Efficient Pipette Calibration With METTLER TOLEDO

Lab
Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory
1
News
Efficient Pipette Calibration
With METTLER TOLEDO
To ensure accurate and reliable liquid handling instruments, regular
calibration is required. The MCP system for single and multi-channel
pipette calibrations from METTLER TOLEDO facilitates the calibration
process at accredited service provider and in-house calibration labs and
supports the fulfillment of standards such as ISO8655.
Accurate Test Results
Pipette calibrations of variable volume pipettes,
according to the ISO 8655 standard,
require 10 measurements for every pipette
channel in 3 different volumes. This means
30 pipetting steps for a single- and 360 measurements
for 12 channel pipette. Tedious
and time consuming calibration processes
are often required especially of multi-channel
pipettes. This can result in not every
channel being thoroughly checked before a
new measurement, which in turn results in
unreliable liquid handling instruments and
therefore in inaccurate test results.
Multi-Channel Pipette Calibration
The multi-channel pipette calibration
system MCP and the calibration software
Calibry were designed to fulfill ISO 8655
requirements for both single- and multichannel
pipettes. They allow the simultaneous
high-speed and reliable calibration
of up to 12 channels. Each MCP unit is
portable and complete with its own carrying
case. Therefore ideal for onsite
calibrations making it the clear choice.
The system is extendable and able to grow
with your company’s needs. Up to 5 MCP’s
can be connected for continuous loading
and therefore even faster processes
for high-throughput pipette calibration.
METTLER TOLEDO’s MCP is a truly reliable
partner for highly productive pipette calibration.
} www.mt.com/pipcal
} www.mt.com/mcp

Filter Weighing
Filter Weighing
for Environmental Protection
Worldwide air pollution is responsible for respiratory diseases and, in
some cases, even deaths. Environmental laboratories monitor the status
of air pollution by measuring the weight of microscopically small particles
on filters using the gravimetric method.
Filter Weighing Kit for Efficient
Routine Work
The new filter weighing kit fits onto all
METTLER TOLEDO XP analytical balances
(0.1mg & 0.01mg readability models)
and measures filter sizes with a diameter
of up to 110mm. The unique weighing
pan has an integrated Faraday cage which
holds the filter in a manner that solves the
problem of electrostatic charges, and therefore
eliminates errors caused by static. This
construction then contributes in turn to
more accurate and faster weighing results.
With its ergonomic design, the handling of
filters is easier than ever as horizontal filter
placement avoids the loss of particulate
matters from the filter.
Complete Filter Weighing
Application
The ‘Differential weighing’ application is a
standard functionality integrated into the
firmware of the XP analytical balances. For
daily tasks, the XP analytical balance with
filter weighing kit is the most suitable solution
when only measuring a limited number
of filters. The dialogue-oriented software
of the XP analytical balance guides
the user through all steps of differential
weighing (initial new filter weighing and
back-weighing of used filter after collecting
particulate matters on the filters).
The storage of high quantities of data after
numerous filter measurements per day
is no problem. METTLER TOLEDO offers
a comprehensive solution: LabX software.
LabX can handle an unlimited number of
filters and assures data traceability. Methods
can be created with LabX software
according to each individual workflow
offering simple and flexible yet effective
data evaluation possibilities.
} www.mt.com/excellence
Publisher
Mettler-Toledo AG
Laboratory & Weighing Technologies
Im Langacher
CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland
Production
Segment Marketing LAB
Switzerland
Technical articles
Mettler-Toledo AG
– Laboratory & Weighing Technologies
– Analytical Instruments
11794225 40.12
Subject to technical changes.
© Mettler-Toledo AG 07/07
Printed in Switzerland.
METTLER TOLEDO LabNews 1

Thermogravimetry
High Performance
Keeps Companies on Track
Tires have developed and changed significantly since they were first
invented in the UK during the 19th century. With the increasing popularity
of bicycles and cars, tire technology is now naturally more complex
than ever, requiring several types of rubber to make just one tire in order
to deliver the required high performance. Compound testing using the
thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) aids in the development and quality
control of higher performance tires.
Compound Analysis by TGA
Tire compounders and engineers must
consider many factors when developing
tires. For example, tires must support the
load of the vehicle, transmit the driving,
braking and cornering forces from the
vehicle in all weather conditions, provide
comfort on the road with low noise and,
above all, be safe.
To achieve these features, tires normally
consist of several different components,
each with potentially varying formulations.
The TGA/SDTA851 e is often used
for the compositional analysis of tires
and provides quantitative analysis (see
Figure 1) for the following constituents:
n volatile compounds such as
plasticizers
n polymer content
n carbon black content
n ash (inorganic fillers)
Tire performance is measured in a number
of different ways with the application
of the tire itself influencing the choice
of tests. The key performance properties
for tires are often described using rolling
resistance, wear and wet grip tests. The
art of compounding is to balance out all
of these performance requirements for the
tire and to relate the test results on built
tires to the rubber compounds and processes
used in production. The TGA/SD-
TA851 e provides a quantitative approach
making this process easier and faster for
tire manufacturers worldwide.
} www.mt.com/tga
STAR e
Figure 1: TGA analysis of an elastomeric
compound using the TGA/SDTA851 e .
(Source: Collected Applications Thermal
Analysis, ELASTOMERS)
METTLER TOLEDO LabNews 1

One Click Titration
Automation with the Titration Excellence Line
For Fewer Product Breakdowns
As an innovative chemical company, METTLER TOLEDO’s customer provides
chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many
essential consumer markets. Here we demonstrate the benefits of upgrading
their titration systems to the new Titration Excellence Line from
METTLER TOLEDO for more efficiency and high quality service.
One of the central points in this customer’s
mission statement is the constant improvement
of everything they do. In order
to accomplish this, they spend a significant
amount of time testing to ensure the
quality of every product. One of the Quality
Assurance labs focuses on general acid/
base titrations. Our customer was ready to
upgrade from their old competitor models
to perform their daily titrations.
A METTLER TOLEDO sales representative
took the time to demonstrate the products
and solutions that would fit the company’s
needs. They were then guided through
step by step instructions on how to use
the equipment. In addition, they were
impressed with the extensive
METTLER TOLEDO service
plans. Not having to
worry about losing production
time due to product down time
was very important. They were relieved
to know that a factory-trained METTLER
TOLEDO service rep was only a phone call
away and that the comprehensive preventative
maintenance available would help
to reduce the amount of product breakdowns.
The customer purchased both T90 and
T70 Titrators, members of the Titration
Excellence Line featuring One Click Titration.
The titrators offered the automation
that they were looking for. The One
Click Titration feature allowed them to
perform titrations with just one press of a
button. In addition, the parallel titration
conditions in method functions and series
sequence features offered them unlimited
flexibility in their lab. The customer also
added several SP250 peristaltic pumps for
adding solvents and reagents and were
very pleased with how easily the pumps
could be added.
T90
Excellence Titrator
routine Karl Fischer titrations to more
demanding analyses such as external extraction,
high speed homogenizing and
Bromine Index. Combined with LabX
software, they are now able to control all
of their titrators from anywhere in the
lab or office via the network. The level of
automation, ease-of-use and security of a
solid service network has been key to their
satisfaction with METTLER TOLEDO.
} www.one-click-titration.com
} www.mt.com/one-click-titration
In addition, a METTLER TOLEDO DL38
Karl Fischer Titrator was purchased,
which comes with 10 pre-programmed
methods to perform everything from
DL38 Karl Fischer Titrator
METTLER TOLEDO LabNews 1

Moisture Analysis
Victorinox
Fits in Every Pocket
The Dalai Lama has one, Hillary Clinton has one and NASA astronauts
on space exploration have them too: The original Swiss Army Knife. The
red knife with the Swiss cross has made its way into pockets all over the
world and even to the Museum of Modern Art in New York. For productive
control of this masterpiece Victorinox, Switzerland, relies on Moisture
Analysis from METTLER TOLEDO.
The Cutting Art of Victorinox
Slicing an apple or repairing space crafts,
Swiss Army Knives are designed for all
eventualities and combine functionality
and world class design all in one. Embedded
in the aesthetically formed handle are
stainless steel blades and tools, precisely
crafted and guaranteed to last a life time.
Victorinox guarantees all knives and tools
to be of first class stainless steel and also
guarantees for a life time against any
defects in material and workmanship
(2 years for electronic components).The
evenly shiny plastic handle is molded
from cellulose propionate, a material offering
a truly radiant shine, typical for
jewelry, and robustness against impacts
and weathering conditions resisting even
hard impacts. The moisture content of the
plastic granules prior to molding is of essential
importance in order to retain the
quality of the handles. Even the smallest
deviations in the recommended moisture
content cause surface irregularities and
processing problems.
Fast and Repeatable Results
with the HR83
The first production step is to dry the plastic
granules to within a moisture content
of 0.02-0.07% depending on colorings and
additives used. To verify that the drying
procedure meets specifications, the operator
analyses moisture content with the
halogen moisture analyzer. The rapidly
available and reliable results, together
with the easy handling of the instrument
make the HR83 the perfect choice for the
production environment. Within 15 minutes
the result is displayed with a reading
of up to the three decimal places and
confirmed by a printout that is attached
to the working report.
HR83 halogen
moisture analyzer
Introducing moisture analysis as part
of the molding process has remarkably
reduced any injection molding machine
down-time as Peter Anderhub, Victorinox
manager of plastics operations, confirms:
“The time machines stand-still has been
minimized due to the immediately available
moisture data.” Working without the
HR83 has become simply unthinkable for
him: “METTLER TOLEDO’s halogen drying
technology is a sound investment that
pays for itself”.
} www.mt.com/HR83
METTLER TOLEDO LabNews 1

Quick Brix
Magnificent Muffins:
A matter of Quick Brix
Whether you like blueberry muffins, honey biscuits
or jam doughnuts, your favorite ‘treat’ needs to taste
exactly right. Read how Quick Brix can help biscuit
manufacturers to improve the quality control of their
key ingredients.
Taste depends on key ingredients
Sweet confectionary products comprise a
huge variety of raw materials: apart from
flour, sugar and other bulk ingredients,
there are many expensive, high quality
ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, jam,
fruit, honey and flavors. These typically
have a great impact on product taste and
represent a significant part of the overall
product cost. A quick check on many of
these ingredients can be performed with
Brix measurement upon goods reception,
even before they are unloaded. This way
contamination of other raw materials can
be prevented and product quality issues
due to raw material confusion avoided all
together.
Quick Brix for better tasting
biscuits
Quick Brix 90 is a portable, digital
refractometer that allows quick and fast
determination of Brix value over a wide
measuring range at accuracy levels of a
laboratory meter. Operators in goods reception
can analyze incoming materials
within minutes and release them for unloading
if they are within specs. Simple
calibration with de-ionized water and
one-button operation make it suitable
for scientifically untrained analysts. Its
robust design is well suited to harsh factory
environment and its small size allows
carrying in cloths pockets.
METTLER TOLEDO: Complete solutions
for ingredients analysis
The Quick Brix meters complete the
portfolio of density and refractometers
from METTLER TOLEDO for the confectionary
industry. Instruments include
simple, portable equipment, stand alone
laboratory instruments with different
resolutions and fully automated measurement
systems that allow simultaneous
measurement of multiple parameters
such as density, color, pH and refractive
index.
} www.mt.com/quickbrix.com
METTLER TOLEDO LabNews 1

LabX Software Solution
Improved Stability Determination
of Inhaler Valves
Chiesi Pharma is a pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Parma (Italy)
specializing in the development and production of respiratory dosage forms for the
treatment of asthma. The company was keen to switch from a paper ticket based-system
of weighing to a fully validated online weighing procedure in line with 21 CFR Part 11. See
how Chiesi cut their time previously spent in looking for old paper tickets and now receive
data from the LabX database in mere seconds.
Weight loss as THE quality
parameter
The Material Testing Laboratory of Chiesi
Pharma is responsible for statistically
checking the tightness of
“LabX enables us to
the inhaler valve on incoming
inhaler batches. The
calculate the average
weight loss per
most common problem is
year and allows us
encountered with the circumference,
and therefore
to make batch releases.”
the security of the seal,
where the acceptance criterion
is that the weight loss per year is less
than 600mg (or 450mg; depending on the
specific product type).
For this reason, a series of 20 inhalers
are weighed and then stored for exactly
10 days at 23°C (or 40°C). They are then
back-weighed and the weight loss calculated
for each inhaler. This weight loss
over 1 year is extrapolated pro rata and
compared to product specifications. With
the METTLER TOLEDO LabX solution,
Chiesi Pharma is saving considerable
time previously spent in looking for old
paper tickets and performing manual calculations
using a pocket calculator to determine
the weight loss.
With the LabX solution,
all data is traceable and
can be made available
within seconds from the
database.
“Method protection and
electronic data recording
has improved our
data security significantly.”
A traceable and reliable weighing
process
LabX Balance Pro Software is currently
installed on a stand-alone PC in the Material
Testing Lab and controls 2 balances:
an XP205 and an older
AT200. A weighing method
based on the embedded
differential weighing application
has been set up.
The method is approved
electronically and cannot be changed except
by the instrument supervisor. This
means a more reproducible and reliable
weighing process.
} www.mt.com/labx
METTLER TOLEDO LabNews 1

New Products and Technologies
From METTLER TOLEDO
METTLER TOLEDO delivers powerful solutions that simplify work in laboratories
around the world. Combining our state-of-the-art technologies
with our applicative competence, we have a strong value proposition to
make: accurate results and productivity second to none.
Weighing Solutions and Analytical Instruments
Unmatched DSC and TGA/DSC Performance
The new METTLER TOLEDO Thermal Analysis
Excellence Line offers tailor-made solutions for
industrial problems, for research and development
and for routine analyses in quality control.
The DSC utilizes an innovative patented DSC sensor
with 120 thermocouples, which guarantees
unrivalled sensitivity.
www.mt.com/TA
New Evaporation Trap
Speeds up Your Micropipettes Checks
Available as an accessory, the evaporation trap
can be easily mounted on METTLER TOLEDO’s
microbalances in order to switch from weighing
application to pipette calibration. A robust and
ergonomic design with built-in lid allows fast and
reproducible measurements according to the ISO
Norm.
www.mt.com/pipcal
Halogen Moisture Analyzer HB43-S –
With 100+ Validated Food Methods
The new HB43-S combines METTLER TOLEDO
halogen heating technology with analytical
power. It is simple to operate, comes along with
a rugged design and the integrated library offers
application methods for 100+ food substances.
www.mt.com/HB43
E-Man Hybrid From RAININ –
The future of manual pipetting – today!
By combining the simplicity of a manual pipette
with the added features and benefits of an electronic
pipette, such as an electronic real-time
display and added features like a cycle counter
or maintenance and technique alert, the E-Man
Hybrid brings together the advantages of both
systems in one great product.
www.mt.com/e-man
The new FiveGo and FiveEasy Meters
METTLER TOLEDO now offers new easy and
inexpensive instruments for various applications
inside the laboratory as well as in the field. The
compact FiveEasy bench top and the splashprotected
FiveGo portable pH and conductivity
meters combine intuitive operation with many
useful features - perfect for fast, reliable pH and
conductivity measurements.
www.mt.com/ph
Mettler-Toledo AG
Laboratory & Weighing Technologies
Im Langacher
CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland
Mettler-Toledo AG
Analytical Instruments
Sonnenbergstrasse 74
CH-8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
Your METTLER TOLEDO contact:
www.mt.com
For more information