Change in management at laboratory analysis specialist.

The management of the Endress + Hauser subsidiary, Analytik Jena, specializing in laboratory analysis is being placed in the hands of to Oliver Klaeffling as of 1 February 2023. His predecessor Ulrich Krauss has decided to assume other responsibilities outside of the company.

Oliver Klaeffling

Oliver Klaeffling, studied industrial engineering at the Technical University of Berlin’s school of technical chemistry. He has held various positions in Germany and the US for pharmaceutical company Merck since 2004. He was most recently head of the Merck Innovation Center in Darmstadt, Germany. “We are convinced that Mr Klaeffling will continue to grow and lead Analytik Jena into a solid future,” emphasized Matthias Altendorf.

Oliver Klaeffling will be supported by the existing five-member management team. Analytik Jena plays an important role toward Endress+Hauser’s strategic goal of supporting customers from the lab to production. The Group is currently investing 50 million euros in a modern company campus in Jena-Göschwitz, (D); a new production facility is to be built in Ilmenau, (D), at a cost of €27 million.

Ulrich Krauss joined the Analytik Jena management team in 2015 and took over as managing director in 2016. “We would like to express our thanks to Mr Krauss for his commitment, in particular leading and overseeing the extensive reorganization processes at Analytik Jena, which contributed to the success of the Endress+Hauser Group,” said Matthias Altendorf, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group.

@AnalytikJena_ @Endress_US @Endress_Hauser @Endress_UK #PAuto

Takeover of German analyser manufacturer completed.

Endress+Hauser has completed the takeover of German analytical instrumentation provider Analytik Jena.

The remaining minority shares of Analytik Jena were legally transferred to Endress+Hauser on 30 March 2016 following the entry of the transfer resolution in the commercial registry that was previously adopted at the extraordinary general meeting in February. The process will now be finalised with the agreed-upon cash payout to the minority shareholders.

In the run up to the completed takeover, as majority shareholder Endress+Hauser owned all but 3.4 percent of the Analytik Jena shares. The demand for the remaining shares was delivered to Analytik Jena in September 2015. This set the final part of the takeover process in motion, during which an independent appraiser fixed the value of the company at €13.68 per share.

Endress+Hauser gained control of publicly-traded Analytik Jena AG in 2013, most recently holding 96.6 percent of the shares. The goal of the acquisition is to eventually be at the side of both companies’ customers from the lab to the process, giving support from product development to production. Analytik Jena employs nearly 1,000 staff worldwide in its core businesses analytical instrumentation and life sciences.

@Endress_Hauser #PAuto #AnalytikJena

UV-Vis and atomic absorption spectrometry demo videos!

Product demonstration videos on Analytik Jena website

A set of product demonstration videos has been posted on the Analytik Jena  website as well as the company’s YouTube channel. These videos show a variety of products in action, covering UV-Vis and atomic absorption spectrometry, TOC analysers and elemental analysis. They provide a really useful introduction to the instruments, highlighting their range of capabilities and ease of use.

UV-Vis instruments covered are the versatile SPECORD^® 600 and SPECORD^® PLUS. With Analytik Jena celebrating 50 years of SPECORD^® manufacture, these videos highlight the range of capabilities from the SPECORD^® 600 diode array instrument to the SPECORD^® PLUS range of double beam spectrophotometers.

Three videos showcase the wide range of atomic absorption spectrophotometers from the novAA400P with its unique transverse graphite furnace design to the contra series of high resolution continuum source AA spectrometers for flame, hydride and furnace analysis which closes the gap between ICP and AAS. The contrAA series provide innovative analysis options since the continuum source provides immediate access to all elemental lines. Direct solid sampling is an important technique for both traditional and contra instruments and there is also a video showing how this can be used.

For TOC analysis, there is a video showing how the versatile multi N/C series of analysers can be used to determine bound carbon content (TIC/TOC, TC, NPOC, POC) and/or total nitrogen (TN_b). They are characterised by patented innovative solutions for reliable automation to cope with the most diverse sample matrices.

Analysis of C, S and Cl in samples such as organic and inorganic solids, soil samples, sediments etc, is illustrated in the EA4000 product video. TS, TC, TX, TOC, TIC, EC and AOC parameters can be determined from sample weights up to 3g using high temperature ceramic technology..

50 years spectrometry

Analytik Jena UK will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the SPECORD® range of spectrophotometers at the Lab Innovations exhibition (6/7 Nov 2013 Birmingham GB) by showing the SPECORD® 210 Plus double beam UV/Vis instrument. The multi N/C 3100 and the multi N/C UV HS TOC analysers will also be on show, reflecting the fact that the company also has decades of experience in this field of analysis.

The versatile multi N/C series of analysers determine bound carbon content (TIC/TOC, TC, NPOC, POC) and/or total nitrogen (TNb) and are characterised by patented innovative solutions for reliable automation to cope with the most diverse sample matrices. The two versions on display feature the latest focus radiation NDIR detector and VITA flow management system for reliable results, high stability and improved long-term instrument calibration performance.

The multi N/C 3100 is a versatile analyser using high temperature catalytic combustion and can be configured for simultaneous TOC/ TNb determination. Combustion temperatures up to 950°C provide quick and reliable digestion of even the most stable compounds and for the most challenging applications. The multi N/C UV HS provides low cost sample digestion by UV-supported wet chemical oxidation for very high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range. This provides trace TOC analysis capabilities as well as high concentrations and it is particularly well suited to the analysis of drinking water.

The SPECORD® 210 PLUS UV/Vis spectrometer features 5 variable spectral bandwidths, making it ideally suited for measurement of solutions and solids where high optical resolution is required. Intelligent instrument control is provided by the modular WinASPECT® software package.

Trace analysis of mercury!

The ‘mercur’ from Analytik Jena is a compact system specially optimised for the complete, cost-efficient determination of mercury traces to the ng level. The instrument guarantees mercury analyses in accordance with EPA 1631, EPA 245.1, EPA 245.2, EPA 245.7, EN 1483, EN 12338, EN 13806 and EN 13506.

The ‘mercur’ is available in atomic fluorescence (AFS), atomic absorption (AAS) and combined (DUO) versions.  With excellent detection limits and a wide linear measuring range, atomic fluorescence spectrometry is often the method of choice in mercury trace analysis. However, atomic absorption has its advantages for samples in difficult matrices because of its high tolerance towards interferences. The DUO offers the benefits of both techniques, with simple software-controlled change between the two methods.

The mercur utilises the cold vapour technique to convert mercury to the gaseous state by reduction of the dissolved cation with SnCl₂. The mercury is therefore separated from the background matrix before transfer to the analysis cell, to reduce interferences and matrix effects. Even further enhancement can be made using simple or cascade enrichment methods. Here cascade enrichment prevents the quenching effect. Enrichment times can be varied to match complex sample matrices or the expected mercury concentration range.

An optional autosampler makes the ‘mercur’ highly automated and easy to operate, with a high sample throughput. Fast analysis is achieved by using continuous flow operation with or without the autosampler plus the unique FBR routine (Fast Baseline Return), which minimises measurement time by increasing argon flow. Automated, intelligent gas-liquid control ensures minimum reagent consumption and short measurement times in various operating modes.

The system is extremely safe through the use of a bubble sensor. If a liquid threatens to spill into the system, this sensor causes the valves to close, and the liquid is automatically transferred to the waste container. Positioned between the gas-liquid separator and a specially optimised drying membrane, it protects the gold collector and the measurement cell against contamination.

Atomic absorption analysis: Application Notes

Analytik Jena has published two application notes highlighting the capability of the direct solid sampling technique for the atomic absorption analysis of nickel based alloys. The analysis of specific trace elements in alloys that are used to manufacture aircraft turbines is critical in ensuring the reliability of these components.

The two application notes are available on reques. One covers the determination of Ag, Sn, Cu, Mg and Cd in a nickel-based alloy and the other covers the determination of Pb, Bi and Se in a nickel-based alloy. Both reports highlight the use of the solid sampling techniques in conjunction with the contr®AA 600 high resolution continuum source furnace atomic absorption spectrometer.

This combination brings a double benefit for rapid, accurate analysis. Firstly, the use of a single high intensity continuum radiation source in the contr®AA 600 makes all atomic absorption lines from 190 – 900 nm available, allowing the sequential analysis of each element without the need to change lamps. In addition, direct solid sampling speeds up analysis by eliminating the need for time-consuming conversion into liquid samples. Direct solid vaporisation combined with a powerful background correction, allows interference-free and precise determination of trace elements in the alloy material.

Low running costs for TOC

Improvements in combustion technology have further reduced day-to-day running costs for the multi N/C® TOC analyzer from Analytik Jena. This high performance analytical instrument combines low-maintenance technologies for sample digestion with an environment-friendly low consumption of consumables such as gas and power, as well as robust engineering and a long service life.

A re-designed, smaller combustion tube results in reduced consumption of the catalyst filling, leading to exceptionally long combustion tube lifetimes. High combustion temperatures up to 950°C provide quick and reliable digestion of even the most stable compounds and for the most challenging applications.

With the patented VITA® flow control system both automatically controlling gas consumption and providing long-term instrument calibration, ongoing maintenance requirements costs are minimised, meaning more time can be spent on carrying out analyses. The corrosion-proof Focus Radiation NDIR detector not only ensures reliable results and but also provides high stability throughout the lifetime of the instrument.

Rapid and accurate antioxidant measurements in foods

The PHOTOCHEM® analyser from Analytik Jena provides a rapid and accurate way of measuring water-soluble and lipid-soluble antioxidants in a single system. Measuring antioxidant levels plays an important role in a host of applications. These include characterisation of food quality; control of food processing technologies; improvement of product shelf life; measurement of the antioxidative efficiency of food additives; authenticity control and development of novel formulae. Antioxidants are an essential part of the body’s defence mechanism against cell damage by free radicals

PHOTOCHEM® uses the principle of photochemiluminescence, combining very fast photochemical radical generation with highly sensitive luminometric detection. This technique has considerable benefits over the conventional ELISA measurement method, since ELISA methods generate “synthetic” free radicals, whose reaction with antioxidants can be significantly different from “real” free radicals.

The high-sensitivity instrument is extremely easy to use with sample measurement times of less than 3 minutes. There is no complex or time-consuming sample preparation and only a few microlitres of sample are needed. Sampling, measurement and rinse cycles are performed completely automatically. The anti-oxidative capacity of the sample is measured by comparison with a calibration curve.

Typical applications for PHOTOCHEM® include: water-soluble antioxidative capacity of lyophilised vegetables, fruit juice and beer; water- and lipid-soluble antioxidative capacity in bakers yeast, cheese, tea & coffee and lipid-soluble antioxidative capacity in edible oil and salami extracts.

TIC, TC & TOC

TOC, TIC and TC determination in solids and liquids in a single instrument

The Multi N/C series of catalytic combustion analysers from Analytik Jena provide a versatile platform that can be configured for the fully automatic direct determination of bound carbon (TIC/TOC, TC, NPOC, POC) from liquid, paste or solid samples in a single instrument using the combustion analysis method. The Multi N/C series meets the requirements of DIN-EN, USEPA, ASTM, FDA and USP standards, including DIN EN 13137 for the determination of TOC in waste, sediments and sludge, and DIN EN 1484 and ISO 8245 for the detection of total and dissolved organic carbon in aqueous samples.

Instruments in the range include the Multi N/C 2100, Multi N/C 3100 and Multi N/C UV HS. The novel design provides an extended dynamic range for TOC measurements from 2 ppb up to 30000 ppm without dilution. This allows the systems to be used in applications ranging from trace-level analysis of ultrapure waters to the analysis of drinking, ground and surface waters with medium TOC, or measuring highly contaminated, particulate waste waters.

Direct measurement of solids is also possible with all the models in the range with the addition of the HT 1300 high-temperature solids combustion system. A click of the mouse is all that is required to change between solids and liquids mode.

This HT 1300 solids module provides catalyst-free high temperature combustion in a robust ceramic combustion tube using an additional furnace which is adjustable up to 1,300 °C.. Large solid samples of up to 3 g can be accommodated, which allows for solids with low homogeneity. The large dynamic measuring range of the N/C range is particularly suited for the detection of high TOC content (up to 500 mg C absolute) in solids.

High accuracy results are ensured using patented VITA® technology, which automatically determines the retention time of the sample in the analyzer. This not only leads to good accuracy and sensitivity but also excellent repeatability. VITA improves repeatability from typically 5-10% in the 0.5 – 1.0 mg/l range and 3-5% in the 1000 to 5000 mg/l range to 1-2% across the measuring ranges.

In addition, VITA significantly reduces the intervals between calibrations to around 6 months, reducing running costs. Multi N/C series instruments can be calibrated across the entire detection range using a single standard sample, eliminating the need for a large number of standard reference materials.

The multi N/C® series can also be used for non-direct TOC determination of samples such as sediments, soil and lime stone using the so-called suspension method with no special accessories.

This permits two different methods: TOC detection using the so-called direct method and the differential method. Another option for the detection of the TOC in specific matrices (e.g. sediments, soil, lime stone) is the suspension method. Different devices and technologies can be used to detect the parameter TOC in solid samples.

Teaching resource for AAS

Teaching material resource made available for high resolution continuum source AAS

Recognising the emergence of High Resolution Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HRCS AAS) into a fully established AAS technique, Analytik Jena has produced a comprehensive package of teaching material for use in higher education. This free resource includes fundamental information, Powerpoint® presentations, videos, two poster presentations and more than 30 reprints from learned journals covering the use of the technique.
It is available from Vince Phelan at Analytik Jena UK.

The HRCS AAS technique was originally developed and patented at the Institute of Analytical Sciences in Berlin, (D) and commercialised by Analytik Jena. A comprehensive 65 page full colour booklet entitled ‘Fundamentals – Instruments and Techniques of Atomic Absorption Spectrometry’ covers the principles and construction of all types of atomic absorption spectrometry, including HRCS AAS, as well as factors that influence the performance and results obtained from different types of instrument.

Powerpoint® presentations in the teaching resource cover the fundamentals and principles of HRCS AAS as well as some HRCS AAS flame applications, such as the determination of trace elements in tungsten, the determination of impurities in Co ore concentrate and the determination of 7 elements in molasses. A video showing the optical path in HRCS AAS is also included.

One of the key messages of this teaching resource is that HRCS AAS is now a well-established technique. This is backed by the inclusion of copies of over 30 papers published over the last 10 years. Papers featuring the HRCS AAS technique have been published in journals including Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Analytica Chimica Acta, Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Journal of Brazilian Chemical Society, Microchemical Journal, Microchimica Acta, Spectrochimica Acta Part B and Talanta, and come from disciplines as varied as oil, coal, biology, food and drink.