Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared Spectroscopy (EP-IR), introduces a new application explaining the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser.

Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared spectroscopy (EP-IR) analysers and winner of the 2006 R+D 100 award, introduces a new application for the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser. This application note demonstrates how the EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser is able to conduct simultaneous quantitative analysis of several hydrocarbon gases (C1-C4) in a mixture at parts-per-billion (ppb) level concentrations. Designed to respond to scientists' needs in petrochemical, chemical, environmental and process laboratories, this application note can be downloaded free-of-charge from the newly designed website.

One of the most striking features of the innovative Aspectrics analyser is the speed of data collection: a full spectrum every 10 milli-seconds.

Such scanning speed can translate into applications such as ultra-fast kinetics, parts-per-million (ppm) level quantitative analysis in less than 5 seconds, or, as demonstrated in this application note, measurement of parts-per-billion (ppb) levels of hydrocarbon compounds (methane [CH3], ethane [C2H6], propane [C3H8] and butane [C4H10]) and carbon monoxide [CO], with integration times of only 1-5 minutes.

Traditionally, infrared wavelength generation devices, such as the Non Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, are limited either in the simultaneous characterisation of more than one chemical compound, or by a lack of ruggedness, respectively.

In contrast, the Aspectrics MultiComponent EP-IR spectrometer is not only capable of resolving several chemical compounds even if they share a similar chemical composition (and subsequent spectroscopic features), but also is more cost-effective both in field implementation and ownership due to its NDIR-like ruggedness).

The EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser contains patented encoder disc technology that enables the encoding of full spectral information 100 times per second, resulting in 10 milli-second true refresh rate of the chemical information.

Moreover, dedicated on-board processors allow users to monitor processes in real time, even as often as 100 times per second.

Aspectrics quantitative analysis software enables real-time characterisation of multiple chemicals in process streams.

The software also communicates analytical results and instrument health information to central network locations, and facilitates full automation of calibration and calibration maintenance in production mode.

Thermo Electron has launched a new interactive web tool to allow online specification by prospective customers of FT-IR Spectrometers to their specific application requirements prior to purchasing.

Thermo Electron Corporation, world leader in analytical instrumentation, announces the availability of a new state-of-the-art interactive web tool that allows current and prospective customers to build an FT-IR spectrometer to their specific application requirements prior to purchasing. This web tool is the first of its kind in the industry. Designed for scientists working in pharmaceutical, chemical, QA/QC, forensics, research and academic laboratories, this build-your-own web tool will be unveiled at the Thermo Booth at the 232nd National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, on 10-14 September 2006 and is accessible via the website.

Responding to the increasing workloads of scientists, the Thermo versatile web tool saves time by allowing users to interchange a variety of parts quickly and easily, including internal spectrometer components and software options as well as accessories such as ATR, Raman and infrared microscopes.

Users are able to complete around 80% of the Nicolet 6700 FT-IR instrument specification on-line, with the option of e-mailing their selections to their local salesperson for further clarification and/or to request a quote.

The Schugi Flexomix Agglomerator, from Hosokawa Micron, is used to add a binder liquid to the fine powder and intensively mix the materials, so a homogeneous, dust free, granular material is produced

Increasing concern in the baking industry for health issues associated with the handling of dusty powders, such as flour, dough improvers and other additives, has resulted in legislation governing dust concentrations in working environments and restrictions in acceptable operator exposure levels. This has fuelled the demand for dust free products, that is products with powder particles greater than 50micron. Traditionally many bread improvers and additives are produced using spray drying techniques, which by their nature produce fine, dusty powders.

By utilising a continuous agglomeration production process, German based, leading specialist ingredient manufacturer Satro have created a range of bakery and food ingredients, including a dust free, calcium propionate bread improver that eradicate the problems of dust particles in the working environment.

The continuous system incorporates a Schugi Flexomix Agglomerator, from Hosokawa Micron, which is used to produce the dust free product.

By adding a binder liquid to the fine powder and intensively mixing the materials a homogeneous, dust free, granular material is produced.

The Flexomix is a vertical in-line mixer which mixes the materials speedily.

The self cleaning design incorporates a flexible walled chamber which is kneaded by external rollers to prevent the build up of material on the walls, thus maintaining thorough and speedy mixing.

Water or a base material solution is injected to bind the material.

The original material particles of less than 50micron are agglomerated to a particle size distribution between 125 and 2000 micron.

The particle size distribution can be altered by varying the percentage of binder added or by varying the rotor speed of the Flexomix.

The wet particles are dried in a Fluidised Bed Dryer to create a dust free granulate with free flowing characteristics.

This production method, rather than the traditional spray drying method, produces a granular bread improver with improved dispersibility and better behaviour when mixed with other fine textured ingredients.

Designed for food processing applications requiring exemplary standards in sterility and cleanability, Chemineer has launched an ASME-BPE-compliant Static Mixer.

Designed for food processing applications requiring exemplary standards in sterility and cleanability, Chemineer has launched an ASME-BPE-compliant Static Mixer, which benefits from electropolished as well as a fully passivated housing and elements. The new Kenics ASME-BPE Static Mixer utilises standard design helical mixing elements with food-grade stainless steel housing and a complete documentation package that includes material certificates. This latest in-line addition to the Chemineer range uses both radial mixing and flow division to achieve the desired mixture quality.

The result is near plug-flow characteristics, which eliminate radial gradients in temperature, velocity and material composition.

The Kenics ASME-BPE Static Mixer can handle both high and low viscosity fluids, with low pressure drop in just a short length of pipe.

For industrial duties, Kenics mixers are also available in a wide range of materials, including PTFE, PVC, FRP, and Hastelloy.

In addition, Chemineer also design and manufactures a wide range of proven, hygienic agitators.

A keynote presentation will review the application of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery to improve the performance of Industrial Particle and Powder Processing

Knowledge Process Solutions Director Akeel Attar is to deliver a keynote speech at the Control of Particulate Processes Conference taking place in Harrison Hot Springs (BC, Canada) from October 29th to November 2nd 2006. The theme of the conference this year is 'Intelligent Sensing and Control - the Path to Manufacturing Excellence'. Akeel's presentation will review the application of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery to improve the performance of Industrial Particle and Powder Processing.

The manufacturing processes of particulate solid products are widely recognized as presenting much greater processing challenges than either gases or liquids.

Measurement, modelling and control are considered as the key enabling techniques for improving the particulate product manufacturing performance and have continuously attracted significant amount of investment.

Akeel will share with the attendees the innovative work carried out by KPS in collaboration with Hosokawa Micron in the UK to develop an intelligent control system for powder mills.

The technical approach is based on KPS patented equipment control and optimisation technology and typical benefits of the system include reduced out of specification material, increased production rates, tighter control of product quality as well as reduced operator intervention.

Knowledge Process Solutions delivers advanced performance analysis and real-time monitoring solutions for the process industries that enable users to optimise process performance and minimise abnormal operations.

UFM has launched a new family of high capacity Laska bowl choppers, which are ideal for chopping meat, poultry and fish as well as producing pastes, bases and stocks for sauces, soups and gravies

Wellingborough based UFM (Union Food Machinery and Equipment) has launched a new family of high capacity Laska bowl choppers, including 200, 330, 500 and 750 litre models. The new machines are set to help the company meet customer demand for versatile chopping equipment. They are ideal for chopping meat, poultry and fish as well as producing pastes, bases and stocks for sauces, soups and gravies.

The new bowl choppers are offered with five different motor ratings to facilitate processing different materials and to provide different speeds.

The highest motor ratings offer what Laska believes to be the fastest machine of its type on the market.

The bowl choppers can offer from two cutting speeds and one or two mixing speeds up to infinitely variable cutting speeds up to the maximum as well as forward and reverse mixing, according to the rating.

Amongst the most significant advantages of the new range is the ease of use of the machines.

The simple PLC based control system is perfect for companies who are committed to improving their level of process automation.

'Control is essential if you want to maximise the efficiency of this kind of equipment,' explained Malcolm Burgess, managing director of UFM: 'Furthermore, PLC based control allows you access to additional information that can lead to further process improvements'.

UFM is also able to offer maintenance contracts to support the range as well as an on site specification service prior to sale.

'Effective maintenance is essential in the food industry where down time can be extremely costly,' explained Burgess: 'Maintenance is made all the easier when the machines are specified and installed correctly.

As a result, we strive to offer our best advice at the earliest possible stage'.

Options include vacuum execution, water addition and cooling via CO2 or liquid nitrogen.

A further option is a full recipe management system and modem link for rapid updating of required data via the Internet.

The Food Products Division of National Starch and Chemical Company has changed its name to National Starch Food Innovation. The new moniker is said to reflect a company that has evolved into one of the most innovative food ingredient suppliers in the world.

In this manual, the World Health Organization (WHO) updates its guidance for governments in preparing for a possible terrorist attack with biological or chemical weapons. The book has something for virtually everyone who may have an interest in this topic, from government officials to clinicians, including information about the history of biological and chemical warfare, applicable international treaties, procedures for requesting WHO technical consultation, fundamentals of public health emergency response, basics of infectious diseases, treatment of patients with specific infectious or toxic exposures, physical properties of various agents, the utility of reconnaissance satellites for detecting weapons development, the management of food and water safety programs, etc.

This ubiquity and ambitiousness underlie the manual's limitations and strengths. At times the guidance is so general that is almost an inventory of truisms (e.g., "If it is found that the [emergency] control measures are not effective, they must be changed or modified."); elsewhere, the manual is a detailed resource. Its utility for different users will depend on their backgrounds and information needs. The core chapter, Public Health Preparedness and Response, may disappoint those seeking more than general principles. Yet these principles merit articulation.

Descriptions of the sarin attack in Tokyo in 1995 and the anthrax attacks in the United States in 2001 illustrate lessons from governments' recent experiences with chemical and biological terrorism. Both episodes demonstrate that relatively small attacks can have a profound impact and expose weaknesses in public health systems. The anthrax case study lauds the success of laboratory preparations but does not sufficiently address three essential questions: Why did clinicians caring for the initial patients with cutaneous anthrax not establish and report the diagnosis sooner? Why did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not recognize earlier that anthrax spores could escape from sealed letters? Why did the federal government stumble initially in its efforts to communicate with the public? For each question, an assessment of systemic hurdles would benefit readers seeking to improve the functioning of the public health system.

The manual generally, but not consistently, avoids bureaucratic lingo. While clearly organized, the book lacks an index, complicating efforts to find information quickly. The appendices on chemical and biological agents offer concise, formatted summaries similar to those available through other resources, but ironically provide relatively little information about the agents' potential as weapons.

This manual will find a home on bookshelves worldwide among government officials and others concerned about the threat of biological and chemical terrorism. For those in countries most in need of this guidance, its scope may be overwhelming. But the book's underlying theme--that public health preparedness for biological or chemical terrorism depends on fundamental capacities to respond to more common health threats--is its most salient message, no matter where the user resides.

People suffering from otherwise unexplainable medical problems such as headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and even chest pains may have everyday chemicals to blame. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a medical condition whereby such symptoms can be attributed to the combined exposure to synthetic pollutants commonly found in detergents, perfumes, pesticides, solvents and even some foods and medicines.

While MCS goes by other names--including "Environmental Illness" and "Total Allergy Syndrome"--perhaps none captures its essence as well as "20th Century Disease." Between 1940 and 1980, the global production of synthetic organic chemicals rose from less than 10 billion pounds per year to more than 350 billion.

No longer rare, MCS reportedly affects 10 percent or more of Americans in varying degrees of severity. Nevertheless, the medical community rarely takes the condition Seriously. "Traditional medicine has not known how to explain it," writes Dr. Peter Montague in Rachel's Environment and Health Weekly. "This has left MCS sufferers in limbo. Told they are crazy, or imagining their disease, they are passed from physician to physician without any satisfactory answers and often without relief from their very real distress."

According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), "There is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm a relationship between any of these possible causes and symptoms." Even so, OSHA may offer some relief by regulating the use of cleaning products and other air quality contaminants. But some of the most ubiquitous MCS offenders, perfumes and air fresheners, are not subject to testing for toxins and are largely unregulated.

"It's oxymoronic to talk about fragrances that can be used by people with chemical sensitivities," says Albert Donnay, director of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Referral & Resources. In order for perfumes and air fresheners to work, he explains, they must contain volatile organic compounds, even if they are all-natural. "People with MCS have to give up perfumes, and people who do wear them need to be sensitive to the needs of others," says Donnay. CONTACT: OSHA, (800)321-6742, www.osha.gov; Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Referral & Resources, (410)889-6666, www.mcsrr.org.

I've heard that some foods are now being irradiated. Why is this and what are the implications for our health and safety?--Emily Worden, Monroe, CT

Food irradiation is used to kill bacteria and parasites and to retard spoilage. The U.S. FDA approved irradiation in 1963 to rid flour of insects, and to block potato sprouting. It later approved irradiation of spices and meat.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) endorse food irradiation, and more than 40 nations have approved it. WHO says it is "badly needed in a world where food-borne diseases are on the rise."

The FDA says irradiation is safe, but critics charge otherwise. Irradiation does not make food radioactive, but it can create toxic byproducts and "unique radiolytic products" that haven't yet been identified or tested, says John W. Gofman of the University of California. "Our ignorance about these compounds makes it a fraud to tell the public 'we know' irradiated foods are safe," he says. The Organic Consumers Association claims irradiation saps food's nutritional value, deactivates enzymes and encourages fats to turn rancid.

Cushman & Wakefield announced that Supresta U.S.L.L.C., the world's largest maker of flame-retardant chemicals, has signed a long-term lease for approximately 35,000 s/f at Ardsley Park Science & Tech Center in Ardsley, NY.

Located off the Saw Mill River Parkway in Ardsley, Ardsley Science & Tech Center is known for its ability to cost effectively accommodate a variety of needs for both large and small research and development laboratory and office users. The park offers numerous amenities including a newly renovated full service cafeteria with indoor/outdoor seating, a fitness center, conferencing facilities, and on site storage.

Supresta's space will consist of a single office floor at 420 Saw Mill River Road and a single lab floor at 430 Saw Mill River Road. The multi-building office park is comprised of more than 450,000 sf of laboratory and office space. Supresta will relocate approximately 50 employees from Chicago.

"We're thrilled to have signed Supresta as one of our first major tenants since we've begun our new capital upgrades program at Ardsley Park Science & Tech Center. Because of their combined office and lab requirement, Ardsley Park meets Supresta's current and future infrastructure, telecommunication and expansion needs, and provides many amenities that are important to their employees", said David Fiore, of The Davis Companies on behalf of Millsaw Realty, L.P., the property's owner.

Maureen O'Boyle, senior director of Cushman & Wakefield, represented Supresta in the transaction negotiations. Cushman & Wakefield's Glenn Walsh, senior director, Tom Giannone, senior director, and Lawrence A. Ruggieri, associate, represented Millsaw Realty, L.P. The Cushman & Wakefield Ardsley Park Science & Tech Center leasing team last year launched a targeted marketing program designed to reach out to tenancies of all sizes with office/lab needs, following ownership's launch of a multi-million dollar property upgrade. "This location was an obvious target for Supresta," said Ms. O'Boyle. "The company was able to take full advantage of Ardsley Park Science & Tech Center's aggressive, market rental rates, as well as the excellent layout and multimillion dollar upgrades."

Currently, there are approximately 125,000 sf of prime office and laboratory space immediately available for lease at Ardsley Science & Tech Center.

Authorities at Australia's Melbourne Airport closed a terminal on Monday morning (21 February) after more than 50 people became ill.

The Virgin Blue domestic terminal was evacuated when dozens of people, mostly airline and security staff, suffered nausea, vomiting, dizziness and respiratory problems. Around 45 people were taken to hospital.

The cause of the illness is not yet known but a chemical leak was suspected.

The terminal was closed for about nine hours, forcing the cancellation of all Virgin Blue flights scheduled to depart from the airport, while passengers on arriving flights were taken to another terminal.

The possibility of a chemical or biological attack on U.S. forces in Iraq is very much on the minds of both military leaders and American citizens. The possibility of such an attack occurring on U.S. soil is also a matter of concern for many. How prepared are we for such an act of aggression, and what should we do were it to happen?

Angelo Acquista, cited as the "pro bono medical director of the New York City Mayor's Office of Emergency Management," addresses precisely these concerns. (His survival guide has its own Web site at www.911guide.com.)

Our first response to suspected exposure to biological and chemical agents should be--when no respiratory mask is available--to "cover mouth and nose with fabric (wet if possible)." Acquista emphasizes the importance of washing and showering as soon as possible. Every adult would be well advised to read the chapter "Creating an Emergency Action Plan," as well as the chapter "Preparedness and Response Supplies."

Most of the contents, however, constitute a reference book to be used in the midst of emergencies rather than digested before the fact. The book has a first-rate index that will serve the reader well in tracking down specific precautions, symptoms and treatments. It also supplies information necessary for making intelligent decisions on such matters as whether or not to receive a smallpox vaccination. (On the last point, a recent survey by the Harvard School of Public Health published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that 25 percent of Americans believe they would be likely to die from the side effects of smallpox vaccine. In fact, the most recent estimate predicts that fewer than three persons per million would die, although recent reports of heart attacks that may be vaccine-related have increased the public anxiety.).

Not everything the author has said to the press has been as rigorous as the advice in his book. Acquista told the Knight Ridder Newspapers on March 19 that biological weapons were unlikely to kill more than a handful of people and "that the only weapon of mass destruction is a nuclear detonation." Yet in the book Acquista refers to all the terrorist threats that he discusses in his guide as "weapons of mass destruction," and throughout the text he is forthright about the terrible dangers posed by bio-weapons.

As a military historian and medical writer who has studied these issues at great length over many years, I trust Acquista the author more than Acquista the interviewee. I agree with the 1998 statement by John Holum, director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency under President Clinton, who remarked, "For 20 years, biological weapons have been regarded in the same way as chemical weapons. In fact, they are much closer to nuclear weapons in terms of their destructive power."

Though bio-weapons and nuclear weapons are indeed comparable in their ability to kill, there is no comparison in cost of production. The resources of a nation-state are necessary for manufacturing nuclear weapons, but not for waging germ warfare. The Washington Post confirmed this fact when it reported on March 23 that "al-Qaeda leaders, long known to covet biological and chemical weapons, have reached at least the threshold of production. They may already have manufactured some, according to a newly obtained cache of documentary evidence and interrogations recently conducted by the U.S. government."

Perhaps Acquista errs on the side of optimism because he wants to quell incipient panic. In any ease, his book is inadequate in providing psychological advice, though he does include a useful section titled "What to Tell Children/Helping Them Cope." Uncharacteristically, he even suggests that especially frightened children may require the services of "a member of the clergy." So may adults!

For the most part, churches and synagogues are lagging in their response to the clear and present dangers of weapons of mass destruction. This and other books should convince religious leaders to join with the secular disaster-preparedness groups in developing emergency plans for congregations.

The need for volunteers will persist, since federal and local preparations may well prove inadequate. As the New York Times put it on March 19, "President Bush promised help--$3.5 billion for first responders [to terrorist attacks] in localities across the nation but [the aid] has remained mostly unfinanced. It may get ever more difficult to be heard while both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue are looking at an initial bill of tens of billions of dollars to attack Iraq and then begin rebuilding it."

During the decline of the Roman Empire, the church eagerly served the needs of people, especially the sick, children, the elderly and the poor. As the empire's institutions became less and less capable of caring for local needs, the church stepped in to fill the gap. Our spiritual heritage commands us to do likewise.