Scientific equipment

QLIMS is not merely management software; it is a flexible platform that elevates the performance of modern laboratories. The first highlight is the optimized user experience thanks to a modern web design, making complex tasks simple and seamless. Next, advanced technology ensures integration and scalability, protecting your investment for years to come. QLIMS also helps labs become "future-ready" by flexibly supporting unforeseen requirements. In particular, the User Configuration feature allows users to proactively adjust the system, maximizing savings in both time and operating costs. Finally, with an API-based architecture, QLIMS removes all barriers, allowing unlimited connectivity with other peripheral systems.

In a landscape of growing data complexity, a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is no longer just an option—it is a mandatory requirement to enhance efficiency and ensure accuracy. QLIMS by OnQ Software is the definitive answer for modern laboratory operations.

Why is QLIMS the optimal choice for businesses?

QLIMS is more than just storage software; it is a flexible ecosystem that is highly customizable to the specific needs of each lab:

• Unlimited Integration (QLIMS Bridge): Automatically connects to and collects data from all analytical instruments in the lab, minimizing manual data entry errors.

• Adjustable Workspace: Users can freely modify, hide/show, or create new data fields without any coding knowledge.

• Business Intelligence (BI): A dual dashboard system (BI & Laboratory Dashboard) helps manage workload and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in real-time.

• Compliance & Audit Trail: Every activity on the system is logged (Audit Trail), providing robust support for meeting standards such as ISO/IEC 17025.

Gas regulators

Gas regulation is essential to control gas supply into an analytical system or off-line accessory. Markes offers two types of regulator: one for use with all Markes’ thermal desorption instruments such as the TD100-xr and UNITY-xr, and the other for off-line accessories such as a tube conditioner (TC-20) and Calibration Solution Loading Rig (CSLR).

- Regulate high-purity carrier gas/dry gas

- Fitted with on/off toggle(s)

- Lightweight, with minimal footprint

Flowmeter

A digital flowmeter is required to measure gas flows associated with thermal desorption equipment and sampling.

Markes’ recommended flowmeter is tested over the range of 0.0 to 500.0 ml/min with an uncertainty of +/- 0.4 ml/min or 2.5%, whichever is greater. Calibration Reference Temperature and Pressure: 0°C and 760 mm Hg. Compatible with eight gases including helium, hydrogen and nitrogen, in the range 0.1–500 mL/min.

- Enables repeatable analysis and compliance with standard methods

- Rechargeable battery

- Calibration traceable to UKAS standards

Calibration Solution Loading Rig (CSLR)

Markes’ Calibration Solution Loading Rig (CSLR) has been designed for loading sorbent tubes with gas- or liquid-phase standards. It allows you to calibrate the entire TD–GC–MS analytical system for qualitative and quantitative analysis. It is used as part of routine quantitative analysis, or when changing methods and/or analytical conditions.

- Specifically designed for loading sorbent tubes with VOC gas standards

- Key to TD standard methods, such as ISO 16017 and US EPA TO-17 – standards are loaded onto a tube in a stream of carrier gas using an unheated apparatus

- Compatible with ¼″ and 6 mm o.d. tubes – for 6 mm tubes a different ferrule is required (C-FP010-XZ)

Read more: Calibration Solution Loading Rig Instruction for use

Easy-VOC

Easy-VOC is a grab sampling kit, a hand-operated pump for rapid ‘grab-sampling’ of precise volumes of air/gas directly onto sorbent tubes, for analysis by thermal desorption (TD). In contrast to canister sampling, grab-sampling onto sorbent tubes allows analytes from a wider volatility range to be sampled (in the region of C2/3 to n-C44), plus many polar and reactive species.

- Enables sampling of precise volumes of air (50 mL and 100 mL intervals)

- Portable and can be used remotely without batteries or electrical power

- No need for calibration means no additional tools are required

Read more: Easy-VOC flyer

Markes’ BioVOC-2™ breath sampler is a lightweight and simple-to-use device designed for non-invasive biological exposure monitoring of VOCs. Using a design pioneered by the UK Health & Safety Executive, BioVOC-2 collects the last 129 mL of expired breath for transfer to a sorbent tube, and subsequent analysis by thermal desorption. 

- Simple manual transfer of collected breath to industry-standard TD sorbent tube

- Non-invasive and easy to use, removing the need for medically qualified staff

- Collects the last portion of breath, largely alveolar air, which is the most reliable indicator of VOCs in the blood

- Can be used multiple times for one participant within a single sample sitting

- Disposable mouthpiece to avoid contact with the BioVOC-2 body

BioVOC-2 is for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures

Read more: BioVOC-2 flyer

Kori-xr

Cryogen-free water management module for online and canister samples

Kori-xr™ is a module that efficiently removes humidity from canister or on-line samples acquired using Markes International’s UNITY-xr systems, without affecting analyte recovery. It’s ideal for laboratories needing to carry out on-line or canister analysis of humid air streams while avoiding the loss of polar species, oxygenates and monoterpenes that can occur with other approaches to water management.

Read more: Water management brochure

Starter kits

Markes offers a comprehensive range of starter kits – handy packages of tubes, traps, tools and accessories to get you up and running quickly. The range includes general-purpose kits for all UNITY-xr/TD100-xr models, specialist kits for environmental and material emissions applications, and convenient kits for specific instruments and accessories.

- Optimised for system and/or method setup: Providing the right tools for the job and saving time in the laboratory

- The most cost-effective approach to purchasing essential bundles of items

- Complement instrument shipping kits, to prevent duplication of parts

Column connectors

When connecting a TD transfer line insert to a GC column, a connector such as a single-use quick-seal capillary connector (QSCC) is required. These are suitable for most routine applications, and are commonly used at the point of install for Markes’ instruments. When working with an MS detector, the use of a SilTite™ mini‑union is recommended.

- QSCCs are easy-to-use, single-use connectors used to interface the transfer line insert provided by Markes to any standard GC column

- Mini-unions are re-usable, and should be used when working with an MS detector to achieve the required baseline

- A column-cutting tool ensures a clean square cut of the transfer line insert and column

Read more: Column connectors Instruction for use

Transfer line insert

The uncoated deactivated fused silica transfer line insert is used to connect a Markes’ TD instrument to a GC column, and allows rapid sample transfer from the TD focusing trap to the head of the GC capillary column for subsequent analysis.

- User-replaceable: ‘How-to’ video available with step-by-step instructions

- Should be checked and replaced regularly as part of a routine maintenance plan

- Included in relevant routine maintenance kits (RMKs), which contain sufficient spares for approximately 12 months of use, for an average user

Trays for autosampler

Markes’ automated TD instruments hold tubes capped with DiffLok caps in trays, both before and after analysis. Each tray houses up to ten tubes, and there are five or ten numbered trays in each autosampler (depending on the instrument). Trays can be removed from the autosampler and used for temporary storage, or for transporting tubes around the lab.

- Image on the outside of the tray indicates which direction to insert the tubes

- Numbered to aid with sequence setup

- Can be replaced if lost or damaged