Press Releases

Arizona Instrument today announced the release of the newest addition to its line of moisture and solids analyzers, the Computrac® MAX® 4000. The Computrac® MAX® 4000 builds on the successes of its predecessor, the Computrac® MAX® 2000, with a more user friendly interface and a slew of additional features designed to offer the end user faster throughput, greater control of testing conditions, and more comprehensive test data.

The Computrac® MAX® 4000 features a full color screen that displays separate graphs for rate of moisture evolution and total moisture evolution. It also features a full ten digit alpha-numeric keypad for entering sample information.

The MAX® 4000 facilitates faster throughput via a forced air cooling system that allows the instrument to cool from test temperature to idle temperature 25% faster than previous models. The MAX® 4000 also features a Temperature Ramp Rate Control option which allows the user to control the rate at which the instrument heats from idle to test temperature. There are also a number of new options for test ending criteria which offer the user greater flexibility and control.

The MAX® 4000 also features a web server option that allows test results to be downloaded, and test parameters to be uploaded via a local intranet. Using the new USB port, test results can also be captured directly from an instrument using an external flash memory device. The USB port can also interface directly with a barcode reader, a printer, or a nitrogen control module.

The Parameter Expert option of the MAX® 4000 assists the end user in the development of repeatable, sample specific test parameters. Just start the Parameter Expert program and follow the on-screen prompts, and after a few tests the instrument will return an optimal parameter set for the sample.

Arizona Instrument today announced the release of the next generation of bench top moisture and ash analyzers, the Computrac® MAX® 5000XL. The MAX® 5000XL advances the state of the art in rapid moisture and ash analysis with a new temperature controlled balance and high temperature lift compensation algorithm that provides users with more stable and accurate measurements. The new instrument also features a temperature ramp control feature that allows the MAX® 5000XL to be used for qualitative analyses that were previously only possible using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA).

The new MAX® 5000XL features the same intuitive user interface and rugged design as its predecessor the MAX® 5000. Improvements to the design and high temperature performance of the balance system of the MAX® 5000XL now make it possible to accurately analyze materials with ash concentrations of as little as 0.5%. The calibrated, instrument specific, high temperature lift compensation algorithm replaces the static lift compensation factor of previous models, resulting in more precise readings during ash / L.O.I. analyses.

The new temperature ramp control feature of the MAX® 5000XL allows the user to capture the weight loss of a sample during a precisely controlled temperature change. Information gained from this test is similar to a scan performed by a more expensive thermogravimetric analyzer. This new feature effectively transforms the MAX® 5000XL into a dual use instrument capable of quantitatively testing for moisture and ash and qualitatively testing for the presence of certain organic or inorganic ingredients, and the degradation temperature of the material under test.

Arizona Instrument LLC is pleased to announce the release of the newest firmware enhancement of the Computrac® MAX® 2000XL moisture/solids analyzer, the 4.36 Advantage. The new Advantage firmware utilizes the industry-proven, RAPID Loss-on-Drying methodology, providing the testing accuracies and reliability required by the pharmaceutical industry, but it now includes three (3) key feature enhancements to comply with the expanding requirements and policies of governing bodies, SOP certification processes and equipment verification standards. These new features include: User Login/Tracking to track and manage user testing activities, Balance Verification to provide in-field balance check and reporting, and Balance Mode to allow the instrument to function as a stand-alone balance.

An industry leader for more than 20 years for moisture and solids determination, many pharmaceutical companies and contracted facilities rely on the Computrac® MAX® 2000XL's speed, precision and reliability to assist them in determining end-point drying for granulations, lyophilized materials, gel caps, and fills. The Computrac® series also has a proven track record in new product research and development.

Arizona Instrument LLC is pleased to announce the formal release of the new Jerome® 471 ultra low-level mercury vapor analyzer. Significant performance capabilities and customizable features now provide a new alternative for industrial hygienists and consultants to detect, measure and report levels of mercury vapor for environmental, industrial and residential spill and clean-up level assessment.

The 471 detects mercury vapor levels as low as 0.030 µg/m3 -- easily fulfilling detection protocols developed by the EPA and ATSDR for mercury testing -- using the UV Atomic Absorption spectrometry method. Key features that are unique to the 471 include a 5-point NIST traceable calibration, programmable threshold limit and alarm settings, continuous data logging, long battery life and quiet operation. Other features include a built-in User's Help Guide, intuitive, touch screen menu accessibility and USB connection for data transfer. Comfort and ease have also been designed into this truly portable instrument with the padded shoulder-strap and detachable, flex probe to reduce fatigue often associated with field testing. This newest addition to the Jerome® maintains all the familiar features - reliability, accuracy and simplicity - that have established Jerome® as an industry leader in the mercury vapor and hydrogen sulfide gas detection markets for more than 20 years.

The Jerome® 471 is supported by Arizona Instrument's reputable and comprehensive 24/7 customer service support team who provides the time-critical service and support required by the hazardous response, gas detection and industrial hygiene industries. Tom Hatfield, Director of Engineering at Arizona Instrument, states, "Arizona Instrument has been able to create an accurate and repeatable instrument that will meet and exceed the demands of regulatory testing today, as well as the long term future. Our engineering team has worked hard to deliver a product that will provide all the features and accommodations to which our customer base has become accustomed, without compromising quality or accuracy."e;

Arizona Instrument LLC is pleased to announce the approval and conformity of the Computrac® MAX® 2000XL moisture/solids analyzer to the new ASTM method D7232-06. A fast and easy testing alternative, D7232-06 "Standard Test Method for Rapid Determination of the Nonvolatile Content of Coatings by Loss in Weight" was adopted by ASTM after its most recent round of balloting this summer.

Rapid Loss-on-Drying technology has many advantages over traditional methods, making it an ideal choice for companies who want to make quality products as efficiently as possible, while minimizing energy and time expenditures typically associated with the traditional testing methods. Rapid loss-on-drying instruments, such as the Computrac® MAX® 2000XL manufactured by Arizona Instrument, are durable enough for the production floor yet versatile enough for the laboratory. They require very little training to use accurately and even an inexperienced operator can produce reliable results.

"Many of our customers in the coatings industry have been looking for a rapid ASTM method that would allow them to quickly and easily test for nonvolatile content in their raw materials, in-process materials and finished goods." states Timothy Bell, Lab Manager for Arizona Instrument. "We initiated a task group to develop a method based on the rapid loss-on-drying technology to provide a simple and cost-effective alternative for testing nonvolatile content in coatings."

Arizona Instrument LLC is pleased to announce the development and release of the new Jerome® J405 mercury vapor monitor, which will debut March 13th-16th at the 2006 Pittsburgh Conference (Pittcon) in Orlando, Florida.

This next-generation of the renowned Jerome® family of vapor monitors maintains all the features, reliability and simplicity that have established Jerome® as an industry leader in the mercury vapor and hydrogen sulfide gas detection markets for more than 20 years. Significant performance enhancements and new features now provide a new alternative for industrial hygienists and consultants to detect, measure and report levels of mercury vapor for environmental, industrial and residential spill and clean-up level monitoring.

The J405 detects mercury vapor levels as low as 0.5 µg/m3 with an accuracy of ±5% at 1 µg/m3 -- fulfilling the protocols developed by the EPA and ATSDR for mercury testing--in a lighter and more ergonomically designed case, setting a new precedence for low-level, portable monitors. The industry-proven, gold film sensor has been upgraded and improved, resulting in longer life expectancies and faster response times. The larger display, onboard data logging, auto zeroing, and battery-powered sensor regeneration will make it easier to use and maintain the instrument in the field. Communication options and data acquisition has become more simplified with USB communication, SCADA compatibility via 4-20ma output, and menu-driven programming options. Tom Hatfield, Director of Engineering at Arizona Instrument, states, "With the updated electronics and improvements to the gold film analog circuit, Arizona Instrument has been able to extend the sensitivity range to the sub-1 µg/m3 range. Previously this level of detection was only achievable via atomic spectroscopy. Our engineering team has worked hard to deliver a product that will provide accurate and reliable performance in the field."

Arizona Instrument is pleased to announce the release of the new Vapor Pro® Communications (Vapor Pro Comm) software. The program will be demonstrated March 13th-16th, at the 2006 Pittsburgh Conference (Pittcon) in Orlando, Florida.

This intuitive and feature-packed customizable software program will provide users of the Vapor Pro® family of moisture analyzers a time-saving alternative for programming, transferring, reporting and storing test information. Vapor Pro® Comm is designed to work with all of the Vapor Pro® model instruments with firmware version 1.12 or later. The software allows users to view, assess and manage test parameter settings and data from single or multiple-unit configurations on one screen. Notable features include: a Desktop Tutorial to simplify the set-up, navigation and familiarization of the software; a Pass/Fail criteria to help with quick assessment of product quality; and customizable report formats to report only what is needed.

Arizona Instrument is pleased to announce the release of two new firmware programs for the Computrac® MAX® 5000 moisture, solids and ash analyzer. These intuitive and feature-packed customizable programs will provide MAX® 5000 users time-saving alternatives for accessing, programming, transferring, reporting and storing test information.

The Computrac® Parameter Expert program will aide user's in the development and refinement of testing parameters, to maximize accuracies and correlations to established test methods for moisture, solids and ash analysis. A 6-step query will automatically determine the best parameters to use for the application, and then walk the user through a series of tests to optimize and set the parameters, based on acceptable testing criteria and ranges.

The Web Browser program will establish an interface with a Local Area Network, to allow remote viewing of the MAX® 5000's status, calibration information, test parameters and test results from a networked PC. Both programs are immediately available, and will be demonstrated March 13th-16th, at the 2006 Pittsburgh Conference (Pittcon) in Orlando, Florida.

Arizona Instrument LLC is pleased to announce the development and release of the new Jerome® J405 mercury vapor monitor, which will debut March 13th-16th at the 2006 Pittsburgh Conference (Pittcon) in Orlando, Florida.

This next-generation of the renowned Jerome® family of vapor monitors maintains all the features, reliability and simplicity that have established Jerome® as an industry leader in the mercury vapor and hydrogen sulfide gas detection markets for more than 20 years. Significant performance enhancements and new features now provide a new alternative for industrial hygienists and consultants to detect, measure and report levels of mercury vapor for environmental, industrial and residential spill and clean-up level monitoring.

The J405 detects mercury vapor levels as low as 0.5 µg/m3 with an accuracy of ±5% at 1 µg/m3 -- fulfilling the protocols developed by the EPA and ATSDR for mercury testing -- in a lighter and more ergonomically designed case, setting a new precedence for low-level, portable monitors. The industry-proven, gold film sensor has been upgraded and improved, resulting in longer life expectancies and faster response times. The larger display, onboard data logging, auto zeroing, and battery-powered sensor regeneration will make it easier to use and maintain the instrument in the field. Communication options and data acquisition has become more simplified with USB communication, SCADA compatibility via 4-20ma output, and menu-driven programming options. Tom Hatfield, Director of Engineering at Arizona Instrument, states, "With the updated electronics and improvements to the gold film analog circuit, Arizona Instrument has been able to extend the sensitivity range to the sub-1 µg/m3 range. Previously this level of detection was only achievable via atomic spectroscopy. Our engineering team has worked hard to deliver a product that will provide accurate and reliable performance in the field."

Arizona Instrument LLC is pleased to announce the approval and conformity of the Computrac® Vapor Pro® moisture analyzer to ASTM method D7191-05. A fast, easy, cost-effective alternative to titration methods, D7191-05 "Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture in Plastics by Relative Humidity Sensor" was adopted by ASTM after its most recent round of balloting this fall.

Relative Humidity Sensor technology has many advantages over traditional titration methods, making it an ideal choice for companies who want to make quality products as efficiently as possible, without the recurring costs of chemicals, glassware or disposal. Relative Humidity Sensor instruments, such as the Computrac® Vapor Pro® manufactured by Arizona Instrument, are durable enough for the production floor yet versatile enough for the laboratory. They require very little training to use accurately; even an inexperienced operator can produce reliable results.

"Many of our customers in the plastics industry have been looking for a reagent-free, ASTM method that would allow them to quickly and easily test for moisture in their raw materials and finished products." states Timothy Bell, Lab Manager for Arizona Instrument. "We initiated a task group to develop a moisture-specific method based on the relative humidity detection technology to provide a safe and cost-effective alternative for testing moisture content in plastics."