Category Archives: Lab

pre-owned scientific equipment

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Buying Pre-Owned Scientific Equipment

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  1. Why should I buy pre-owned scientific equipment?

Pre-owned equipment is cost-effective because the price tag is typically a fraction of the cost of new instruments. For labs just getting started or labs facing budget constraints or needing to allocate funds elsewhere, purchasing pre-owned equipment is a viable option.

  1. How do I ensure the preowned equipment meets my lab’s standards and requirements?

Like purchasing new equipment, you should determine your lab’s requirements and compare them with the equipment’s specifications. You can also request these details from the seller and ask for a demonstration. 

  1. Is used lab equipment reliable?

Reputable sellers will thoroughly test and refurbish pre-owned equipment to ensure it meets performance standards. If you are buying from the owner, ask how they maintained the equipment to determine if the instrument was well-maintained. 

  1. What types of warranties and support are available for used lab equipment?

Vendors can offer warranties and maintenance services similar to what you would expect with new equipment. It’s important to check with the seller about the specifics of their warranty and any available support services.

  1. What should I do if the preowned equipment needs repairs or maintenance?

Ask if the seller offers maintenance and repair services. You can also establish relationships with local service providers who specialize in the types of equipment you use to ensure ongoing support and maintenance.

  1. Can pre-owned lab equipment keep up with current scientific standards and technology?

Often, the technology in preowned equipment is still highly relevant and capable of performing necessary tasks. While newer models might have additional features, the core functionalities required for many scientific procedures remain consistent. Referencing the product description on the manufacturer’s website can help you determine this. 

  1. What should I look for when buying used lab equipment?

Verify the equipment’s condition, maintenance history, and the seller’s reputation. Check that the equipment has been tested and whether or not it was refurbished. Request documentation of any testing or refurbishments done.

  1. How can I verify a seller’s reputation?

Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Reliable sellers will often have positive feedback and a strong reputation in the scientific community. Check industry-specific forums, social media groups, and review sites where buyers share their experiences with different vendors.

  1. How do I verify the functionality of pre-owned scientific equipment?

Request documentation of the equipment’s maintenance history and any refurbishments performed. Many reputable sellers will also provide certification of testing and calibration to ensure the equipment is functioning correctly.

  1. Are there environmental benefits to buying pre-owned scientific equipment?

Purchasing used equipment is environmentally friendly. It promotes the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, helping to minimize waste and reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new equipment. Read more about reducing E-waste.

  1. How does buying used equipment affect long-term costs and budgeting?

Initial costs are significantly lower, allowing for better allocation of resources. Additionally, well-maintained used equipment can have a long lifespan, and the availability of warranties can mitigate unexpected repair costs.

  1. What risks are there about preowned lab equipment?

Concerns about equipment being defective, having a short lifespan, or lacking support and warranties can be dispelled by purchasing from reputable sources that guarantee quality and support. You can also request documentation of maintenance and refurbishing to ease any concerns. 

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Buying Used LC/MS Equipment

Tips for Selling and Buying Used LC/MS Equipment

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If you work in a lab, analysis, precision, efficiency, and reliability are paramount. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) is a groundbreaking technology at the forefront of reliable sample analysis. It combines the robust separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with the precise mass analysis of mass spectrometry, offering scientists unprecedented insights into complex sample compositions. In this blog, we aim to help you sell or buy used LC/MS equipment.

What is an LC/MS Sample Analyzer?

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is an analytical chemistry technique that combines the capabilities of liquid chromatography (or HPLC) with mass spectrometry (MS). This coupling enhances the strengths of each technique, making it popular in chemical analysis.

Liquid Chromatography (LC): LC separates mixtures with multiple components, allowing for the isolation of individual compounds. This separation is achieved based on the differences in the affinity of the compounds for the stationary and mobile phases within the chromatography system.

Mass Spectrometry (MS): MS provides spectral information about the compounds separated by LC. It helps in identifying or confirming the suspected identity of each component. MS is highly sensitive and provides selective detection, eliminating the need for complete chromatographic separation.

LC/MS is particularly suitable for metabolomics (analyzing small molecules for biological insights) due to its ability to cover a wide range of chemicals. This tandem technique finds applications in various fields, including biotechnology, environmental monitoring, food processing, and pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and cosmetic industries. It can analyze biochemical, organic, and inorganic compounds commonly found in complex samples of environmental and biological origin.

Since the early 2000s, LC/MS (specifically LC/MS/MS) has also been utilized in clinical applications, expanding its utility to medical diagnostics and research.

Tips for Selling Used LC/MS Equipment

If you are selling an LC/MS system, focus on meeting the needs of potential buyers. When creating your listing, highlight the points that are most important to buyers in various industries as well as the unique value proposition of your LC/MS system. By gaining insights into buyer preferences, you can tailor your description to better match market demand and emphasize its key relevant features and benefits. 

If possible, offer a demonstration. This can instill confidence in potential buyers. Also, including demonstrations in your listing can give you an advantage over other sellers who are not offering demonstrations. This can be a deal-maker. 

Another way to stand out is by offering After-Sales Support. This includes offering technical assistance, training programs, and maintenance agreements to help buyers optimize the performance and longevity of their investment. This demonstrates your commitment to the buyer while increasing the perceived value of the sample analyzer you are selling.

Tips for Buying Used LC/MS Equipment

An LC/MS system can be a significant investment requiring you to carefully consider various factors. Ensure you select the right analyzer to meet your specific needs. Here are some tips for buying one second-hand.

Clearly define the specific requirements and objectives of your laboratory. This includes identifying the types of samples to be analyzed, required analytical capabilities, throughput needs, budget constraints, and compatibility with existing laboratory infrastructure. Understanding these factors upfront will help you know if the specific LC/MS system is what you need. 

If you are evaluating several sample analyzers, consider assessing the equipments’ sensitivity, selectivity, resolution, speed, ease of use, reliability, and maintenance requirements. By prioritizing factors based on their importance to the laboratory’s analytical workflow, you can make more informed decisions and choose the analyzer that offers the best overall value.

Search online for recommendations and reviews from other laboratories or industry experts about their experience with the system you are interested in. Unbiased reviews provide valuable insights.

Finally, you can negotiate price and warranty options with the seller. 

Conclusions

Buying and selling used sample analyzers offer significant cost savings advantages. For sellers, when you create your description, keep in mind what features and benefits your potential buyer needs, and if you can, offer a demo to build trust and accelerate the deal. For buyers, make sure you understand exactly what you need from the LC/MS system and seek online customer reviews before purchasing. 

You can see the latest used LC/MS equipment on our website. We are the one-stop site for used lab equipment on the web, connecting 1000’s of buyers and sellers.

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Used centrifuge

Tips for Selling and Buying a Used Centrifuge Online

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Are you looking to buy or sell a used centrifuge? This blog will help you. 

Centrifuges are used across a myriad of industries, quietly facilitating processes crucial for research, manufacturing, and quality control. 

From separating components in biological samples to refining industrial materials, these precision instruments play an indispensable role in countless applications. However, acquiring brand-new centrifuges can present a substantial financial investment, particularly for businesses navigating budget constraints or seeking to optimize their capital expenditures.

Let’s see how buying and selling these machines can save you money, streamline your operations, and pave the way for sustainable business growth.

What are Centrifuges?

Centrifuges separate substances based on density or particle size and come in various forms, tailored to specific needs. Laboratory centrifuges, for instance, cater to scientific research, while industrial centrifuges power large-scale manufacturing processes.

In pharmaceuticals, they’re indispensable for isolating compounds and purifying drugs. Biotechnology relies on centrifuges for cell harvesting and protein separation. Even in the food and beverage sector, they play a crucial role in clarifying liquids and extracting oils.

Understanding the nuances of centrifuges, from their fundamental principles to their diverse applications, lays the groundwork for informed decision-making in the realm of buying and selling used equipment.

Tips for Selling Used Centrifuges

You can sell your used centrifuges online. To get the most value from them, be meticulous about preparing them.  Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned, properly maintained, and fully operational before listing them for sale.

Your pricing strategy should strike a balance between attracting buyers and safeguarding fair value. Research the market to understand prevailing prices and factor in the condition, age, and specifications of your centrifuges when determining your asking price.

When listing your used centrifuges for sale, provide detailed and accurate descriptions of their features, specifications, and condition. Transparency builds trust with potential buyers and increases the likelihood of a successful transaction.

Tips for Buying Used Centrifuges

Before making a sight-unseen purchase of a used centrifuge, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the various types and models available to ensure they align with your specific needs and applications. 

Start by identifying the intended use of the centrifuge, whether it’s for laboratory research, industrial processes, or other purposes. Then, explore the different types of centrifuges, such as high-speed or refrigerated centrifuges, and their respective models from reputable manufacturers.

With a solid understanding of the centrifuge landscape, you can narrow down your options and focus on models that meet your requirements.

Before committing to purchase, verify that components like motors, rotors, and control systems are fully functional. Additionally, inquire about the centrifuge’s maintenance history and any past repairs. Gathering this information will help you make an informed decision and help mitigate potential risks associated with purchasing a used centrifuge. 

Questions Buyers Should Ask 

Before investing in a used centrifuge, find out how old the accessories are. 

Also verify the availability of spare parts. If the equipment breaks down and repairs are preferable to replacement, you want to be sure that spare parts are available.  

Ask for a decontamination certificate from the seller. Without knowing the centrifuge’s history, ensuring cleanliness is vital. 

Finally, ask if the centrifuge is covered under a warranty. 

Post-Sale Considerations

After completing the purchase, be sure to conduct a thorough post-purchase follow-up and ensure ongoing support from the seller. Upon receiving your centrifuge, inspect it carefully to verify its condition and functionality. If you find any discrepancies or issues, notify the seller promptly to address them and seek a resolution.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, buying and selling used centrifuges offer significant advantages such as cost savings and accessibility. Used-Line is the one-stop site for buyers and sellers of centrifuges on the web, connecting 1000’s of equipment buyers and sellers.

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What is the D2D-InStock System, anyway, and how can it help me?

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The Used-Line D2D-InStock System Demystified

The Used-Line D2D-InStock System is a shortcut to finding equipment that you need urgently.

How does the D2D-InStock System work?

It’s really quite simple.

Really.

Let’s just have a chat about this – forget about technicalities, how-tos, and all the rest.

Instead, we’ll discuss a typical scenario that describes day-to-day business in the marketplace of used (and new) scientific and industrial equipment, including test and measurement, labs, semiconductor manufacturing, and more.

You are a dealer in used Test & Measurement equipment and one bright and sunny morning you get a call from a customer (let’s call him Bob) requesting – actually, demanding – five Agilent (now Keysight) 4396B RF Network/Spectrum/Impedance analyzers, including specific fixtures. Bob is not his usual calm self. He tells you he needs this equipment right now – in fact, yesterday – and can you ship immediately (if not yesterday)?

Keysight 4396B analyzer

Keysight (Previously Agilent) 4396B (from Keysight Technologies website)

The 4396B is now obsolete, but that’s Ok, you’ve listed it on Used-Line. But, here’s the rub. You have only one in stock right now, not five!

What to do?!

Fortunately, you have already finished your second cup of coffee of the day, so you are able to think relatively clearly. You know that there just has to be at least four Keysight 4396B analyzers somewhere out there in the marketplace, so who should you call? Certainly not Ghostbusters. (Oops, I’m dating myself!)

So, you get out your lists. Long lists of companies who sell new and used equipment. Phone numbers. Email addresses. All dealers like yourself. You gather your troops, asking everyone to join your search. Everyone is eager to lend a hand. They’re a dedicated crew. Well, that’s nice that you have such amenable staff, but how many hours are you all going to spend emailing and calling everyone you know in the business, trying to find these elusive analyzers?

Wait a minute! What is that new Used-Line D2D InStock System all about? Isn’t there some sort of buddy system I can use to check all over the world for the availability of these Keysight analyzers?

Well, yes, there is! And here’s the really simple part of it all! USED-LINE does all the work for you! Ok, almost all the work. There is just one small task you need to perform to contribute to this workflow in order to make it work:

Tell us what equipment you are looking for!

And that’s it. And here’s the one and only instruction that I have to give you:

Send an email to system1@used-line.com telling us what equipment you urgently need.  email

And that’s it! No need for any tables or spreadsheets. Just email us and tell us that you need 4 Keysight 4396B analyzers.

And don’t forget to mention which fixtures or other options you need with the units.

And then what?

man_happy_equipment_found

You go get another cup of coffee, and when you return to your desk, there is a strong chance that there’ll be an email from Used-Line waiting for you to let you know that there are sellers out there who have the equipment you need IN STOCK! Ok, maybe not if you were looking for a rare machine that was last seen in 1960 (a Tektronix 310, anyone?). But if not right away, if someone is selling what you need, you will hear about it from Used-Line SOON if not immediately, and will find all the information you need to contact the sellers.

 

No searching required by you. Used-Line does all the work! And so quickly! We also want to make Bob happy!

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Chickens and the Unbroken Chain of Calibration

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A recent discussion in the LinkedIn group, Metrology & Test Measurement, on the “unbroken chain of calibration” has driven me to hone in on my personal understanding of measurement uncertainty. I am ashamed to say that I know virtually nothing (0 ±0.0031415929) about calibration despite having worked as an electronics technician in the ’90’s. My excuse is that ISO 9xxx only hit the repair floor in the ’90’s. (Well, that’s why it was called ISO 9000.)  But the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), which predates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (N.I.S.T.) by 87 years, has been around since 1901.

logo of National Institute of Standards and Te...

Logo of National Institute of Standards and Technology (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And the NBS was predated by the International Bureau of Weight and Measures (BIPM in French). In any case, I’m not quite sure how to connect ISO 9xxx with calibration. It must come into it somewhere. All I remember was what kind of shoes to wear and grounding rules. I guess you could say that my uncertainty around these topics is not measurable or traceable!

How do we arrive at an unbroken chain when it comes to metrology? Let’s go to the start of the chain. We will use N.I.S.T. for discussion purposes but really it applies to any of the international organizations that set standards for metrology.

  1. We start with a reference point. This is a universally known measurement value of a particular measurable event. For example, the melting point of ice. (N.I.S.T uses a thermometer as an example on their website.)
  2. This reference is used as a standard by N.I.S.T. I assume that means that a correctly calibrated thermometer will measure – well, I’m not sure exactly what it will measure. It is close to 0 degrees Centigrade. There are various factors that can determine the temperature, such as atmospheric pressure and the purity of the actual water that the ice is composed of. The point is – a standard is set that will be used to begin the chain. This standard is the reference that all other measurements down the chain are going to be traced back to.
  3. Going down the chain, we compare the measurements of the next instrument to be checked against the N.I.S.T. measurement , then document the differences in the results. Depending on the conditions of the measurement, we can make the necessary adjustments needed to arrive at the most accurate measurement but can never be absolutely certain of a true value. Like much of life, we do our best. The “best” is a range of values that approximates the value of the N.I.S.T standard. This range of values is the range of uncertainty. You know that somewhere in this range, lies the true value and if you calibrate an instrument to show results within this range, you should be able to certify your instrument as calibrated according to the standard. If along the way, you lose the reference, your instrument cannot be considered to be calibrated according to the N.I.S.T. standard.

I know! This is a rather crude, simplistic explanation of the process. I “did my best”!

I got further confused after my visit to the supermarket today. They had fresh whole chickens on sale with a limit of 6 Kg per customer. For the customer’s convenience, a scale was placed near the chickens, allowing the customer to verify the total weight of his selection. The trick was to see whether you could get four chickens for 6 Kg, despite the average weight of 1.55 Kg per chicken. You do the math now. It seemed a shame to buy only three chickens and thus not take full advantage of this special sale. Four chickens were over 6 Kg and three were under by quite a bit.

Chicken

Photo credit: P. Naumann

Well, I came pretty close. I managed to find two smaller looking birds and my total weight on the scale (when last was it calibrated, I wonder?) was 6.14 Kg. I went over to the poultry supervisor and told him that I was a little over the maximum weight allowed, and with a smile on his face, he said, “That’s fine.”

<!–Here’s the moral of my little story–>: The more accurate our measurements are, the more honest we can be in our relationships with customers, clients, and other businesses. However, sometimes in life a little uncertainty goes a long way when it comes to give-and-take with others. <!–End of moralizing–>

Of interest:

 

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Where Can I Find a Clintec Automix 3+3 Compounder?

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Probably not at a Walmart store.

And why would I want a Clintec Automix Compounder?

Well, personally, I don’t actually need one – but – according to the stats on Used-Line, quite a few of our users do.

Before we look at the statistics, let’s try to describe what a Clintec Automix Compounder is. It is not a gas chromotograph, which was discussed in our most recent blog about the Agilent 5975. After doing your compounding thing with the Clintec Automix, you could then use the Agilent 5975 to separate and analyze what you compounded, but why would you want do to that? You would be reversing the process, wouldn’t you?

The Clintec Automix Compounder is a parenteral nutrient compounding system. If I understand this correctly, parenteral nutrient compounds are compounds that are administered by circumventing the digestive system. The compound is often fed intravenously.

Saline solution for IV

Saline solution for IV (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Most of us are familiar with IV (intravenous) lines, but are less familiar with the processing of the mixtures that are inserted into the IV lines. This is where  compounding systems come into the picture. The Clintec Automix 3+3 Compounder is one such system. It is an automated system, and it can handle the processing of large volume ingredients, such as water and glucose.

Now let’s move on to the statistics.

Last month, July 2013, the terms, “clintec automix” were used in Used-Line searches 199 times. These two terms used together took up position number three in the top 100 search terms entered by visitors. Similarly, Google Analytics revealed that “clintex automix” was used in 72 Unique Searches on Used-Line, placing the terms in position number one for the month of July.

July 2013 Stats for search term, "Clintec + Automix"

AnalyticsCountUnique SearchPosition
Google 721
Used-Line1993

So where can you find a Clintec Automix 3+3 Compounder? On Used-Line, of course!

If you are in the market for a Clintex Automix compounder (you may be one of the 72 unique searchers who contributed to our July statistics), Toronto Surplus & Scientific has listed a Clintec 2M8286 Automix pump module on Used-Line. Toronto Surplus & Scientific Inc. has provided the following specifications on their own website:

  • Delivery Volume Range: 10 – 5000 ml
  • Specific Gravity Range: 0.50 – 3.00
  • Dimensions: 20.5″ W x 12.5″ D x 21.5″ H

If the pump module is not specifically what you want, you can post your own want list in the Used-Line Wanted System, which sends out a daily list of wanted items to all registered dealers. We will be talking about the ULWS soon! Watch for it!

Related article:

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Agilent 5975 Gas Chromatograph Analyzes Vegemite Yeast Extract

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I know this is a cliche, but either you love it or you hate it. We’re talking about Vegemite. Actually, I’ve never tasted Vegemite, but I love to eat Marmite, a British and South African almost-clone of the Australian Vegemite. The rest of my family hates it. How can you kill a piece of toast with that extremely salty, hard-to-smear, strong smelling stuff, they ask?! In answer, I tell them that the trick is to spread a generous helping of butter on your toast, followed by a thin layer of Marmite. (If you’re avoiding either fat or salt, forget about it.)

But there is no need to convert the converted and I doubt I’ll be able to sway those diehard Marmite/Vegemite objectors.

I have to “import” Marmite from South Africa, where it is kosher. I hope my cousin does not have to pay for the extra weight of her luggage when she brings me my little jars of Marmite, but the good news is that it lasts FOREVER, so she does not have to satisfy my yeast extract fix too often.

Here are two of my current jars of Marmite.

Marmite

Marmite in my kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So where does Agilent come into this culinary discussion? Well, I don’t know if the recipe for Vegemite has been as closely guarded a secret as the recipe for Coca Cola, but Renée Webster, an Australian pursuing her doctorate, has analyzed the contents of Vegemite to find the distinct chemical compounds that produce the unique odor of the much-loved (or much-rejected) yeast extract. The Agilent 5975 gas chromatograph played a major role in the Vegemite analysis by breaking up this smelly (but delicious) mass that smells distinctly of – well – Vegemite – into more than 35 compounds that smell of everyday items such as flowers, wine, and leather, and which seem to have no connection to the smell of the yeast extract itself. I’m not sure if I really needed to know what Vegemite (and possibly Marmite) is composed of. You would not normally catch me spreading anything that smells of wax – or rancid fat (yes, rancid fat really is one of the detected odors) – or sweat – on my toast!

Renée Webster conducted her analysis in three stages:

  1. Sampling: Using a kitchen knife, a Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) sampler, and a lab oven. I wonder if she regrets sacrificing to science the sample of Vegemite she needed for her experiment – never to be spread on a piece of toast!
  2. Separation: Using an Agilent 5975 GC/MSD (gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer) to separate the Vegemite compound into its multiple chemical components for individual analysis. The 5975 is built with 7890 GC technology. The gas chromatograph is responsible for the separation part of the process.
  3. Analysis: Using the mass spectrometer that, together with the included software, analyzes the detected chemicals. Hmm, couldn’t she simply use her olfactory system, that is, her nose, instead of the mass spec? Well, that might not be ideal if you want exact measurements, percentages, and specific odor descriptions.

According to the article, Agilent Helps Uncover Vegemite Mystique, on the Agilent News Hub, the GC performs the separation, and the mass spec does all the detection work. I’m guessing that with over 35 compounds and odors to detect, the 5975 GC/MSD is ideal because it allows for quick column changing; thus speeding up the detection and analysis process.

Here are a few of the top chemicals that were found in Vegemite, including their accompanying odors.

Vegemite Compound Analysis (Top three by percentage)

Percentage of TotalChemical CompoundAssociated Odor
43.8ethyl decanoatefruit, oil, sweet, wax
16.6ethyl trans-4-decenoatewax, leather, pear
12.5octanoic acid, ethyl esterfruity, fatty, floral, green, menthol, anise

To see the complete results of the separations and each component’s odor, you can read the Guardian’s Australia FoodBlog on the Vegemite analysis. As well, for details on the process Renée used to conduct her analysis, view her own blog.

If you are now inspired by the 5975’s work on Vegemite, take a look at the list of 5975’s currently available on Used-Line.

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