Folks,

I looking for information with regard to ELSD detectors. Who makes good ones, what specs should I look for, and whom should I stay away from? Also, does anyone that has a good one that they'd like to trade for a very seldom used waters 464 ECD with Ag electrode?

I'd be running this on an older Waters system (600e pump, 717 autosampler) and my software is the current version of Millennium, if you need to know.

Thanks in advance!

Chris

You can't do any better than the ELSD from Richard Scientific. They offer the Sedex which has proven in my experience to be the simplest and most sensitive of the major players, i.e. Alltech and PL. Visit drachrom.com or richardscientific.com for more info, prices and demo opportunities.

If you have a specific task for the ELSD then setup a demo to compare the products from the major players. We were very surprised at the differences when we did this 3-4yearsago. Since that time all instruments have been upgraded thus I will not give you our choice.
If you are buying it as an all round detector you may be disappointed for they have their limitations. Solvent grades are also very important, we were caught out by Tech grade toluene, one bottle was OK the next made the detector unusable.
Good luck.

I have used an Alltech ELSD and was satisfied with it. I have never used any other brand, so I have no way of comparing them. Alltech offers an attachment -- the Low-Temperature Accessory -- that extends the useful range of the detector, but it is NOT quick to change from w/o "LTA" to with LTA.

My co. has recently tested the sedex, the polymer lab, and the Alltech. We went with the Alltech. It had the best sensitivity, and the most control. If desired, you can analyze compounds that volatilize easily by using the impactor on mode, this allows you to decrease your drift tube temp. I have been using the detector for around five months for the analysis of phospholipids and it has been great. My service reps name is Laura Manis, she is very good and can answer any questions you have. Her number is (847)948-8600 X1368. Hope this helps
Daren

Polymer Labs makes the best unit. Richard Sci tries to make empty claims of superior sensitivity on the Sedex models, but they do not back up the claims. The newer Alltech models are good, but a tad more expensive than PL's. PL is also the most simplistic to use.

Dear Chris.

It is true that an ELSD is a universal detector as long as the compounds that you want to analyse become a particle and not a gas (like water). Further more it could be important that you have an extra look at the rise time of the detector if you are going to use the detector in a high throuhg putt fast HPLC way. And last is that the detector is not liniar (which should not pose a big problem). Good luck with your research Guido

Chris,

Remember, sensitivity is determined
by Signal to Noise not the "area count uv/s".
Start by testing all the demo ELSDs with 100% water at 1ml/min @ 35°C with 100ng injections.
Calculate the signal to noise ratio.
LOD is widely accepted as a ratio of 3 to 1.
Adjust your concetrations down to the point
you have a 3 to 1 ratio of signal to noise.
You will find one winner.

fin

Can anyone help me?

I need lots of information on evaporative light scattering detection eg what is it? how it works? principles of operation, applications and limits of detection that kind of thing. I am studying for my MSc and have to complete an assignment on this topic.

Thanks in advance!!!

Julie,
Try www.alltechweb.com
richardscientific.com
polymerlabs.com
There are rep/manufactures sites.
Good Luck,

Thanks for your help Bill!!

Julie

Just a quick message to let everyone know that Drake from drachrom.com is a distributor of the Sedex ELSD from Richard Scientific. I would take his comments with a grain of salt given a probable bias to sell this ELSD over others.

I know that Alltech has a demo program where you can try their ELSD for a week in your lab and evaluate for your samples. Also, the new model no longer has the LTA attachment. It can be run in low temperature mode and is very user-friendly.

At least, Mr. anonymous, Drake had the courage to let his name and be straightforward concerning his opinion. He didn't just send a "quick message to let everyone know" and after 9 minutes (always anonymous) send Alltech friendly e-mail...
Furthermore,just wondering, if anyone has tested the 4 commercial ELSD's with:
1)Semi and non-volatiles solutes and
2)aqueous, water:ACN-MeOH 50:50 and under normal phase conditions (hexane, dicholoromethane etc)as mobile phase.
That would be an interesting test that could directly reveal advantages and disadvantages of all ELSD detectors...

Forgot to add,
3)In different temperatures (35-80°C)