Purite, a leading UK manufacturer of high performance water purification equipment, has introduced three new models to its range of laboratory water purification units. Building on the proven success of the current Neptune range, the latest additions have been developed specifically to provide ultrapure water (UPW) for analytical and life science laboratory applications. They form part of a product family that is designed to combine exceptional levels of reliability with quick and simple installation and maintenance.

The three new Neptune models - Analytical, Life Sciences and Ultimate - are all guaranteed to generate ion-free 18.2 MO.cm quality water from a feedwater source of <20 µS/cm, and provide production rates of up to 2 litres/minute.

The Neptune Analytical model is designed typically for use with ion chromatography, gas chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy processes and produces UPW with <1ppb TOC and bacteria <1cfu/ml.

The Neptune Life Science model produces UPW, reducing the bacterial content to <0.1cfu/ml and endotoxins to <0.02 EU/ml, with the output being RNAse and DNAse free, making the unit ideal for use in applications such as molecular biology, IVF, genome research and critical cell culture.

While the Neptune Ultimate model produces UPW with <1ppb TOC, and reduces the bacterial content to <0.1cfu/ml and endotoxins to <0.02 EU/ml with output again being RNAse and DNAse free.

Depending on the application, the Select Neptune units use a choice of technologies to guarantee the production of ion-free water. For example, Ultraviolet (UV) photo-oxidation at 185nm, is employed in both the Analytical and Ultimate models where a low Total Organic carbon (TOC) is required. The use of UV at 185nm ensures that dissolved organic compounds are broken down into smaller, charged ionic species that can then be removed by means of a separate ion exchange unit, integrated within each Neptune system. Similarly, UV disinfection technology operating at 254nm is used in all three Neptune units and, being germicidal, enables a bacterial kill of > 99%.

The Ion exchange media packs used in each Neptune produce Ultra pure water of 18.2 MO.cm quality with an extremely low TOC, thanks to a unique combination of mono-spherical, semiconductor grade mixed bed deionising resin with a low TOC leaching profile and a high activity organic adsorption media.

In addition, the Life Science and Ultimate units contain 0.2µm filters at point of use to ensure sterile conditions when dispensing. Endotoxin removal is achieved by the use of a hollow fibre 0.05µm ultra-microfilter. The Analytical unit contains a 0.2µm internal filter for the removal of bacteria.

The new Neptune models feature an easy to view display to ensure quick and simple monitoring of system parameters, including system status, water quality, flowrate, temperature, pressure and TOC level. Additionally, an advanced Intelligent Monitoring System (IMS) automatically reverts the unit to standby operation following periods of prolonged inactivity, supporting economical and extended operating life. As an option, a data capture facility that records system information is available for those users requiring traceability.