If you are looking to quickly and accurately determine absolute molecular weights of proteins and polymers, then look no further! Our BI-MwA Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) system has the highest performance/price ratio of any light scattering detector used for molecular weight determination. Using the system allows you to eliminate SEC/GPC column calibration and improve your data quality.
As we look back upon the past year, the team at TESTA Analytical would like to acknowledge all the customers and supply partners who have helped us develop our business. Thanks for a great year, enjoy some time off with family and friends, and we wish you all the best as you embark on the new year ahead.
Recently audited by a major pharmaceutical lab - TESTA Analytical offers a complete portfolio of validation services including IQ/OQ/PQ (and if required MQ), for all users of NanoBrook Series particle sizing and zeta potential instruments operating under 21 CFR 11 regulations.“
Comparing techniques for flow rate measurement in Liquid Chromatography.
To assist both novice and expert chromatographers, we have written a technical paper that provides an introductory background to the different flow rate monitoring techniques and seeks to explain, the value of measurements achievable with each method. With this information our aim has been to provide an independent, informed interpretation of the flow rate monitoring results and how this might lead to higher confidence in performance validation of your HPLC, UHPLC, GPC/SEC or Ion Chromatography systems.
Many thanks to LCGC magazine. They recently reported how by eliminating the fundamental drawback of the traditional online viscometer design, the known ‘sample breakthrough’ after each measurement, our COMBO-ONE Viscometer / DRI dual detector allows much more rapid sequencing of GPC/SEC samples.
Chromatography data systems are widely used in labs around the world because they include functionality that enables timesaving in analysis, interpretation, and reporting workflows. Including real-time flow rate data with each chromatogram you collect is a valuable aid to achieving total quality assessment of any HPLC, UHPLC, LC/MS or GPC/SEC system. Learn more about our powerful new software driver that allows control and collection of data from any TESTA Analytical AB-4XXXX Series liquid flowmeter using a chromatography data system (CDS).
We welcome Karolina Pietrucha, a nanotechnology graduate from Lodz University of Technology (Poland) as an intern at our company for the next four months. The internship has been established in the framework of the EU Erasmus+ programme. Asked about her new internship Karolina said “I‘m really happy to be part of the supportive and professional team at TESTA. It’s a great opportunity for me to gain real working experience.“
Continuous monitoring of flow in liquid chromatography systems.
Constant flow of solvent through a liquid chromatography system is of paramount importance, as results obtained can be distorted by unexpected changes in flow rate. A new presentation discusses traditional methods of flow monitoring and introduces and demonstrates the advantages of a non-invasive, real-time liquid chromatographic flow monitoring technique developed by TESTA Analytical.
Viscometer detectors for GPC/SEC, based on four matched capillary tubes arranged in a manner analogous to a Wheatstone bridge, have been around for over 30 years but have operational and performance shortfalls. By eliminating the fundamental drawback of this traditional viscometer design, the known ‘sample breakthrough’ after each measurement, our COMBO-ONE Viscometer/DRI dual detector allows much more rapid sequencing of samples. The result of our design innovation is to increase the total daily throughput of a GPC/SEC System by a factor of two.
Instrumental techniques including LC/MS, uHPLC, micro reactors, dosing and microfluidic systems all require delivery of liquid flows in the microlitre to nanolitre range. Until now few options were available to accurately monitor in real time such ultra-low liquid flows. Optimised to operate over the flow range 0.001 to 80 µL/minute, with a high resolution of 1nl / minute, our µFlowmeter is a non-invasive device proven to continuously monitor ultra-low liquid flows thereby helping ensure the reliability and the precision of the instrumental techniques they serve.
US paper discusses how gases impact pump performance.
Peristaltic pumps are commonly used tools for precisely delivering liquids (solvents and reagents) to HPLC, GPC/SEC, flow chemistry and liquid dosing systems. An article recently published on the website of respected US publisher – Lab Manager describes a set of experiments performed by TESTA Analytical that illustrate how dissolved and undissolved gases can affect peristaltic pump performance and strategies to address these issues.
For the first time – TESTA Analytical products were shown at BCEIA Beijing – China’s premier trade fair and conference for instrumental analysis in 2023. Local area manager – Aizhen Niu commented "Throughout the exhibition we had constant traffic to our stand, scientists were amazed at the performance of our real-time liquid flowmeters as well as showing considerable interest in our high-performance detectors for HPLC and GPC/SEC. Visitors commented on the excellent product quality plus appreciated TESTA's commitment to local technical and application support".
For users of our popular AB4000X range of flowmeters – we have developed a 3D printed stand to keep your device secure and lab space neat and tidy! The sturdy Flowmeter Valet allows you to securely position your flowmeter such that your flow monitoring results remain highly reproducible. To celebrate the launch of this nifty accessory we are offering 20 units free of charge to existing TESTA flowmeter users.
Many thanks to SCIENCE magazine. They recently reported how our COMBO-TWO detector allows researchers to quickly and simply obtain highly accurate and reliable MALS and DRI data. This unique detector is the perfect combination detector package for more demanding Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC) applications.
Understanding different approaches to Dynamic Light Scattering.
At first sight, goniometer based and enclosed light scattering instruments look vastly different in terms of the bench space they occupy. A new technical article discusses some of the key details and differences between these two approaches to Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) which might not be immediately obvious to someone interested in learning more about the topic.
Gel Permeation Chromatography is a powerful technique for determination of fundamental parameters of synthetic and natural polymers ranging from Molecular Weight right through to structural information about branched macromolecules. Unlike many other suppliers, our equipment is specifically designed for polymer characterization and is therefore optimized to operate with all solvents used in GPC/SEC. This includes even the most challenging solvents such as DMF, HFIP, DMAc and DMSO as well as more common solvents like THF and aqueous buffers. Our GPC/SEC range includes top performance MALS and Viscometer detectors and a unique Refractive Index / Viscometer combination detector which sets a new performance benchmark for structural investigation of complex polymers.
Drawing on decades of experience, we have created an expanding range of high-performance HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC detectors, pumps, accessories, and software products that can be customized to meet the exact needs of liquid chromatography manufacturers. Our team of knowledgeable technical and engineering staff, based here in Germany, are available to discuss your OEM needs and to provide seamless integration of our technology into your existing or new product.
Informative introduction to Liquid Chromatography flow monitoring.
A new online presentation compares and contrasts the shortfalls of conventional flow monitoring technologies with the proven advantages of our AB4000X series Liquid Chromatography flowmeter. Details of how this sensitive real-time device can be used to determine just how constant flow from your HPLC or GPC/SEC pump really is are provided. Further information is included on other liquid chromatography applications benefiting from this affordable, easy-to-use device.
Many thanks to the editorial team at LaborPraxis for recently publishing our article – ‘Danger recognized, Danger averted.’ The enemy of peristaltic pumps are gas bubbles. In this German language article, you will find out what influence dissolved and undissolved gas has on the performance of these pumps and thus on HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC systems and what can be done about it.
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is widely acknowledged as one of the most useful characterization methods able to provide a complete picture of the natural or synthetic polymer sample under investigation. A new technical note describes how the design of TESTA’s unique Differential Refractive Index (DRI) detector has been improved to provide reduced baseline drift and thus improve overall GPC system performance improving accuracy of results.
We have developed a new software tool for our AB4000X range of flowmeters to enable labs to automatically validate pump flow to liquid chromatographs and flow chemistry systems. Using this powerful new software tool - all data and parameters are automatically validated for fitness of use for validation and a summary report generated which can be printed for hard copy documentation.
A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is available detailing how to use your TESTA flowmeter as a liquid chromatography monitoring device. Flow rate is one of the most important parameters in any liquid chromatography system. It determines retention time or volume and therefore has a major influence on reproducibility. Our popular liquid chromatography flowmeter has set a new standard for non-invasive measurement of flow rate in HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC systems. This new SOP was written to take the guesswork out of day-to-day flowmeter operation and help ensure that all users can get the most out of this real-time monitoring device.
TESTA Analytical records 1000th social media follower.
Just 5 years ago we started building a thriving social media community. Since May 2018 - we have set about regularly posting new and informative content relevant to the liquid chromatography market that we serve. We are delighted to say that in June we reached our landmark 1000th follower. Thanks to all of you in our social media community for following us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To help build our community further we’d be delighted if you would share some of our posts with your fellow separation scientists.
Used as a GPC/SEC detector to determine the specific viscosity of a polymer or protein in solution - differential viscometers have been around for decades and have demonstrated their value in numerous applications. The R&D team at TESTA Analytical has improved the original 4-capillary bridge design and created a new generation differential viscometer with exceptional performance and operational advantages.
LC/MS is a powerful and widely used analytical technique. However, variation in liquid sample flow to your LC/MS system can invalidate quantitative determination of analytes. Operating over the flow range of 0.001 to 80 µL/minute, with a resolution of 1nl / minute, the TESTA µFlowmeter is the perfect tool for continuously monitoring LC/MS liquid flow thereby providing information to improve the reliability of your quantitative analyte determinations.
Application note: Direct determination of protein molecular weight.
Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has traditionally been the ‘go to’ technique for the determination of molecular weights of proteins. However, its usefulness is limited by the time-consuming requirement for calibration of the SEC columns with standards comprising proteins of known molecular weight, but which may not be of the same chemistry as the unknown protein. In a new application note we demonstrate how our Bi-MWA detector enables the determination of the molecular weight of carbonic anhydrase, under standard chromatographic conditions, without column calibration.
Preparative HPLC users – apply now to beta test our new flow monitoring devices.
TESTA Analytical flowmeters are widely used in analytical chromatography labs as monitoring tools providing continuous measurement of pump performance. We intend, later this year, to launch a new range of Semi-Prep and Prep flowmeters to help chromatographers, using high flow systems, undertake their preparative tasks in a more productive and reliable way. As part of our pre-launch testing, TESTA Analytical is inviting current users of high flow rate preparative HPLC systems, to apply to enter our Beta test program and be among the first organizations to appreciate the value of flow monitoring in Prep Chromatography.
The quality of analytical data is often determined by periodic checks of a set of measured parameters. This unfortunately only gives you a snapshot of how your analytical instrument is performing at a point in time and cannot assure the total quality of an application. To fill this need, TESTA Analytical Liquid Chromatography flowmeters are used in analytical labs worldwide as monitoring tools continuously measuring the performance of liquid chromatography pumps. Through real-time monitoring of your liquid chromatography system, our flowmeters generate a constant stream of data which can be easily correlated to a particular chromatogram, thus achieving true total quality assurance of your application.
Experienced US technical consultant joins TESTA team.
We are pleased to announce that technical lab consultant - Michael (Mike) Drenski has joined the TESTA team to support our business in North America. Mike’s first assignment will be to help US customers upgrade the firmware of their liquid chromatography flowmeters and to calibrate them according to our Standard Operating Procedure. Prior to joining our team, Mike served as co-founder and CTO of Fluence Analytics, a manufacturer of systems enabling manufacturing and R&D process optimization. Mike has also worked as the Director for Instrumentation at Tulane-PolyRMC, an R&D centre which is active in fundamental and applied polymer research. Mike holds a B.S. in Physics from Youngstown State University and an M.S. in Physics from Tulane University.
Goniometer alignment – critical for high performance light scattering.
Goniometer systems have for many years been the ‘go to’ research tool when labs are challenged by demanding static and dynamic multi angle light scattering applications. Many of these systems supplied by us, and our partner – Brookhaven instruments, have been operating for decades without problems. However, the extraordinary results achievable with these systems is based on perfect optical alignment and flawless operation of all components. It is therefore advisable occasionally to strip down your system and re-align it from scratch. During this operation you have a terrific opportunity to check all system components for wear and aging and replace if necessary. TESTA Analytical is internationally respected for its goniometer system expertise and our ability to provide on-site re-alignment services.
Why choose a Rapid Scanning UV detector rather than a Diode Array UV detector?
The UV detector is one of the most used chromatography detectors today because of its reliability, ease of use, and universal response to chromophoric compounds, including most pharmaceuticals. The advantages of using a Diode Array UV detector for analytical HPLC are well documented. However, for applications that involve delicate samples, the high UV energy output of a Diode Array UV detector can be a disadvantage. For such applications, a detector which does not apply the full UV energy load to the sample the whole time is a better alternative. The TESTA Analytical Rapid Scanning UV detector is such an alternative. Capable of measuring the absorption signal for up to 4 wavebands simultaneously, our Rapid Scanning UV is the perfect detector for applications involving thermallylabile samples.
5 reasons to choose TESTA as your OEM development partner
If you are looking to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography detector - here are 5 reasons to choose TESTA Analytical as your OEM development partner:
• Decades of experience of HPLC and GPC/SEC technologies and applications
• A track record of major chromatography detector innovations.
• We are an independent company, not linked to any chromatograph company.
• All our developments are backed by a team that delivers reliable products.
• Our ability to understand not only technical requirements but also market necessities and build cost targets.
Considering development of a new chromatography detector?
Did you know that TESTA Analytical is the name behind a growing number of market leading HPLC and GPC/SEC systems? With decades of chromatographic expertise and knowledge, TESTA Analytical has proven itself as a pioneering developer and OEM supplier of differential refractive index, viscometry, rapid scanning UV-visible, dn/dc, flowmeter and gas bubble detectors that set new standards for performance, stability and reliability. To learn more about what makes us a great OEM design and development partner.
Q: I noticed that my TESTA #flowmeter shows negative flow rate values. How is this possible?
A: our flowmeters are by design bi-directional. This means that they can measure the flow in both directions. If the displayed is negative, then your device is incorrectly connected in reverse to the designed direction of flow. Please note the negative values are valid measurements but not calibrated.
Dissolved gases are well known to have an impact on the performance of reagent dispensing pumps. A common solution to address this problem is to install a vacuum degasser on the inlet side of the pump. However undissolved gas bubbles pass through largely unaffected by the degasser which can lead to unreliability in dispensing volumes. Several companies are now using our Solvent Line Monitor to detect undissolved gas bubbles in real-time. The digital output from the device detecting an undissolved gas bubble is being used to stop the dispensing pump before it can affect dispensing #accuracy.
Looking to give your liquid chromatography system a competitive edge?
An optimised separation is often considered to be the defining quality of an HPLC, UHPLC, GPC/SEC, Ion Chromatography or FPLC system. High performance separation alone however does not supply answers, it just creates the correct preconditions whereby an optimised chromatography detector is able to reveal the 'secrets' of your sample. The question is, when designing a new liquid chromatography system, should you create this detector technology in-house or partner with an external company that specializes in designing and manufacturing instrument or application optimised liquid chromatography detectors?
Q: Testa Analytical flowmeters are small devices which fit neatly in the palm of a hand. However, in which orientation (vertical or horizontal) is it best to operate the device?
A: The best operating position is undoubtedly upright with the display readable. This is the "designed"”" orientation. However, TESTA flowmeters will work in any orientation with minimal effect on the measured flow rate. As such, we recommend that you choose an orientation, and keep it constant in order to obtain reproducible results.
New version 1.5.0 firmware for our real-time flowmeters (liquid chromatography, chemistry and µFlowmeter models) is now available. This new firmware includes facility to store calibration data and a range of other parameters. TESTA Analytical offers all existing users a free firmware upgrade of their flowmeter plus a 3-point validation measurement certifying their upgraded device. Apart from shipping costs to and from our HQ in Germany, no charge will be made to the client.
Are you looking to monitor a high temperature process?
A new remote flow cell / rapid scanning #UVdetector device is available in different configurations to enable you to monitor analytical to preparative scale processes at temperatures of up to 210⁰C. This innovative device enables highly accurate remote UV measurements to be made on #hightemperature process samples that would make direct spectroscopic measurements almost impossible.
Q: I am using a TESTA flowmeter to optimise liquid reagent delivery by my flow chemistry system. I detect huge difference between the flow rate I set on the system pump and the measured value obtained by the flowmeter. Is my flowmeter defective?
A: No, the flowmeter is doing exactly what it was designed for. Most flow chemistry pumps are optimized around a single flowrate value and for a particular solvent. If you deviate far from this optimization point and use a different solvent, this can result in a notable deviation between the real flow rate and the set value. However, this is exactly why a flowmeter is an absolute necessity for improving the reproducibility and yield from your chemical reactions. Our chemistry flowmeter supplies the real current flow rate of liquid reagents being added and shows also what fluctuations occur at a particular setting. Knowledge of this will allow you to optimise your flow chemistry reaction accordingly and even to select pumps better suited for your application.
Batchmode determination of molecular weight remains a tried and trusted method in many polymer and protein labs despite the availability of newer chromatographic methods. The reason for this is that batch measurements, like those performed with a research grade goniometer system, are far more accurate than chromatographic methods which can be impacted by variability in a larger number of parameters.
This unique Viscometer - Refractometer combination detector sets a new standard for the detection of intrinsic viscosity of highly diluted GPC/SEC samples. The Refractometer is an integral part of the viscometer, therefore both concentration and viscosity are measured at the same time on the very same sample segment.
Many thanks to SCIENCE magazine. They report how the #SolventLineMonitor is a great #monitoringtool able to detect when a pump solvent reservoir serving your #HPLC system is empty and automatically shut off the system. Your HPLC running out of solvent can lead to loss of data, system downtime and the need to re-run samples.
Using a multi detector GPC/SEC system can drastically expand what is possible in terms of polymer or protein structural analysis. The unsurpassed combination of Molar Mass and intrinsic viscosity data, determined at the same time, allows accurate calculation of Mark-Houwink parameters which in many cases provides a good understanding of chain flexibility and density. When the structure model of the macromolecule under study is known, the very same data also allows determination of branching parameters.
Why batch mode molecular weight determination still matters.
Batchmode determination of molecular weight remains a tried and trusted method in many polymer and protein labs despite the availability of newer chromatographic methods. The reason for this is that batch measurements, like those performed with a research grade goniometer system, are far more accurate than chromatographic methods which can be impacted by variability in a larger number of parameters.
Q: My #liquidchromatographyflowmeter offers 5 possible integration times, which should I select?
A: For most HPLC or GPC/SEC applications, selecting 1172 msec #integrationtime ensures that any pump pulsation or transient flow spikes will have minimal impact on your measurement. Using this setting will provide an accurate measurement of the average flow rate providing you with a reliable evaluation of your system’s performance. Shorter integration times should be selected if you are looking to troubleshoot a problem with your liquid chromatography system as it allows you to pinpoint the source of flow fluctuation.
To further enhance the 'green credentials' of our popular Flowmeter range we have introduced new recyclable packaging for these popular products and removed all previously used plastic bags. Now you can undertake real time flowmonitoring of your liquid chromatograph or flow chemistry reagent pump and still be kind to the environment.
Christmas is fast-approaching, and we hope that you will be able to take some well-earned time off to spend with your family and friends. We would like to take this opportunity to offer our thanks, and best wishes for 2023, to the most important people to TESTA Analytical – our customers, suppliers, and employees.
Triple detection GPC/SEC is a tried and trusted technique for determining structural information about investigated samples, and to do this without the need of any calibration or reference material. Often, structure information can be expressed in terms of the Mark-Howink coefficients Alpha and K, which allow rapid comparison of structural properties of materials without the need for branching calculations which tend to be tedious and can be prone to error. However, the exactness of any structure related evaluation puts high demands on the accuracy of the measurements and especially on the set-up of GPC/SEC detectors to minimize inter-detector volume delay. Our COMBO #DRIViscometerdetector, with its unique zero delay design, is the perfect match for any MALS detector creating a triple detection GPC/SEC system of unmatched performance.
Continuous monitoring vs scheduled validation of HPLC Pump flow.
To ensure the quality and reliability of your HPLC system data it is important to validate the performance of your HPLC Pump on a regular basis. Some labs choose to do this using scheduled pump flow measurements maybe once a month. However, this type of intermittent performance validation offers only a single data point, and many separations might be run between validations before an error condition is revealed. Continuous monitoring, which is very easily realized using a TESTA Liquid Chromatography Flowmeter, allows continuous determination of flow therefore providing validation of each and every separation run with your HPLC system. This non-invasive device is proven to offer a highly reliable quality assessment of real time liquid flowdata from any HPLC, UHPLC, Ion-Chromatography or GPC/SEC system.
Pumps are one of the most common tools enabling liquids to be moved, delivered, and pushed through a separation column, supplied as a dose or transferred from one container to another. A recently published #technicalarticle written by TESTA Analytical demonstrates and discusses the factors that can affect the flow of liquid delivered by pumps used in a laboratory for analytical purposes such as chromatography, and for lab-level flow chemistry applications.
4 reasons why you should use a Solvent Line Monitor
If you are a user of HPLC, uHPLC or GPC/SEC equipment then our affordably priced Solvent Line Monitor device can offer you some great benefits by automatically monitoring:
• To shut down your pump if a solvent reservoir runs dry.
• To stop your system if piston pump backflush is detected.
• To detect cavitation of solvent in pump tubing.
• To alert you when bubbles build up in your pump tubing.
The Solvent Line Monitor not only ensures reliable results but it also takes care of your chromatography systems freeing you to perform other tasks.
Our Managing Director - Carlo Dessy has been invited to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia to perform an upgrade on their 200SM light scattering goniometer system. During his visit – Carlo will also provide expert advice and training covering all aspects of advanced static and dynamic light scattering techniques for challenging research applications. Founded in 2009, KAUST is renowned for advancing science and technology through distinctive and collaborative research.
Chemical reactions – the importance of accurate flow measurement
Accurately measuring the rate of addition of liquid reagents is a critical consideration for many laboratories undertaking batch or flow chemistry reactions. When dispensing expensive chemicals or other fluids into a reaction, labs must ensure the right amounts are added as part of quality control. Without accurate flow measurement, too much or too little chemical can be injected into a reaction, resulting in adverse outcomes, expensive reagent overuse and safety issues. In fact, inaccurate flow measurement can mean the difference between profits and lost revenue.
Light scattering is a trusted detection method for measuring molecular weight and therefore a widely used tool for analyzing biopolymers, polymers and proteins by GPC/SEC. One of the most important parameters to ensure top quality light scattering data is the refractive index increment (dn/dc). Accurately determining the dn/dc value is vital because it is the link that translates raw refractive index data into sample concentration. The most accurate method of determining dn/dc is to use a stand-alone batch instrument, such as our HK series differential refractometer, and to take measurements at different concentrations.
Recent technical developments on our popular Differential Refractive Index detector (DRI) now enable impressive stability right after power up. Unlike other DRI’s on the market, the HK Series DRI reaches perfect stability and drift close to zero in under 10 minutes after being switched on, independent of flow. Why wait for top quality HPLC or GPC/SEC refractive index detection results?
Having proof of the precision and accuracy of any measurement device is essential to being able to demonstrate the reliability and repeatability of the data it produces. In applications including liquid chromatography and flow chemistry where stable and precise flow are directly related to the reliability of results or quality of product – having a certified, calibrated flow measurement device is required by many users especially those working in regulated industries. In response to this need, we have introduced a calibration and validation service for all users who might need or wish to have their TESTA flowmeter checked or calibrated with a specific solvent. This annual service is available across Europe and is performed at the manufacturer facility, with fast response time and competitive service fees.
How to improve your polymer branching determination
Determination of polymer branching with GPC/SEC is often a challenging task. The requirements regarding accuracy and precision of measured data are more demanding than those for simple molecular weight determination. This challenge places specific requirements on your choice of the required GPC/SEC detectors - DRI, MALS, and viscometer. The typical connection of these three detectors in series leads to an improvement in branching determination results. However, as the delay volume between detectors cannot be optimized, this limits the quality of achievable results. Through development of a combined DRI Viscometer, the HK Combo in which the DRI cell is integral component of the viscometer bridge, TESTA has overcome most of the described problems through its unique “Zero-Delay” design. Used in combination with a MALS, this elegant solution leads to enhanced sensitivity in the lower molecular weight range and to much higher #reliabilityofresults.
Our new AB-40004 microflowmeter (µFlowmeter) is an affordable non invasive device optimised to provide continuous high precision measurement of low volume liquid flows that may be split off for analysis from chromatography systems. Fully compatible with all organic and aqueous chromatography solvents, the AB-40004 µFlowmeter is the perfect tool for precise measurement of liquid flow to ensure reliable, quantitative HPLC / mass spectrometry (LC/MS) measurements.
We are sometimes asked about the benefits of TESTA’s liquid chromatography flowmeter compared to Coreolis flow devices? Critically our unit offers immediate reading while Coreolis devices typically need 30 seconds or more to stabilise before readings can be considered 'ok'. This long- and variable-time lag with Coreolis devices introduces uncertainty into trusting your flow measurements. Additionally, the time resolution of the TESTA flowmeter is forty-five milliseconds compared to several seconds with a Coreolis device. The low resolution of Coreolis devices means they not suitable for troubleshooting flow problems with your chromatography system which are typically fast processes.
Key tools for the Semiconductor industry …. Part 2
Detection of air bubbles in semiconductor manufacturing processes can negatively affect your product quality and production efficiency. For example, the presence of air bubbles in the photoresist used in photo lithography can result in defective wafers. In addition, the presence of air bubbles in semiconductor wafer manufacturing process coolant may lead to an interruption of the process and lower production efficiency. Designed to help solve such problems, the Solvent Line Monitor (SLM) is a programmable, high sensitivity device for automated detection of gas bubbles in liquids.
Automated detection of empty HPLC system solvent reservoirs
While many modern HPLC and uHPLC instruments offer facility to detect empty solvent reservoirs, they also require human intervention to inform the system about the status of solvent feed bottles. Dedicating a technician to such a mundane task is poor use of resources and limits HPLC system running time to standard lab hours.
Key tools for the Semiconductor industry... Part 1
Cleaning liquids play a key role in the production of #semiconductor wafers. #Preciseflowmeasurement is critical to ensure that exactly the right amount of #cleaningsolution is used. Too little and the cleaning process must be repeated or worse you risk valuable wafers having to be discarded. Likewise, using too much cleaning solution increases your costs. Built from inert materials, our #LiquidFlowmeter is the perfect real-time non-invasive measurement for this critical application.
Are you looking to #measureliquidflow in #realtime from an analytical or preparative chromatography system, #massspectrometer or #peristalticpump? Then look no further.
To ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy quick delivery of all our most popular GPC/SEC, HPLC products – TESTA has doubled its production capacity and significantly invested in key component #stock. This investment follows a significant increase in sales received for our liquid chromatography flowmeter and differential refractive index detectors in particular during 2022.
Version 1.4 of our flowmeter software enables data to be acquired and visualized in real-time. Operating in conjunction with our Liquid Chromatography flowmeter the easy-to-use PC software app enables fast, simple experimental set-up and provides full control of device settings including integration time and calibration factor. The app will also report average and min/max values of the measured flow. All flow data is automatically stored in files that can be processed later using almost any commercial data analysis package.
In July 2022, the 3rd International Conference on Ionizing Processes (ICIP) focused on the fundamental chemical, physical and biological science of #ionizingradiation and groundbreaking applications in areas such as nuclear energy, materials synthesis and medicine. At this international meeting, Professor Slawomir Kadlubowski from the renowned #LodzUniversity of Technology (Poland), in conjunction with our own Carlo Dessy, gave a popular presentation – ‘Radiation-induced #synthesisofnanogels’ where the synthesized product property data shown was from a TESTA Analytical triple detection Gel Permeation Chromatography system.
Based upon proprietary non-contact technology, our liquid flowmeter is the perfect tool for upstream and downstream monitoring of bioprocess flow. Compact in size, and conveniently powered via a USB connection, our liquid flowmeter uses a thermal flow sensor that is extremely #accurate, #sensitive, and high-resolution. As the sensor does not interfere with the measurement it can operate over a wide dynamic range and has been demonstrated to be the perfect #realtimeflowmonitoring tool for a growing range of bioprocess applications.
Zeta potential is the technique of choice for a growing range of application including analysis of printing inks, meeting water purity safety standards, providing an indication of #suspensionstability and characterizing proteins for effective drug delivery. But are your zeta potential measurements accurate? Our latest guide walks you through a zeta potential validation process from start to finish.
Operating from room temperature up to 80°C, our unique Differential Refractive Index (DRI) detector kit offers superb #baselinestability and #highsensitivity enhancing results from your #HPLC system. The flexibility of this DRI detector design has also enabled TESTA to design and supply optimised OEM versions for #uHPLC and HPLC system manufacturers looking to generate great results from a wide range of applications.
Regular preventive maintenance servicing is one of the most effective measures to avoid sudden failure, minimize downtime and to ensure hassle-free operation. Our competitively priced, instrument specific, preventative maintenance services include replacement of parts subject to wear and components with limited lifetime. In most cases, preventative maintenance can be performed at your site, therefore very little time is lost due to this service.
Gas bubbles in liquid chromatography systems, can result in changes in retention times, pulsating baselines, unexpected changes in peak areas, irregular peak shapes, pump outages and excessively high back pressures. Likewise, gas bubbles in flow chemistry systems are a significant problem which can affect correct dosage of reagents resulting in a sub-optimal or unsuccessful reaction. TESTA has developed a new Solvent Line Monitor that provides constant feedback on the status of connected liquid chromatography or flow chemistry systems via an integral OLED display and offers optical and acoustic alarm as well as a digital output which might be used to stop a pump before a bubble can affect its operation.
For both new or existing users of #particlesizing, #zetapotential and #molecularweightdetermination equipment, TESTA’s knowledgeable team is available to train your personnel either on-site or at our facility. Our training program covers use of your instrument, and all software analysis features, as well as how to optimally prepare and measure your samples to achieve better results. Training programs may also be customized to your personnel’s application and experience.
Many HPLC and Ion Chromatography users will have experienced how #gasbubbles can result in changes in retention times, pulsating baselines, unexpected changes in peak areas, irregular peak shapes, pump outages and excessively high back pressures. Our new Solvent Line Monitor supports up to two optical sensors capable of detecting bubbles in real-time enabling constant feedback on the status of your connected chromatography systems. The new device offers optical and acoustic alarm as well as a digital output which might be used to stop a chromatography pump before a bubble can affect its operation.
#HPLC, GPC/SEC and #Ionchromatography pumps need calibration of the flow rate they deliver on a regular base to maintain consistently accurate results. The traditional gravimetric calibration method, although accurate, has some operational challenges. TESTA has launched a new rapid response service that uses a real-time thermal flow sensor that is extremely accurate, sensitive, and high-resolution, to reliably calibrate the flow rate of Liquid chromatography pumps.
The Institute of Polymers at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IP-BAS) in Sofia has invited our Managing Director – Carlo Dessy to consult with them. IP-BAS are working with several systems from TESTA Analytical including a 200SM Research Goniometer system plus a NanoBrook tabletop Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta Potential unit. The goal of the visit is to discuss and help improve results obtained with both instruments, assess their operational status and provide training on the latest software packages for the two systems.
Design considerations for Refractive Index detectors
Is there such a thing as a universal refractive index detector for all instrumental techniques? A new informative technical note explains how the different measurement goals of HPLC, and GPC/SEC has led to the development of different optimised refractive index detection strategies for each technique.
Do you need a specialist HPLC fitting but only in relatively low (500+) volumes? At TESTA Analytical, we have the experience and expertise to design and deliver custom fittings optimised to meet your exact HPLC system needs. All our high quality custom HPLC fittings, filters, frits, and connectors are designed using materials optimised to meet your application needs.
To obtain reliable data from your GPC/SEC system - each run should be related to a calibration curve obtained by measuring appropriate chromatographic standards. Calculations from GPC/SEC experiments are based on elution volume, which is a product of time and flowrate. As such, knowledge of GPC/SEC flow rate is of paramount importance as it has to be constant over much longer periods of time than with HPLC separations.
Static Light Scattering – a valuable tool for polymer characterisation.
A new technical note provides an informative introduction to Static Light Scattering (SLS) - a technique that leverages high precision photon counting to measure size, molecular weight, and other valuable structural information from synthetic and natural polymers. In addition, the technical note details how Static Light Scattering (SLS) is different from Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).
Are you looking for a versatile platform to analyse a wide range of polymers, regardless of molecular weight range or solvent? The combination of sensitive detectors in our HK Series GPC/SEC system can deliver accurate, absolute molecular size, weight, and distribution information as well as useful data to derive fundamental parameters such as radius of gyration, concentration, intrinsic viscosity, specific refractive index increment (dn/dc) and second virial coefficient. Each detector in an HK Series GPC/SEC system has independent temperature control to ensure that high levels of precision and reproducibility can easily be achieved from one day to the next.
A leading manufacturer of modular #HPLCsystems is using our liquid chromatography flowmeter as a quality assurance tool to provide precise #realtime data on the performance of the HPLC pumps they produce. Feedback from the customer is that they are very happy with the reliability, ease of use and performance of the liquid chromatography flowmeter. In fact, so much so, that they are investigating the possibility of integrating TESTA Analytical flowmeter technology into future HPLC systems to provide users with real time flow data.
Using the flowmeter for mass flow measurement from peristaltic pumps.
The flow rate of your peristaltic pump cannot be determined just by the physical dimensions of the peristaltic wheel and tubing or speed of rotation. Other factors including aging of the tubing, the viscosity of the fluid, flow pulsations and back pressure are known to have a significant influence on obtained flow rate. Our realtime flowmeter is being used by a major pharmaceutical company to determine average flow rate as well as peak values of pulsation, thereby enabling selection of the most appropriate setting for any peristaltic pump application. Also, our flowmeter is sensitive enough to detect early stage tubing degradation, helping them avoid unnecessary pump failures.
Polymer and resin formulators and raw material manufacturers often wish to know answers to questions including "How can I set-up my production process", "How do I know if my process is running properly?" and "How can I troubleshoot production problems?". UV detection is a powerful tool that can help solve these problems. Our unique rapid scanning #UVdetector kit, coupled with the possibility of remote flow cells, provides proven high performance measurement technology that can be readily integrated into a wide range of polymer process applications.
Refractive Index detectors are widely used for the analysis of molecules with weak or no UV absorption. Typical applications include sensitive detection of alcohols, sugars, sacharides, fatty acids and polymers. Customizable to your exact needs our compact Differential Refractive Index (DRI) Kit for HPLC offers OEM clients an easy route to create a high performance instrument that gives them a competitive edge.
Enhanced Detector Stability Improves GPC/SEC Results.
In standard GPC/SEC, after column separation, a concentration detector is typically used to record a signal proportional to the relative concentration of the sample. As most synthetic polymers are not UV active, a Differential Refractive Index (DRI) detector is commonly used for this task. A new technical note investigates how TESTA’s enhanced DRI detector can reduce baseline drift and improve the accuracy of results from any GPC/SEC system.
For companies considering development of an optimized chromatography detector or instrument to solve an application challenge, improve their competitive position or enter a new market – we have launched custom-chromatography.com. The new site is packed with a wealth of useful information relating to TESTA Analytical’s rapidly growing OEM design, development and manufacturing service, our innovative technologies and happy customers.
As a small growing company each person we add to our team must be mentally agile, willing to work hard and be adaptable to our evolving challenges. As a successful developer of new, innovative chromatography detectors and instruments for both end user and OEM customers our field of operation is challenging, but highly rewarding. An unconventional combination of different technical and problem-solving skills is what might lead to a career at TESTA Analytical Solutions.
If you are looking to quickly and accurately determine absolute molecular weights of proteins and polymers, then look no further! Our BI-MwA Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) system has the highest performance/price ratio of any light scattering detector used for molecular weight determination. Using the system allows you to eliminate SEC/GPC column calibration and improve your data quality.
High-precision measurement of liquid chromatograph flow rates
Determination of #liquidchromatograph flow rates has traditionally been a tedious, inexact and manual task. Our Liquid Chromatography Flowmeter changes all this. This compact affordable device can continuously and accurately determine inline flow rates in any mode of liquid chromatography without interfering with the system. Being compatible with #mostsolvents, a wide pH range, and pressures up to 3 MPa (435 psi), it is the perfect tool for high-precision measurement of flow rates ranging from 0.001 to 5mL/min.
Need to make challenging light scattering measurements?
You may have heard it before - but not all instruments for measuring light scattering are equally capable. Field proven in hundreds of labs around the world the Bl-200SM goniometer system is a precision instrument designed to undertake the most challenging dynamic light scattering and static light scattering measurements. As you would expect from a powerful research grade system the BI-200SM can measure light scattering over a wide angular range (8° to 155°) and offers fine adjustment of measurement angles to 0.01° making centre of rotation measurement easier when aligning cells. Precise repeatable data is ensured by automated heating and cooling of the sample cell using an external recirculating system.
One of the fastest growing classes of pharmaceutically active biologics are antibodies. These highly versatile #proteins are increasingly used in immunoassays, in vaccine production, and as the primary component of a wide array of injectable protein drugs. In all these applications it is essential that antibodies remain intact, and monomeric. Failing to adhere to these strict and exacting standards compromises the processability, activity, and shelf stability of antibody-based products. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a powerful technique that can be used to detect aggregation of proteins and determine the size of monomeric protein with a very high degree of certainty.
For those of you who missed it in the busy run up to Christmas - TESTA has just launched a versatile new generation flowmeter for liquid chromatography applications. If you are looking for an affordable real-time monitor to check the performance of your HPLC, or GPC/SEC pump performance or need precise absolute flow rate calibration data – look no further.
Healthy motivated staff provide better customer service
Every Friday the staff at TESTA Analytical are invited to participate in a bespoke workout routine with the American Functional Fitness specialist - Eddie Griggs. "There are many studies that link the maintenance of a fit and healthy body to the ability to perform well at work" said Carlo Dessy, CEO of TESTA. He added "Not only do the workouts improve health but they build team spirit and enable us to provide better service to our customers".
Flowrate is one of the most important parameters in any liquid chromatography system, it determines retention time or volume and therefore has a major influence on reproducibility. Our second generation flowmeter comes with a wealth of exciting new features including integration time setting to suit different applications, improved communications data buffering and on-board storage of calibration factors for different solvents. The best non-invasive flowmeter for liquid chromatography applications just got better.
Drawing upon her strong background in procuring materials and parts, planning and organising production schedules, testing and quality assurance - our Production Manager - Jeannette ensures all products supplied by TESTA Analytical Solutions e.K. are robust, reliable and arrive at your laboratory on-time.
Our ever-expanding #bibliography of informative articles, technical notes and application papers now includes approaching 40 documents. To make it faster for you to access just materials relevant to your work we have re-organised this web page to group together documents to do with #MolecularWeightDetermination, #ParticleSizing, #ZetaPotential and Miscellaneous. This final area includes documents associated with TESTA’s exciting liquid chromatography flowmeter plus our niche technologies.
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