverse osmosis, filtration, and UV purification units; a large-capacity reservoir; tubing and pumps within a single cabinet with a small footprint; and a sleek, modern design that fits neatly within your lab. CENTRA improves management loop systems by incorporating leak detection, system monitors, security and safety features, and an easy-to-use control panel. With five models to choose from, the setup can be customized to meet specific water quality requirements, building architecture, and feedwater applications—from glassware washers and autoclaves to high-purity polishers.
USFilter also provides a wide range of PURELAB systems for ultrapure, general lab, and primary grade water. With more than 80 service centers nationwide, the company provides comprehensive technical support, installation, and service, including a 24-hr customer support line. USFilter features ELGA LabWater systems.
Lab workstations emphasize ergonomic advantages The GWS Visio line of lab workstations and furniture is designed to provide flexibility, mobility, and ergonomic advantages to the lab user. Workstations can be height-customized though friction, hand crank, or push-button motor adjustment. Lab staff can easily adapt the workstations to suit individual needs or change workstations when the needs of the user or lab change. Ease-of-use criteria allow operators to take full ergonomic advantage of the available adjustments. All systems can be made mobile with the addition of casters.
The furniture uses robust steel construction supporting more than 1,000 lbs of capacity for a push-button motorized table frame. This allows large awkward instruments to be adjusted to suit lab applications and then readjusted for service or maintenance.
Fan manufacturer offers varied reference literature A variety of reference literature relevant to the design, installation, and operation of Tri-Stack mixed-flow impeller exhaust fans is available for free downloading from the Website of the manufacturer, Strobic Air. Items include an architectural applications bulletin, energy recovery applications bulletin, heat recovery plenum data sheet, low-profile applications bulletin, Tri-Stack technical bulletin, and installation and operations manual. Tri-Stack exhaust systems include low-profile fans designed to prevent re-entrainment of exhaust, eliminate odor, reduce noise, comply with architectural ordinances, and cut energy costs compared with conventional laboratory exhaust fans.
Contact: Strobic Air, a division of Met-Pro Corp. 800-SAC-FANS (800-722-3267); www.strobicair.com.
Automated data collection and monitoring protect animal health Edstrom’s completely integrated Watchdog system is designed to protect research by safeguarding animals from unhealthy changes to their environment. Watchdog monitors temperature, humidity, and differential pressure, and controls lights and access into the vivarium. A panel located outside of each room displays the current readings. The information gathered by the sensors is fed back to a central server that interprets the data. Watchdog can notify staff of developing problems via pager, voicemail, and email.
Through a Web interface, authorized users can acknowledge alarms, view room status, and run real-time reports directly from a desktop computers or any Web-enabled device.
Contact: Edstrom Industries Inc. 800-558-5913, www.edstrom.com.
NOW ON THE MARKET
Phoenix Controls’ new compact cage rack valve, designed for vivariums with limited installation space. Valve is 7-in. shorter than vendor’s original model and installs veritcally below most vivarium ceilings, leaving room for moving ventilated cage racks. Upper airflow limit has been increased to 210 cfm, vs. 150 cfm in the company’s original vivarium valve. Optional white powder coating available. www.phoenixcontrols.com/datasheets.html.
The Baker Co.’s SterilGARD III Advance Class II, Type A2 biological safety cabinet, recently upgraded to include features that improve cabinet ergonomics, performance, ease of use, and ser-vicability. www.bakerco.com.
Eagle MHC’s Spec-Master FN Series multicompartment sinks, made of 14-gauge Type 304 stainless steel with steel backsplash and drainboard. www.eaglegrp.com.
Airgas’ new series of BIP purifier technology gases in
12-cylinder BIP packs. A purifier train is built directly into the cylinder. Argon, helium, and nitrogen gases available; best suited for petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and other analytical users with high-volume or central gas supplies. www.airgas.com.
Thermo Electron Corp.’s MDLC LTQ high-end LC/MS equipment for proteomics applications. Co-developed with GE Healthcare, the platform encompases GE Healthcare’s multidimensional chromatography system, the Ettan MDLC, and Thermo’s Finnigan LTQ linear ion trap mass spec. www.thermo.com/ms.
LabTops’ epoxy resin worksurfaces for lab casework and tables, now available in forest green and pacific blue, as well as the traditional pearl, platinum gray, and black onyx versions. Custom colors also available on a special-order basis. www.labtops.com.
ASHRAE’s “2004 Handbook,” featuring new information on the use of antimicrobial and fabric ductwork (Chapter 16). Information on these products, which have been installed recently in a number of lab buildings, has recently been revised by an ASHRAE technical committee. www.ashrae.org (ASHRAE bookstore).
Bio-Chem Valve/Omnifit’s Complete Fluid System Solutions, combining standard fluid system components and customized solutions for lab fluid-handling applications. Service is targeted to OEM product developers for the lab market and other sectors. www.bio-chemvalve.com.
