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 PLIS Update #X; July 15, 2005
Introduction
Since our last update, a long time has passed and some new developments have occurred.
This update will focus on the following areas:
1. PEEK Sample chamber
2. New seal design
3. New Accessories/Options
4. New adapter for Thermo Trace GC, ULTRA
5. Updated brochure
6. Updated Manual
7. Typical Installation Pictures
8. 1st Annual Gulf Analytical Summit
1. PEEK Sample Chamber:
The prototype sample chamber made from PEEK was tested and evaluated relative to the current SS design. Overall the PEEK sample chamber showed no distinct advantage in performance over the current SS unit. Some of its technical advantages may prove to have some benefit. These are: easier to machine and manufacture with better heat transfer resistance to the sample within. Based on these findings, this sample chamber will be offered on a special request basis at a nominal increased cost till the next production run. If we receive adequate input requesting sample chambers made from this material, the next production run will feature this change.
2. New Seal Design:
We recently conducted extensive studies in a US facility on seal life longevity for on-line process application. The findings indicated that current seal life was not adequate for practical on line use. The current seal life especially with the HStem accessory would require at least weekly maintenance. To address this issue, we investigated different materials, different seal thickness, composite construction, modifications to the existing seal, spring pressure and Stem modification.
As of June 1, 2005 all PLIS/HPLIS shipments will have the following changes implemented in the assemblies.
- The lower Stem seal will have beveled edges on the conical seal bore
- The Stem groove will have a shallow volume with radiused edges
- The Stem portion that contacts the seal surfaces will be polished
- Stem seal performance with these changes will be monitored and reported on, in a future update.
3. New Accessories/Options:
To simplify field installation, we now offer a hardware installation kit.
To increase pneumatic O-ring life and enhance operator safety, we offer a
12 vdc Squirrel cage fan with adapter and mounting Velcro tape to cool the whole PLIS assembly. This is very effective!
For 220 vac environments, we now offer a different transformer within the HPLIS Power control Module (PCM) and a small 50 watt converter for the fan adapter. Please refer to the new brochure for these items.
4. Thermo Trace GC, Ultra:
We recently received a request to have PLIS mounted onto the Thermo Trace GC, Ultra Split/Splitless inlet. We have responded to this request and now offer this capability as one of the available versions of PLIS/HPLIS.
Please see the new updated brochure and pictures in the Documentation section .
5. Updated Brochure:
An updated brochure now reflects the new options for PLIS/HPLIS and adjusts the current US pricing due to the drastically changing Canadian /US exchange rate. Please see Config/Price for specific details.
6. Updated Manual:
The updated manual now includes the installation procedure for PLIS/HPLIS onto the Thermo Trace GC, Ultra Split/Splitless inlet system.
7. Typical Installation Pictures:
To simplify installation and give a potential user an idea as to what an installed system should look like, we have now included a series of pictures showing a typical HPLIS system installed on a 5890 GC. These pictures are listed within the Documentation menu.
8. 1st Annual Gulf Analytical Summit: Sept 19-20/05 Galveston, Texas:
We will be presenting a Poster Session titled "Analysis of Oxygenated Compounds in Light Hydrocarbons by PLIS/GC/FID: A Novel Approach". This poster will be available as a PDF from within the Applications menu after the presentation date.
Revised July 15, 2005
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