December 21st 2022
Happy Holidays
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.
December 15th 2022
Removing inter-detector delay improves triple detection GPC/SEC.
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.
December 7th 2022
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.
December 1st 2022
The importance of understanding pump flow
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.
November 24th 2022
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.
November 17th 2022
Advanced light scattering consultancy & training.
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.
November 10th 2022
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.
November 3rd 2022
Why is precise dn/dc measurement important?
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.
October 27th 2022
Exceptional Refractive Index detector stability
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?
October 19th 2022
TESTA launch flowmeter calibration services
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.
October 12th 2022
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.
October 5th 2022
Reliable, Quantitative LC/MS
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.
September 28th 2022
Coreolis versus real time flow monitoring
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.
September 21st 2022
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.
September14th 2022
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.
September 7th 2022
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.
August 31st 2022
No1 in Precision Liquid Flow Measurement
Are you looking to #measureliquidflow in #realtime from an analytical or preparative chromatography system, #massspectrometer or #peristalticpump? Then look no further.
August 24th 2022
TESTA doubles production capacity
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.
August 17th 2022
Software assists precise flow monitoring
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.
August 10th 2022
TESTA Co-author Conference Paper
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.
Read presentation (in full)
Learn more about TESTA GPC/SEC systems
July 20th 2022
Non-contact bioprocess flow monitoring
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.
July 13th 2022
Verification of Zeta Potential Performance
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.
July 6th 2022
Refractive index detector kits for HPLC
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.
June 29th 2022
Servicing TESTA Analytical & Brookhaven instruments
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.
June 23rd 2022
High sensitivity gas bubble monitor.
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.
June 15th 2022
Training Services from TESTA Analytical
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.
June 9th 2022
High sensitivity device for detecting gas bubbles
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.
25th May 2022
Liquid chromatography pump calibration service
#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.
May 18th 2022
Consultancy for leading Polymer Institute.
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.
May 11th 2022
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.
May 4th 2022
Specialist HPLC Fittings.
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.
27th April 2022
Why is Flow Rate Important in GPC/SEC?
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.
April 20th 2022
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).
April 13th 2022
Versatile Platform for Polymer Analysis
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.
30th March 2022
Monitoring HPLC Pump Performance.
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.
March 23rd 2022
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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.
March 16th 2022
UV detection kits for process measurement
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.
March 9th 2022
Refractive index detector kits for HPLC
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.
24th February 2022
Enhanced Detector Stability Improves GPC/SEC Results
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.
February 17th 2022
TESTA launch custom chromatography website.
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.
February 10th 2022
Interested in Joining the TESTA team?
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.
February 3rd 2022
Tasked with characterizing polymers or proteins?
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.
27th January 2022
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.
January 20th 2022
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.
January 13th 2022
Studying Antibodies with Dynamic Light Scattering
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.
January 6th 2022
Happy New Year – New Chromatography Innovations
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.
December 16th 2021
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".
December 9th 2021
Breaking News – Liquid Chromatography Flowmeter 1.2
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.
December 2nd 2021
TESTA team member – introducing you to Jeannette
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.
November 25th 2021
Fast Access Online Bibliography
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.
