Halogen moisture analysers from Mettler Toledo have been chosen by EPL Bio Analytical Services (BAS) to speed up the moisture analysis of genetically modified crops.
EPL BAS is a contract laboratory that provides analytical data for the safety assessment of genetically modified crops as required by the American authorities.
Valid analytical methods and efficient workflow have a very high priority at EPL BAS.
Genetically modified organisms undergo rigorous safety assessments before they become available on the market.
EPL BAS specialises in agricultural chemistry and helps to determine if, for example, genetically engineered soybeans are as safe as conventional beans.
The contract laboratory works in full compliance with Good Laboratory Practice standards.
Up to 70 different samples of crops such as soy, corn and cotton are analysed daily.
Because of the growing interest in genetically modified plant varieties, EPL BAS has experienced increased demand for its analytical services and hopes to double its sample throughput.
Moisture is the first parameter to be determined since analytical results are generally expressed on a dry-matter basis.
The reference method, drying in the oven, is not efficient enough to keep up with the growing sample demand.
After verifying that the HR83 moisture analyser provides precise and highly repeatable results that match the reference method, six HR83 instruments were installed in parallel at EPL.
A continuous workflow of samples now feeds LC (liquid chromatograph), GC (gas chromatograph) and many other high-tech analysers.
When countless analyses are based on the dry-matter content, efficient and error-free data transfer from the HR83 to EPL BAS's lab information system is key.
LabX Direct Moisture software transfers the moisture results automatically and without error.
The drying curve can be visualised on-line allowing the operator to monitor moisture analysis at a glance.
