CEM, leading pioneers in the use of microwave technology for chemical analysis, research and development, have refurbished and updated their UK facility to deal with the increased demand on their services and instruments.
Founded in 1978, CEM are pioneers in the application of microwave technology to chemical research and development. CEM have designed instruments and perfected techniques that have helped herald a new era in chemistry; an era characterised by faster reaction times, increased yields, automation and improved repeatability.
This is all the more remarkable because CEM’s approach means a reduced environmental impact and helps contribute to a ‘greener’ chemistry.
CEM’s excellence in both microwave, and novel non-microwave instrumentation, alongside application development has created a large demand for their expertise and assistance from universities, international companies and prestigious research institutes.
To be able to match that demand CEM have invested heavily in their UK facility, undertaking an extensive renovation, to provide even greater bespoke support for their many customers and collaborators. As the number of laboratories using CEM products snowballs, so the scope and variety of uses rapidly increases.
The new facilities will allow in-depth instruction and individual application development to be taken to a new level, on optimally configured equipment, under the supervision of CEM personnel who not only fully understand the methods, but also in many cases helped invent them.
The large central laboratory space has been split to provide adequate space for instruments dealing with both non-toxic materials, such as food stuffs, and the more rigorous methods involved, for example, in material science.
The working lab has been designed with full consideration for the environmental testing sector, with CEM’s Mars 6 in use for acid digestion of samples as well as solvent extraction for PCB’s and PAH’s.
At the same time CEM will continue to help speed up group 2 testing procedures for food science with new instrumentation and refined techniques for heavy metals testing, salt analysis, protein analysis, total fats, fibre and moisture and FAMES (Fatty acid methyl ester analysis).
Comprehensive training courses are also available at http://www.cemmicrowave.co.uk/training-courses.html, but they are in demand, so it is best to book via the CEM website where you will also find more information on what exactly is offered on the course. When demand outstrips the given training dates CEM, ever conscious of customer requirements, will simply arrange further dates.
On the website you can also find out about CEM’s QuickCheck Laboratory Support. This is a multi-tiered program designed to fully assist their customers. QuickCheck DEVELOP aids proper method development for specific samples.
QuickCheck AUDIT is concerned with quality audits of specific product samples, while QuickCheck MONITOR is concerned with optimisation of instrument performance. The increased demand for CEM’s instrumentation and expertise has also been addressed by additional investment on the site in the manufacturing and delivery side of their operation.
CEM’s updated facility illustrates their continued commitment to ensuring that their UK operation remains a centre of excellence for this exciting and expanding field.
