FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Daylene Long
Vernier Software & Technology
503-277-2299
dlong@vernier.com
Brooke MacDonald
KEH Communications
410-975-9638
Brooke@kehcomm.com
Vernier‘s Gas Chromatograph Provides
Affordable Chemical Analysis for Science Educators
The ‘Mini GC’ brings cutting-edge technology to the classroom
Beaverton, OR – December 14, 2009 – Analyzing compounds in general chemistry and
organic chemistry is now easier with Vernier Software & Technology’s new Mini Gas
Chromatograph—the Mini GC. Students from high school through college can learn to
separate and identify compounds using technology that is now thousands of dollars less
than traditional gas chromatographs. In addition to unprecedented value, the Mini GC
provides educators with another one-of-a-kind feature—size. At half the size of a shoe box,
Vernier’s Mini GC takes up a small footprint on the lab bench and is light enough to be
easily moved from lab to lab.
Using technology patented by Seacoast Science, the Mini GC is specifically designed to
separate a mixture, and identify the components of an unknown compound. It allows
students to detect Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Carboxylic
Acids, Chlorinated Hydrocarbons, Esters, and Nitriles.
This sensor uses an advanced MEMS “chemi-capacitive” GC chip developed by Seacoast
Science. The MEMS chip allows students to use room air as a carrier gases. (Helium and
Nitrogen can also be used.) This unique feature allows the GC to be both portable and
affordable.
“The Mini GC really represents breakthrough technology for science education,” said
Dan Holmquist, Senior Partner at Vernier and a former chemistry instructor.
13979 S.W. Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97008
www.vernier.com
Vernier makes Mini-GC affordable for the classroom
Page 2
“In the past, chemistry instructors have only had the option of gas chromatographs that
cost many thousands of dollars—often over $10,000. This new technology gives college
chemistry instructors the ability to outfit a lab more cost effectively. At the same time,
high school science lab teachers who may have considered gas chromatography
beyond their reach can now provide state-of-the-art technology for advanced chemistry
classes.”
The Mini GC connects by USB to a Windows or Macintosh computer using Vernier’s
Logger Pro 3 software for analysis and peak integration. It can also be used with the
Vernier LabQuest for a handheld solution. Logger Pro and LabQuest software allow
students to set flow rate and temperature of the column (including temperature
ramping), collect data, perform peak integration, and determine retention time.
Logger Pro 3 software and LabQuest are sold separately. Built into the Mini GC is a
high-quality Restick column. Included with the gas chromatograph are two spare
septa, one high-quality Hamilton syringe, power supply, USB cable, carrying case and
a GC lab manual with five well-tested chromatography experiments.
Availability and Pricing
The Vernier Mini Gas Chromatograph is currently available for $1,749.00. For more
information and detailed specifications, visit www.vernier.com/gc-mini.
About Vernier Software & Technology
Vernier Software & Technology has been an innovator of data-collection technology for
28 years and its products are used in more than 130 countries. Creating easy-to-use
and affordable science interfaces, software, and 75 sensors for data collection, and their
products can be found in education from elementary school to college. Vernier helps
teachers enhance their science curriculum, increase learning, and build students' critical
thinking skills. For more information visit www.vernier.com.
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13979 S.W. Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97008
www.vernier.com