ROHASYS BV, a manufacturer of laboratory products for automating and robotising sample (pre) treatment based in the Netherlands, has been acquired by SEAL Analytical.
“This new partnership creates exciting opportunities for both companies,” says SEAL President Stuart Smith. “Sharing the common goals of improving laboratory accuracy, speed and reliability, this synergistic relationship will benefit the customers of both organisations.”
With 25 years of experience in environmental laboratory automation ROHASYS targets similar market sectors to those addressed by SEAL, including water, soil and food testing. Typical applications include BOD, COD, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, acidity, filtration, organic GC sample preparation and microbiology.
In addition to a range of standard robotic laboratory instruments, ROHASYS also develops bespoke robotic solutions to improve automation in a number of laboratory applications. Products and systems are designed, built, installed and supported from the ROHASYS production facility in the Netherlands, and will now also benefit from SEAL’s technical support teams in Britain, Germany and USA.
The ROHASYS product range includes small systems for small footprints and low workloads, through to custom designed fully automated preparation, reading, filtration and weighing robots, with full LIMS integration.
The British National Oceanography Centre (NOC) undertakes integrated ocean research and technology development from the coast to the deep ocean. As such, the NOC has a heavy requirement for seawater analysis. However, in addition to analytical work at the NOC’s facilities in Southampton and Liverpool, the organisation's researchers also need to be able to analyse samples on board a variety of research vessels. Under these conditions, high levels of precision and reliability can be a challenge for most laboratory equipment, so NOC has invested in SEAL Analytical segmented flow analyzers (SFAs) - the AA3 and the QuAAtro.
“The QuAAtro is the workhorse of our Southampton laboratory,” says the NOC’s Dr Sinhue Torres-Valdes. “It has a compact footprint and provides automatic analysis of large numbers of samples, with only small sample volumes required. The AA3 is employed for ‘on-ship’ analysis because as a modular SFA it is easier to maintain in the event of any problems whilst away from shore.”
Wholly owned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) the NOC is a leading institution for sea level science, coastal and deep ocean research and technology development, tackling the greatest environmental challenges of our age, including sea level change, the oceans’ role in climate change, predicting and simulating the behaviour of the oceans through computer modelling, and long-term monitoring technologies.
The NOC's analyzers are managed by Mark Stinchcombe (in above video) who has been with the organisation for around 13 years following an MSc in Oceanography at the University of Southampton. He says: "Prior to the purchase of the SEAL equipment, we were experiencing poor reproducibility with older equipment; rough weather was affecting the baseline and we suspected that was due to the movement of a filament inside a light source inside one our analyzers during rough seas. We therefore acquired the SEAL analyzers because they are robust and unaffected by the rigours of a ship in the mid-Atlantic."
In addition to the ability to operate both at sea and in a land based laboratory, Mark also requires three other important features in his analytical instrumentation. First, he needs the ability to analyse large numbers of samples very quickly because, whilst at sea, he can be responsible for analysing samples from a number of scientists simultaneously, and also because his land based laboratory at the NOC provides an analytical service to a broad community encompassing research scientists, students and a number of industrial clients. Secondly, with samples coming from a wide variety of different sources, including seawater, estuarine waters, pore water, phytoplankton culture and biological samples, he needs to be able to measure a broad range of concentrations. Thirdly, he requires low detection limits so that his work is not limited when measuring at low levels. SEAL SFAs are therefore ideal for Mark's work, offering high sample throughput with low sample volume, which reduces both cost and waste.
The SEAL analyzers provide low detection limits with excellent reproducibility. At first they were employed to measure nitrate+nitrite, nitrite, silicate, ammonium and total dissolved nitrogen. However, the NOC also needs to be able to analyse total dissolved phosphorus, and whilst this method was not available as standard for seawater, SEAL’s technical support staff have worked with Mark and Sinhue to adapt a freshwater total phosphorous method to meet the NOC’s needs. “The development of this new method took years to refine, but we have been delighted with the result,” Sinhue says.
The range of projects supported by these analyzers is diverse, including for example, work to assess ocean acidification and ocean biogeochemistry; including ocean productivity, nutrient biogeochemical cycles and research to understand how currents distribute nutrients in the ocean. The analyzers are also employed to check the data recorded by 'Ferryboxes' - real-time continuous monitors mounted inside flow-through chambers to measure the quality of water that is pumped from a subsurface inlet as ferries travel from port to port.
SEAL Analytical’s President Stuart Smith says: “We are delighted to be involved with the work at the NOC and it is particularly pleasing that we have been able to develop a new method specifically to meet their needs. This is an excellent example of the way in which we are continually looking for ways to refine and improve instrument software and hardware, working closely with customers to ensure that they get the most out of their SEAL analyzers. “Instrument manufacturers often claim that their equipment is robust and reliable but by successfully using the AA3 both onshore and offshore, Mark has shown that ours is no idle boast. Around the world, seawater analysis is becoming a very popular application for our segmented flow analyzers, and it is very gratifying that we are contributing to the success of the important work that is being undertaken at the NOC.”
The latest addition to the Thomas Cain range of sample preparation equipment, the DEENA II from SEAL Analytical, is finding global success in environmental laboratories because automation saves time and money, improves safety and lowers the risk of human error.
“These benefits appeal to the managers of every laboratory in every country,” says SEAL President Stuart Smith.“So there has been a high demand for these instruments in labs with a regular requirement for the analysis of metals.”
The DEENA ll is a sample digestion system that fully automates the digestion process ensuring that each sample is treated exactly the same. Pre-programmed, but customizable software manages accurate dispensing of small volumes of reagents into sample tubes, ensuring thorough mixing, correct heating, and filling to a prescribed volume once digestion is completed. The intuitive DEENA software also enables overnight digestions.
A variety of models are available, ranging from a 96 position block for 15ml tubes, to a 30 position block for 50ml tubes. An auto syringe accessory is also available which accurately dispenses standards and automatically spikes samples.
“Automating digestion results in less handling of acids, which is always preferable,” adds Stuart. “However, automation also improves lab efficiency, and unattended operation frees staff for other work.”
OmniProcess (Sweden) has been awarded ‘EMEA Distributor
of the Year 2015’ by laboratory instrumentation manufacturer SEALAnalytical. Congratulating the OmniProcess
team on their success, SEAL President Stuart Smith said: “There are a number of
factors affecting the decision, including the volume of business won; the
identification and development of new markets, and business growth over the previous year. OmniProcess excelled in all categories and I
am delighted to recognise their achievements.”
With many years of experience and high levels
of expertise OmniProcess supplies the Swedish market with complete solutions in
field instrumentation and analytical equipment.
Above we see Petter Holmström
accepting the award from Stuart Smith and Jens Neubauer, also from SEAL
Analytical, during the 2016 EMEA Distribution partners meeting at SEAL’s
manufacturing and training facility in Hamburg, Germany.
SEAL Analytical has announced the appointment of Rob Hardy as Sales Manager in Britain.
Rob Hardy
"With a Masters degree in Chemistry and experience as a research chemist, Rob has a good understanding of the needs of our customers, so we are delighted that he has joined our UK team," says SEAL President Stuart Smith. "Working from our new facilities in Southampton, Fareham, our UK business is performing extremely well, and Rob's appointment will help us to fulfil the next stage of our growth plan."
After working as a researcher in the chemical industry, Rob studied Chemistry at Newcastle University, and completed a thesis on the synthesis of novel catalysts. He has since worked in a variety of positions; all focused on meeting the needs of analytical laboratories. “In recent years, my role has been to help laboratories develop sample preparation and analysis chemistries to meet their specific needs. Many of these labs have worked in the environmental sector so, coupled with the comprehensive training that I have already received from SEAL, I am well placed to help and advise both academic and commercial labs on how to develop bespoke solutions to their analytical needs.”
Visitors to the SEAL Analytical stand at WWEM 2014 were entered into a competition to win an iPad mini, and SEAL has announced that the lucky winner is Chris Bevan, an assistant scientist at Anglian Water’s wastewater laboratory near Huntingdon.
The presentation!
Presenting Chris with his prize, SEAL’s Natalie Barton said: “WWEM 2014 was a highly successful event for us, providing an ideal opportunity to launch the new AQ400 automated discrete analyser. “A broad spectrum of visitors entered the competition and we were delighted when Chris won, because Anglian Water has been a longstanding customer of ours.”
Natalie presented the prize during a routine service visit to the Huntingdon lab during which she serviced three SEAL AQ2 Discrete Analysers. These analysers were installed in May 2014 and now run around 300 samples per day for ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine and reactive phosphate.
Anglian Water’s wastewater laboratory handles samples from a large area in the east of England, stretching from Grimsby to Basildon and from Daventry to Great Yarmouth, providing data for both regulatory and process control purposes.
Chris Bevan has worked in the Anglian Water laboratory for over 9 years. During this time, he has operated an older discrete analyser model, the AQUA. Commenting on the advantages of the new AQ2 systems, Chris says: “These instruments are more automated than the AQUA, and require significantly less time to operate. As a result, around 75% of the workload is in progress by 11am which frees me to work elsewhere in the lab – on BOD, TSS, COD and FOG for example.
“Following a suggestion from SEAL, we are currently looking at dedicating one of the AQ2’s to ammonium. In doing so, we will fit a 100 position sample wheel to cope with the higher capacity needed.”
SEAL Analytical has announced two new appointments; Jens Neubauer joins the Norderstedt office in Germany to manage business development in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Caroline Blyth joins the Southampton team to boost customer support in Britain.
Jens has over 10 years of experience as an application engineer and sales manager for analytical instrumentation in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, water, wastewater, and other industrial and environmental applications. His previous roles have involved helping customers’ laboratory and instrumentation staff in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. “I am delighted with this new position,” Jens says. “I have always been a great admirer of the SEAL Analytical technologies, so it is great to be able to be help bring them to a wider audience, whilst improving the speed, accuracy and efficiency of the laboratories that we work with.”
As UK Customer Support Co-ordinator, Caroline is also looking forward to further improving customer service. “Every laboratory has different needs, so it is important for us to develop close relationships with our clients so that we can help them develop an analytical capability that meets or exceeds their expectations,” she comments. “I am highly experienced in customer support roles, so I am looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that this role will present.”
SEAL Analytical has announced the appointment of Nick Watson as Sales Manager in Britain. Nick has over 17 years of experience in the environmental laboratory sector, working in a variety of roles from Analytical Chemist to Group Technical Manager for some of the world’s leading analytical service providers.
Nick Watson
Company President Stuart Smith says: “Nick’s in-depth experience in methodologies and laboratory efficiency will be of great value to our expanding customer base; we specialize in the delivery of bespoke analyzers that have been configured to meet the precise needs of our customers, so Nick will be in an ideal position to ensure that customers get the most out of their equipment.”
Nick’s previous roles have included the management of British and overseas laboratories that have a requirement for fast analysis times, high sample throughput, ultra-low detection limits and high reproducibility, so Nick already has extensive experience with the SEAL Analytical range of automated discrete and segmented flow nutrient analysers. “I have always been aware of the advantages that these instruments provide, so in my new position, I am looking forward to helping the UK’s water, environmental and marine laboratories to exploit these advanced technologies,” he adds.
SEAL Analytical has announced its participation in a series of international events that will include North America, Europe and the Middle East. Company President Stuart Smith says: “The latest models of our highly automated segmented flow and discrete analysers are proving extremely popular, so we made a decision to expose them to as many prospective users as possible.
“We will also launch a major new product in 2014, so we anticipate a great deal of interest in our booths.”
With manufacturing facilities in the USA and Germany, SEAL is a regular exhibitor at Pittcon and Analytica, but this year the company will also participate in the Ocean Sciences global meeting in Hawaii and Arablab in Dubai.
SEAL Analytical’s booths at these events will feature the company’s latest innovations in discrete and segmented flow automated colorimetric analysers.
The QuAAtro, for example, is the latest generation of the original world-class Technicon™ Segmented Flow Analysis (SFA) systems and the new QuAAtro 39 high performance microflow analyzer will be of particular interest to visitors. More flexible than its predecessors and offering up to 33% more capacity, the QuAAtro 39 enables the operation of a greater number of simultaneous analyses and improves laboratory efficiency. Importantly, this new instrument also further lowers the detection limits of the QuAAtro platform.
The latest version of the AA1 dual channel, automatic SFA will also be unveiled. This model features a larger pump and integrated distillation module for online analysis of Phenol, Cyanide and Ammonia. In addition, the new gas diffusion method for Ammonia will be shown.
The SEAL Analytical booths will also feature the AQ series of Discrete Analyzers, the AA3 SFA and a programmable block digestion system.
Summarising, Stuart Smith says: “Our analyzers have been developed for specific market sectors, so we are looking forward to meeting laboratory professionals involved with the testing of seawater, surface waters, wastewater, drinking water, soils, fertilizer, plant materials, tobacco, beverages, food and animal feeds.”
Lake Superior State University (USA) recently purchased a SEAL AQ1 discrete analyser for its Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL). This advanced instrument was purchased to analyse local, regional and national water quality samples. However, it also fulfils an important role providing the University’s students with practical experience; working with an analyser that is employed in laboratories around the world.
The AQ1 enables students to gain hands-on experience with automated nutrient testing for many common environmental parameters with detection limits in parts per billion.
Performing automated colorimetric tests on multiple samples in discrete reaction vessels, the AQ1 is ideal for laboratories with moderate workloads requiring varied tests on different samples, and for those that need fast individual results.
The instrument is supplied with standard methods to USEPA, ASTM, ISO and other internationally recognised standards for the analysis of a wide variety of parameters including alkalinity, ammonia, chloride, cyanides, nitrate/nitrite, nitrite, phenolics, ortho phosphate, total phosphorus, silicate, sulfate and total Kjeldahl nitrogen.
With unattended operation including the ability to run overnight, the AQ1 has all the advantages of discrete analysis – automatic standard preparation, automatic dilution, automatic method changeover, and low reagent consumption.
Interchangeable 60 or 78 position sample trays improve flexibility and with easy-to-use software, users are able to schedule tests (up to 60 per hour) and specify QC types, limits and corrective actions following a QC failure. It is also possible to add further samples after a test run has begun. Highly accurate analysis is achieved with 100% optical glass no-flow cuvettes and the maximum consumption of combined reagents and sample is 500 – 600 µL per test.
Reaction times are user programmable from seconds to minutes and all methods have been optimised to ensure that the chemical reaction is brought to full completion and steady state, which maximises sensitivity and emulates both the Manual and the Segmented Flow Methods. Once the absorbance is read, the cuvette is thoroughly cleaned, eliminating any carryover or cross-contamination.
During the summer of 2013 the lab supported twelve student-faculty research projects including Professor Derek Wright’s monitoring of the Ashmun Creek and Munuscong watersheds, and Laboratory Manager Ben Southwell’s work to characterise waters at risk from harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
The lab also conducts contract work for public and private clients and offers paid internships to students that are looking for experience in a state-of-the-art lab; in 2013 eight students were employed as technicians.
“We are delighted that our analyser has been chosen by this prestigious laboratory,” says Lalicia Potter, SEAL’s Technical Sales & Support Director. “Not only is the instrument making a major contribution to the lab’s ongoing environmental analysis workload, but it is also contributing to the education and experience of tomorrow’s scientists.”
In response to a recent surge in sales of automated discrete chemistry analyzers and segmented flow analyzers, Seal Analytical has announced the appointment of Sadie Vick to the position of Technical Support Chemist, based in Britain.
Sadie Vick
Sadie has an honours degree in Chemistry from the University of Liverpool and has previous experience in technical roles with a laboratory equipment manufacturer, working both in Britain and in China.
Welcoming Sadie to the business, SealAnalytical President Stuart Smith said: “The success of our company has been built on our ability to develop technologies that precisely meet the needs of our customers and to provide outstanding levels of training and support to ensure optimal performance. A high level of technical competency and the ability to clearly communicate training and support information is therefore essential, and we are delighted to welcome Sadie to the team.”
Following a period of intensive training at Seal’s US facility, Sadie will return to join the British technical support team during the summer of 2013. In this role, Sadie will provide product demonstrations, technical advice, maintenance and service
Business is booming in Britain for SEAL Analytical, the manufacturer of the AA3HR and QuAAtro automated segmented flow laboratory analyzers. Explaining the recent upturn in business, EMEA Sales Manager Haydon Warner says: “Automated testing of large numbers of samples at very low levels of analysis has been the main driver. Our team of application chemists and engineers are constantly developing innovative new features for both hardware and software, so laboratories are obviously keen to take advantage of the latest developments when buying new or replacement equipment.”
Many of the recent orders have been placed by academic and research institutions and Haydon says: “A high proportion of the new orders have come from laboratories that test marine water, which is an application in which SEAL has a very strong reputation.”
The growth in demand for seawater analysis is being driven by a need for very low level analysis of the inorganic nutrients; nitrate, nitrite, silicate and phosphate. Haydon says: “These nutrients are important for the growth of phytoplankton, which is a major component of the biological carbon pump; a mechanism for removing atmospheric CO2. The analysis of these nutrients underpins scientific research into the factors affecting phytoplankton communities in the oceans.”
Many of the recent orders have been for the AA3 HR instrument, which is the latest generation of the original Technicon™ AutoAnalyzer II. Importantly, this instrument can be equipped with vibration-free LED light sources, which is essential for on-ship laboratory use.
The AA3HR operates at 60 to 70 samples per hour – these high analysis rates, combined with low reagent consumption, are achieved with segmented flow; a procedure in which air bubbles are introduced at regular intervals forming unique reaction segments that are mixed using glass coils before passing through a chemistry manifold to a high resolution digital photometer.
In addition to seawater, SEAL Analytical autoanalyzers are also employed for the analysis of surface waters, wastewater, drinking water, fertilizer, plant materials, tobacco, beverages, food and animal feeds.
The laboratory instrument manufacturer SEAL Analytical has transferred the production of its market leading automated discrete analyzers, the AQ1 and AQ2, to the company’s facility in Mequon (WI USA). The move follows the acquisition of a block digestion business from Aim Lab Automation Technologies Pty Ltd.
SEAL’s President Stuart Smith said: “Digestion is an essential part of the sample preparation process for some of the tests that our discrete analysers perform, so it makes sense for these instruments to be manufactured at the same location for delivery to our clients worldwide. “This will also ensure that future innovations in these product lines reflect the entire analytical process, so that we continue to provide complete bespoke monitoring solutions.”
With facilities in Europe, USA and China, SEAL Analytical is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of laboratory instruments including automated discrete and segmented flow nutrient analysers for use in environmental and industrial laboratories. SEAL products are ideal for all types of water, seawater, soil, plant and fertilizer analysis where high reproducibility and low detection limits are required.
The AQ1 and AQ2 instruments automatically test multiple samples in discrete reaction vessels. Following internationally recognised standard methods such as USEPA, ASTM, ISO, these instruments are able to analyse a wide variety of parameters including alkalinity, ammonia, chloride, cyanides, nitrate/nitrite, nitrite, phenolics, ortho phosphate, total phosphorus, silicate, sulfate and total Kjeldahl nitrogen.
New compact discrete nutrient analyser saves lab time, space & money
The 'AQ1' discrete analyser, from SEAL Analytical, automatically tests multiple samples in discrete reaction vessels and is ideal for laboratories with moderate workloads requiring varied tests on different samples and for those that need fast individual results.
The AQ1 is supplied with standard methods to USEPA, ASTM, ISO and other internationally recognised standards for the analysis of a wide variety of parameters including alkalinity, ammonia, chloride, cyanides, nitrate/nitrite, nitrite, phenolics, ortho phosphate, total phosphorus, silicate, sulfate and total Kjeldahl nitrogen.
With unattended operation including the ability to run overnight, the AQ1 has all the advantages of discrete analysis – automatic standard preparation, automatic dilution, automatic method changeover, and low reagent consumption.
Interchangeable 60 or 78 position sample trays improve flexibility and with easy-to-use software, users are able to schedule tests (up to 60 per hour) and specify QC types, limits and corrective actions upon a QC failure. It is also possible to add further samples after a test run has begun. Highly accurate colorimetric analysis is achieved with 100% optical glass no-flow cuvettes and the maximum consumption of combined reagents and sample is 500 – 600 µL per test.
The reaction times are user programmable from seconds to minutes and all methods have been optimised to ensure that the chemical reaction is brought to full completion and steady state, which maximises sensitivity and emulates both the Manual and the Segmented Flow Methods. Once the absorbance is read, the cuvette is thoroughly cleaned, eliminating any carry over or cross contamination.
The AQ1 was designed specifically for the automated analysis of nutrients in water, wastewater, soils, extracts and digests. However, SEAL's Stuart Smith says "The instrument is extremely flexible and reflects our intention to deliver analytical technology that meets every customer's individual needs."
• This and other instruments are scheduled to be displayed at Analytica (17-20 Apl - Munich D)
Building on its reputation for innovation, SEAL Analytical has launched the 'AA1' – a fully automated analyser employing new technology based on segmented flow analysis for rapid, accurate, precise analysis of parameters such as Ammonia, Phosphate, Nitrate, Nitrite, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous and Chloride. Typical applications include water, wastewater, soil, plant, fertilizer, food and beverage analysis.
Designed for reliability and simplicity, the AA1 is fully automatic with up to two separate channels analyzing two parameters simultaneously and performing up to 120 tests per hour. Stuart Smith is President of Seal, he says the instrument "is a lab manager's dream because it is compact and able to run unattended. Its operation has been greatly simplified which makes it extremely attractive to users; with minimal flow paths and the ability to add samples at any time during a run. This new approach to segmented flow employs low reagent quantities, so while results are extremely accurate, the cost per test is minimised."
Instrument control and data acquisition is performed with intuitive, easy to use 'AACE Lite' software, offering over 1,000 analytical methods meeting USEPA, ASTM, ISO and other international regulatory standards.
In order to achieve low detection limits and excellent reproducibility for the AA1, SEAL Analytical's German facility has designed and manufactured an innovative pump and brand new heating module.
