AGRICULTURAL / AGRONOMY: Evaluation of Fertilizers, Electrolyte Transport in Roots & Leaves, Characterization of Chlorophyls, Distribution of Sugars by Photosynthesis, Mineral Transport in Various Soils, Determination of Starch MMW in Grains and Feeds, Distribution of Pollutants (Organic and Inorganic) in an Bio-System, Nutritional Evaluation of Grains, Fatty Acid Profile of Vegetable Oils, Monitoring the Grain Milling Process, Characterization of Fats and Oils, Determination of Micro-Minerals in Plants and Soils, Study of Fungi and Molds
BIOLOGY / BIOCHEMISTRY: Measurement of Amino Acids, Evaluation of Plant DNA (joint w/ Electrophoresis), Determination of Bacteria by Cell Wall Carbohydrates, Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Starches by Amylase as a function of MW, Analysis of Vitamin Metabolism in Stressed Organisms, Determining Respiratory Gases in Bio-Sphere / Microcosm Environments, Determining the Changes in DNA from Mutations (using Onion Skins), Monitoring Photosynthetic Reactions, Measuring the Distribution of Nutrition (metabolic) in an Organism
CHEMISTRY: Qualitative analysis, Quantitative analysis, Organic synthesis, Inorganic synthesis; Macro Analytical chemistry (comparison w/ Titration and Gravimetric "wet” analysis for primary component determination), Micro Analytical techniques (compare to classical “spot test” and micro-scale “wet” tests for trace contaminants); General Analytical Spectroscopy & Chromatography teaching; Applications of Analytical Instrumental Chemistry
ENVIRONMENTAL: Detection of Priority Inorganic and Organic Pollutants in Waters (potable, effluent, discharge, estuary, marine) and Solids (waste, soil, landfill); VOC (volatile organic compound) Testing in Waters and Solids, Measurement of Heavy Metals in the Environment, Determination of Hazardous Organic Materials (BTEX Aromatics, Halogenated, PNAs, PCBs), Evaluating the Effects of Pollutants on Organisms in a “Stressed” Environment
FORENSICS: Detection of Lead Contamination in Drinking Water by Solvent Extraction, Evaluation of Lead in Paint, Comparison of Plastics and Polymers, Determination of the Country of Origin of Lumber & Olive Oil, Identification of Drugs, Measurement of Tobacco compounds in Smoke & Extracts, Trace Metal “Fingerprint” of Animal Feeds & Produce, Characterization of VOCs in Household products, Flammable Residues from Arson Cases by Headspace, Heavy Metal Poisoning by Hydride & CV-AAS; Micro-Samples by IR, FLUOR & Scanning Spectorscopy (Textile Fibers)
GEOLOGY / GEOCHEMISTRY: Evaluation of Mineral Species in an Aggregate, Tracking Hydrocarbon Content in Shales and Clays (petrology), Determining Activators in Fluorescent Minerals, Tracking Metal Transport in Hydrothermal Deposits, Evaluation of Water Tables and Mineral Distribution
PHYSICS: Quantum chemistry, Emission Spectroscopy, Absorption Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Optical Theory: Monochromator, Diffraction Gratings, Prismatic Dispersion, Aperature / Resolution; Evaluation of the general Electromagnetic Spectrum; Determining the Thermal Effects in Atomic Spectroscopy and Electron Transitions (excitation), Effects of Continuum vs. Narrow-Line Absorption Signals (for Background Correction)
POLYMER SCIENCE / PETROCHEMISTRY: Study of Polymerization, Determination of Monomers and Oligomers in Uncured Plastics, Evaluation of Plasticizers in Consumer Products, Determination of Octane Rating of Gasolines and Fuels, Characterization of Hydrocarbon-based Lubricants and Additives, Evaluation of Mean MW / BP in Crude and Refined Oils
ZOOLOGY / BOTANY: Study of Biochemical Reactions and Metabolic Processes (respiration, excretion, photosynthesis, necrosis); Evaluation of a Bio-Sphere / Microcosm under different Environments, Characterization of Feeds and Fertilizers, Measurement of Cellular Changes in various Organisms in changing Environments
> MeasureNet Fun-Sci™ Experiments by Probe Type
A typical colorimeter is usually a simple, single-beam optical system to measure “color” in the VISIBLE Spectrum of light and provide ABSORBANCE data at a single wavelength. These systems can cost $1,000 or more for stand-alone colorimeters that merely provide simple ABS data… unless you consider the MeasureNet Model MDBC-138 true Double-Beam, Multi-Functional “Colorimeter” based on a unique set of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes)... for under $500! The MeasureNet “Colorimeter” is actually FOUR (4) instruments in ONE (1) compact and rugged box… and works as a colorimeter (to make Beer’s Law Curves for VISIBLE Wavelengths), a UV fluorometer (to demonstrate fluorescence & quenching in certain organic molecules), a turbidometer (to measure the turbidity of particulate & colloidal suspensions) and a phosphorimeter (to analyze the phosphorescence [“glow”] of specific materials).
#1) BEER’S LAW ABSORBANCE & KINETIC SPECTROSCOPY =
This unit can be used as a “simple” Colorimeter to demonstrate Beer’s Law using three (3) high-output VISIBLE Light LEDs at 472nm (BLUE), 525nm (GREEN) and 630nm (RED); which cover over 75% of the classic General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory experiments that teach spectrophotometric measurements. The wavelength coverage of these LEDs allows highly accurate relative measurement of almost all the ROYGBIV Colors. The disposable & unbreakable 10mm pathlength, near-UV plastic cuvettes included with the “Colorimeter” can be used from ~300nm (in the near-UV) to over 1000nm (in the near-IR) for analytical measurements… and come with sealing caps to preserve prepared solutions for future tests. Some of the popular Laboratory experiments defined in MeasureNet’s proprietary FUN-SCIence™ Laboratory Programs and its upcoming “Chem-Lab Library” that provide an excellent framework to create or supplement YOUR OWN Academic Lab curriculum program for Gen Chem, Analytical or Student Research are:
Red / Blue / Green Colorimetric ABS Data for Beer’s Law plots:
• Test for Mineral IRON in your Daily “Eats”… check your Cereals, Breads and special Treats!
• Unsaturated FATS can be easily seen… just get a purple Color using some IODINE!
• Evaluation of Nutritional Food Proteins… React it to get a “BLUE” and see what can be seen!
• Consistency of M&M and Skittles Candy Colors: Is the "blue" true blue or “faux” to you!
• Changing “Colors” of some pH Dyes… [H+] makes them look *new* to our eyes!
• General Colorimetric Assay… for ANION (X, PO4, SO4, NO3, NO2, etc) saves the day!
Unlike most other popular Spectrophotometers… even those costing over $5,000… the MDBC-138 is a TRUE Double-Beam Optical System… and provides a reference cell to “blank” out the reagents used to create a very stable ABS reading for several Organic Reactions. Data from these Labs can be used to calculate rate constants, equilibrium factors and reaction conditions (for thermal, ionic and electrochemical variables). This is a MUST for making accurate kinetic experiment tests. A few of them from our “Library” include:
Dual-Beam ABS Data for Kinetic Measurements:
• The Iodine Test for Starches is GREAT… just Hydrolyze with Amylaze to get a Kinetic Rate!
• Perform REDOX “Clock” Reactions in School… and show Students that Chemistry is Cool!
• pH-based Hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylacetate Ester… try it out in your Lab this Semester!
MeasureNet’s Fun-Sci™ Experiments
Listed below are a few "fun" and "interesting" (aka: non-boring!) experiments developed to provide creative & effective teaching “tools” in laboratory environments using MeasureNet instrumentation—from general College Chemistry to Advanced University Research... as well as for High School Outreach (“Science-In-Motion”) programs. They focus on topics that students deal with or are concerned with everyday, and thus inspire them to remember what they did during the experiment. Please look for (and contribute to) our web-site (www.fun-sci.com) soon!
> Voltage Probe
> Voltage Measurement - Liquid Chromatography (LC)
> Voltage Measurement - Gas Chromatography (GC)
> Temperature Probe
> pH electrode (with MeasureNet Drop-Counter)
> Pressure Transducer
> Spectroscopy - UV-vis
> Spectroscopy - AA
> Spectroscopy - IR
> Colorimetry / Fluorimetry / Turbidity / Luminescence with Multi-Function Colorimeter
[F1] Voltage Measurement Probe (+/- 2.5V range with < 0.1µV Sensitivity):
• The “Human” Storage Battery: Measure your personal “power” levels… People are Ionic!
• Time for Fruit: Get a charge from Metal Strips inserted in various Fruits… and power a Clock!
• Fuel Cell Technology: Can H2-Power really work… or is it really just full of hot Air?
• Indirect Conductivity: Personal “resistance”… Do Electrons “move” you?
• Culinary Conductivity: Are Foods called “Salt-Free” really what they’re meant to be?
• Electrolytic Activity the “Electromotive” Metals: Selective Corrosion,,, “sacrifice” one to save others!
[F1B] Voltage Measurement Recorder (+/- 2.5V range for Analog Instruments):
-=> Liquid Chromatography (LC) =
• Composition of SODA (or “POP”) : Can you have negative calories? Is the Caffeine “FREE” free?
• Anti-Oxidants in Cereals: Do "Snap" and "Crackle" still "Pop"? Finally "see" your BHT, BHA, TBHQ!
• Determination of Scoville units for Hot Peppers: How hot is "hot"?… check for the Peppery Peaks!
• Coffee, Caffeine and You: How non-Caf is your Decaf? How Acidic is the “Pot”? Let's brew & scan!
• Measuring the STUFF in Tobacco Smoke: It's no Joke to breathe Second-Hand Toke!
• Be a Drug Agent like on CSI… “Separate” some Dope and find out why! (It’s “bad” for you!)
-=> Gas Chromatography (GC) =
• Put the “kibosh” on some Mouthwash! Some leave your Teeth CLEAN, other make you turn GREEN!
• Get the Octane Rating of your Gasoline: Look at what you put in your Machine!
• Measuring Alcohols from Fermentation Broths: Is it Compost or is it Beer… not easy to tell, I fear!
• Evaluating VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): Is your Paint Thinner an Environmental Winner?
• Determination of Essential Oils in Cosmetics by Headspace: Basking in Nature's Complexities!
• Combustion Engine Gases: Put your Cars in proper Classes by H-Cs, Water, COx, NOx, SOx, etc.
[F2] Solid-State Digital Temperature Probe (-50 - +125°C range)
• Juice-Can Calorimetry of Potato Chips: What you learn here will make your Tummy flip!
• Measure the Heat Capacity of “Polar” WATER vs. “Aliphatic” MINERAL OIL… which will Boil?
• Testing Specific Heat of Solids: Ionic Salt / Covalent Sand / Organic Polymers… which stays warmer?
• Heats of Reactions for Acids and Bases… find some “Heat Energy” in the strangest places!
• Soccer Injuries or Winter Days… those “Hot” & “Cold” Packs come into play! See Cool Hot stuff!
• Conservation of Energy and Matter: Hot & Cold will mix to “Balance out”… without a doubt!
• Be a Fire Safety Engineer… check Thermal Conductivity of Building Material & minimize Fire-Fears!
• Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation… test them out on your Work-Station!
• Micro-Wave Susceptibility of Different types of Foods and Materials (“Lossiness”)
[F3] pH (0-14 units), mV (I.S.E. & Re-Dox); in conjunction w/ M-Net Drop-Counter:
• Measuring the Acetic Acid in Various Vinegars: Which “Sour” has the most “power”?
• Adjusting a Solution pH with a Buffer… getting any changes will be a lot tougher?
• Titrations with Acids and Bases: Protonate the Indicators in different places! (also w/ Spectro or Color)
• Determining the pKa for many types of Acids… Weak, Strong and Poly… good golly!
• Test the varying pH’s of Clam Chowdas… it’s “higher” in Boston, so say it Louda!
• Culturing Molds at different pH ranges: Is it contained or spread like the Andromeda Strain”
• Counting the Drops in your Titrations make these analyses a cause for Celebration!
• Titrate the Anti-Oxidants in your TEA… Compare Black, Green and White; what do you SEE?
[F4] Pressure Transducer (+/- 750 torr) & Tension / Force Gauge (Push/Pull to 45lbs):
• Learn to “obey” your Ideal Gas Laws… but test them here to find some FLAWS!
• A “Closed” System to study Plant Respiration… use Partial Vacuums in this Bio-Investigation.
• Evaluating the “Bubbles” in your Carbonated Soda Pop… do they hang around, or is your Drink a Flop?
• Modulus of Expansion based on Heat & Cold… test some Materials, if you’re so bold!
• Test GREAT Variations in Surface Friction… learn if Lubrication is a real Fact or just Fiction!
• Angular Vectors affect how “things” slide… so do your own studies & report them with pride!
• Small “Explosions” can create Pressure Waves… do this Lab only if you’re Brave!
[F5] Spectroscopy (shared Network Spectrometers), CCD / Diode Array & Monochromators:
-=> Scanning UV (Ultra-Violet) – VIS (Visible) Colorimetry:
• Examination of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Are they "naturally" worth the extra money?
• Checking the Consistency of M&M and Skittles Candy Colors: Is the "blue" true blue or “faux” to you
• Measurement of UV-Blocking in Sunscreen Lotions, Lip balms & Sunglasses: See what you can't see!
• Determination of Rare Earths by High-Resolution absorbance peaks: Analyze Cigarette Lighter Flints!
• Spices of Life: See the "true colors" of Nature's products by solvent extraction!
• Evaluation of Food Proteins… React it to get a Blue COLOR and see ehat can be seen!
-=> Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS):
• Determination of Minerals in Vitamin Tablets: Are you "Absorbing" what you pay for?
• Checking Hardness of your Drinking Water: To Scale or Not to Scale?
• Get the LEAD Out!: Classic chelate-extraction to measure Lead in Drinking Water...R U Safe?
• Calcium & Minerals in Milk: Good for the Bones… or an Analytical Unknown?
• Ion-Transportation in Plant Tissues… an important topic In Fertilization issues!
-=> Infra-Red Spectrometry (IR):
• Adhesive Tape - The Poop on Glue & You: ATR/IR to get the skinny on your sticky!
• Evaluation of Synthetic and Natural Perfumes by Gas-Cell: Tell K-Mart from Chanel!
• Characterize the Plastics for Recycling by ATR: Keep your Olefins separate from your Polyesters!
• Fats Where Its At: Butter, Margarine and the "Fakes"; how bad is YOUR Fat?
• Hydrocarbons from Gases to Greases: Its "chain length" that makes these pieces!
• Oils Well that Ends up in your Engine: Is Oil “Oil”; Scan & see if its H-C, Polyester or Triglyceride!
[F6] Colorimetry / Fluorimetry / Turbidity / Luminescence (assorted LED-based technologies):
-=> Red / Blue / Green Colorimetric Date = Single ABS Values & Kinetics
• Test for IRON in our Daily “Eats”… check your Cereals, Veggies Breads and even special Treats!
• Reducing Sugars by Fehlings Test... great for Diabetics, Atkins-Diets and all the rest!
• Evaluation of Food Proteins… React it to get a Blue COLOR and see what can be seen!
• Checking the Consistency of M&M and Skittles Candy Colors: Is the "blue" true blue or “faux” to you
• Changing “Colors” of some pH Dyes… [H+] makes them look *new* to our eyes!
• The Iodine Test for Starches is GREAT… just Hydrolyze with Amylaze to get a Kinetic Rate!
• General Colorimetric Assay… for ANION Species (X-, PO4, SO4, O3, NO2, etc) saves the day!
-=> Filter-Based Fluorimetry = Single “EMISSION” Value
• “Zap” some UV against Chlorophyll from things that Grow… and see what makes it eerily Glow!
• The Highlights of Highlighting Markers: How bright is bright? Is the Package LABELLED right?
• Measurement of Algae/Plankton in Lake/River/ /Ocean Water samples: How healthy is your water?
• Evaluation of Cigarettes & Second-Hand Smoke: Nicotine for the Masses in your Breathing Gases?
• Analysis of Alkaloidal Material: Don't do drugs!....., but do drug analysis! Let's start with Quinine!
• Measure Amino Acids in “Energy Drinks”… Are their labels Accurate… or does their Data Stink!?
• Check Ground-Water “Plumes” with Fluoresceine… and Water-Table extracts will also be green!
-=> Turbidity (“Nephelometry”) = for Relative Comparison at Single values & Kinetics =
• Environmental Testing of “Settleable Solids” for River / Stream & Estuarial Waters
• Rate of Reaction of Silver Ion + Chloride Ion to form AgCl precipitate… Kool Kinetics!
• Visit Princeton University to see the Nassau Clock… but do this Lab in right at home (or School!)
• Test for IRON in our Daily “Eats”… check your Cereals, Veggies Breads and even special Treats!
• The Highlights of Highlighting Markers: How bright is bright? Is the Package LABELLED right?
• Measurement of Algae/Plankton in Lake/River/Ocean Water samples: How healthy is your water?
-=> Luminescence (“Phosphorescence”) = for Relative Comparison at Single values & Kinetics =
• Check out these Glow-in-the-Dark Plastics… some are made of Material quite Fantastic!
• Bio-Luminescent Algae and Bacteria are found in “Healthy” Waters… See anything “Fishy”?
• “UV” from Light that causes the “Glow” & Photon Motions… “Block” some with SPF Lotion!
• “Photo-Luminescent Plastic” is used in New York City… for buildings at risk by Homeland Security!
• The Luminol “Light Stick” reaction… used Organic Oxidation to set those Photons in action!
> Return to Top
> MeasureNet Fun-Sci™ Projects by Departmental Discipline
MeasureNet's design has always offered instructors significant pedagogical flexibility by supporting a wide range of experiment types regardless of whether students work independently or collaboratively. But as Measurenet has expanded from its origins at the University of Cincinnati, its inventory of experiments (and their approaches and styles) has diversified commensurately. You can expect many more selections to become available in the 2006 calendar year.
Adopting electronic data acquisition doesn't require, however, the discarding of proven experiments that build student skills or enhance understanding of important concepts. Older experiments can be easily integrated into syllabi combined with those appropriate for MeasureNet. Others needing conversion can be adapted with the help of our curriculum specialists.
The following are examples of titles for Self-Directed, Inquiry, Technique, and Verification-style experiments using MeasureNet:
Reaction Stoichiometry and Moles
Determination of Chromium (VI) Concentrations via Absorption Spectroscopy
Specific Heat of A Metal
Emission Analysis of Metals
Analysis of Phosphorus in Fertilizer
Dystan Medical Supply Company – Hot and Cold Packs
Determination of the Ka Value of a Weak Acid
Freezing Point — A Colligative Property of Solutions
Specific Heat of Substances
Emission Analysis of Aequeous Solutions of Group IA and IIA Metal Salts
Voltaic Cells
Determination of the Concentration of Acetic Acid in Vinegar
Determination of the Cause of a Fish Kill in the Clark Fork of the Columbia River
Gas Laws
Colligative Properties
Enthalpy of Reaction — Hess's Law
Determination of the Heat of Neutralization of a Variety of Strong Acids and Bases
Chemical Kinetics
Determination of a Reaction Equalibrium Constant Using Absorption Spectroscopy
pH and Buffer Solutions
Identifying a Weak Unknown Acid
Determination of the Molecular Weight of a Volatile Liquid Using the Ideal Gas Law
Vapor Pressure and Heat of Vaporization
Analysis of Phosphorus in Cola
Self-Directed: Quality Control at the GlassEx Company
Self-Directed: Identity of an Unknown Metal
Amino Acids and Proteins
1. Measurements
2. Physical and Chemical Changes
3. Specific Heat of a Metal*
4. Empirical Formula of Magnesium Oxide
5. Formula of a Hydrate
6. Emission Analysis of Metals*
7. Self Directed - Identity of an Unknown Metal*
8. Types of Chemical Reactions
9. Recycling Aluminum
10. Rates of Chemical Reactions
11. Chemical Equilibria
12. Determination of the Molecular Weight of a Volatile Liquid Using the Ideal Gas Law
13. Concentration of Acetic Acid in Vinegar*
14. Efficiency of Antacid Tablets
15. pH, Buffer Solutions and the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
16. Paper Recycling and Aging
17. Self Directed - Quality Control for GlassEx*
18. Hydrocarbons
19. Alcohols and Phenols
20. Aldehydes and Ketones
21. Carboxylic Acids and Esters
22. Amines and Amides
23. Self Directed - Identification of an Unknown Organic Compound
24. Carbohydrates
25. Amino Acids and Proteins*
26. Titration of Vitamin C
27. Soaps and Detergents
28. Polymerization Reactions
29. Chromatography
30. Dyeing of Fabrics
31. Stoichiometry*
*Featuring MeasureNet
MeasureNet Technology Ltd. manufactures patented, network-based data acquisition interfaces for science teaching laboratories. It is a spin-off of the University of Cincinnati's Department of Chemistry and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Measurenet's award-winning, PC-reducing design helps reduce laboratory maintenance and operational costs while giving students access to high quality shared UV-vis spectroscopy and an array of innovative probeware. It's acclaimed intuitive design provides improved transparency to enable better science-focused, not technology-focused, learning. Winner of the Ohio Governor's Award For Excellence in Energy Efficiency, MeasureNet networks are found in universities, community colleges, high schools, and vocational training centers across the United States and around the world.
For more information contact:
Len Weibel
Director of Business Development
tel. toll-free: 866-396-6765
lenweibel@measurenet-tech.com
May 23, 2006
The College of San Mateo has purchased two MeasureNet Networks to equip the newest state-of-the-art chemistry teaching labs in the San Francisco area. The laboratories are housed in the recently constructed Integrated Science Center. The 55,620 square foot complex accommodates the needs of multiple science disciplines, as well as house an observatory and planetarium. The complex was built by the McCarthy Building Companies®, one of the nation's oldest privately-held construction firms.
The current College of San Mateo campus was opened in 1963, but evolved from a beginning of just 35 students at the Baldwin campus in downtown San Mateo in 1922. The San Mateo County Community College District has grown to a complex of three modern campuses serving more than 25,000 day and evening students from throughout San Mateo County.
Chemistry Program faculty member Dr. Michael Clay spearheaded the efforts to obtain MeasureNet. His proposal to update lab instrumentation and curriculum highlighted a number of points that favored MeasureNet's adoption:
- The stations are permanently mounted so there is no checkout and wear and tear on the systems such as when a smaller probe system is dropped during handling.
- The MeasureNet system is much more accurate allowing smaller samples to give better results – typical freezing point depression labs can be run with less than 2 mL of solvent. This greatly cuts down on wastes generated by the labs.
- The lab stations are networked. During the workflow of data collection this means that students may upload their data into the server computer without lining up and connecting small probe calculators to a central computer.
MeasureNet Technology Ltd. manufactures patented, network-based data acquisition interfaces for science teaching laboratories. It is a spin-off of the University of Cincinnati's Department of Chemistry and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Measurenet's award-winning, PC-reducing design helps reduce laboratory maintenance and operational costs while giving students access to high quality shared UV-vis spectroscopy and an array of innovative probeware. It's acclaimed intuitive design provides improved transparency to enable better science-focused, not technology-focused, learning. Winner of the Ohio Governor's Award For Excellence in Energy Efficiency, MeasureNet networks are found in universities, community colleges, high schools, and vocational training centers across the United States and around the world.
For more information contact:
Len Weibel
Director of Business Development
tel. toll-free: 866-396-6765
lenweibel@measurenet-tech.com
August 11, 2008
For a long time, there was an assumption that personal computers were at the top of every undergraduate laboratory upgrade shopping list. Beginning in 1998, MeasureNet Networks offered an alternative to PC-based data acquisition giving students in-lab data views and graphs, while utilizing existing PCs in libraries, resource rooms, and dormitories for post-acquisition analysis. But after nearly a decade and numerous changes to PCs, what has happened to the claim that computers can be an unnecessary burden to data acquisition?
Lifespan
Though more powerful computers can be purchased less expensively than ten years ago, there are still a number of concerns ranging from economic to environmental. Longevity has remained a common worry. The United States Environmental Protection Agency asserts that the typical lifespan of a PC is “approaching two years, down from four.” (Beling, 2005) Other sources similarly claim the lifespan has decreased to just “24-36 months.” (Eason, 2006)
As seen in the accompanying graph, buying and replacing PCs for PC-based interfaces therefore requires a sizeable outlay of resources over an interface's lifespan. Provisioning a set of 12 computers for a typical laboratory of 24 students will range from U.S. $19,200 to nearly U.S. $40,000 over a ten year period depending on replacement frequency and computer choice. An equivalent MeasureNet Network would require a single instructor PC and a one-time estimated replacement over the same 10-year period, totaling U.S. $1,600 to U.S. $2,200 per laboratory
Maintenance Costs
PC maintenance is another factor when considering lost lab productivity and the hourly cost of IT department employees. In U.S. colleges and universities, these costs are real but often hidden outside chemistry department budgets. A technology white paper in 2006 estimated help desk costs and productivity losses amounted to U.S. $348 per PC, not including hardware uncovered by warranties. (Atempo, 2006)
Electricity
While improvements have been made in the operational energy efficiency of PCs and monitors in the past decade, PC power consumption in laboratories still reaches significant levels. For example, an Energy-Star optimized Dell Optiplex™ running an Intel Core™ 2 Duo with a 17-inch LCD monitor can cost almost $62.00 per year at a U.S. average of $.10 per KWh of electricity. A less efficient Optiplex™ with a Pentium ™ 4 D and a 17-inch CRT monitor can cost as much as $131 per year (1330 KWh) to operate in a lab. (4) Using PC-based interfaces instead of MeasureNet, this amounts to a $682 surcharge in electricity per year for the Energy Star PC-equipped lab and $1,441 annual when employing new, less efficient Optiplex computers. Projected over a ten-year period, with the very unlikely assumption that KWh charges remain constant, electricity costs total in range of $6,820 to $14,410 per non-MeasureNet lab assuming a configuration of 12 PCs for each 24-student laboratory. (Dell, 2008)
Environmental Concerns
In addition to electricity consumption, there are other environmental costs of PC use. According to the U.S. EPA, the manufacturing process for each desktop PC generates 140 pounds (65.3 kg.) of waste. Current processes also consume k2,300 Kilowatt hours of energy, as well as 7,300 gallons (27,625 liters) of water per computer. (Beling, 2005) If you’re not using MeasureNet, manufacturing-related waste and electricity used provisioning PCs and their replacements for a lab add up:
PC Waste Produced over 10-Year Period; PC-based Interfaces Versus MeasureNet
| |
MeasureNet |
Replace PCs Once |
Replace PCs Twice |
| solid waste (lbs) |
280 |
3080 |
4620 |
| electricity (kwh) |
4600 |
50600 |
75900 |
| water (gallons) |
14600 |
160600 |
240900 |
based on new PC purchase and indicated replacement frequency over 10 years
MeasureNet users avoid many of the operational concerns associated with PCs. College of San Mateo instructor Michael Clay was relieved when realizing the reduced maintenance implications of his three MeasureNet-equipped laboratories in 2008. "As a number of department laptops recently needed battery replacement, I realized that if we had them in the labs attached to interfaces like Vernier™, battery replacement could have run to $2,000 or more per lab every two or three years. That's would have been a significant cost for us with multiple labs. You don't have to worry about any of that with MeasureNet."
Wear and tear from knocks and spills, as well as the lab environment take a toll on wet lab computers. University of the Sciences Philadelphia Chemistry Professor Madhumati Mahalingam undertook an extensive analysis of data acquisition systems and found interfaces with PCs were not the best solution. "We looked to upgrade to computers with the Vernier™ probes but due to the power requirement of installing that many computers in the lab, as well as the added hazard of a corrosive environment for the computers, it did not seem like an ideal choice. In fact, when the two options were presented to the IT department here, they recommended going with MeasureNet."
Thus despite capability and price improvements over the past decade, there are still significant economic and non-economic costs when putting computers into the the teaching laboratory. And with MeasureNet's recent integration of GC, HPLC, calorimeter, and electrochemistry capabilities, there are now opportunities beyond General Chemistry to improve the efficiency and sustainability of data acquisition infrastructures in department laboratories.
References
Beling, Christin. Project Engineer, "Electronics and the Environment," United States Environmental Protection Agency, November 14, 2005
Eason, Julie Anne, "Extend the life of your PC with TLC," Healthcare Traveler/Modern Medicine Network, April 1, 2006
"Reducing the Total Cost of Ownership of Corporate PC Fleets," Atempo, Inc., 2006
Dell Energy Calculator, 2008 (http://www.dell.com/html/us/products/optiplex/calculator/index.html)
MeasureNet Technology Ltd. manufactures patented, network-based data acquisition interfaces for science teaching laboratories. It is a spin-off of the University of Cincinnati's Department of Chemistry and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. MeasureNet's award-winning, PC-reducing design helps reduce laboratory maintenance and operational costs while giving students access to high quality shared UV-vis spectroscopy, gas chromatograph and HPLC connectivity, and an array of innovative probeware. Its acclaimed intuitive design provides improved transparency to enable better science-focused learning. Winner of the Ohio Governor's Award For Excellence in Energy Efficiency, MeasureNet networks are found in universities, community colleges, high schools, and vocational training centers across the United States and around the world. MeasureNet Technology Ltd. is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008.
For more information contact:
Len Weibel
Director of Business Development
tel. toll-free: 866-396-6765
lenweibel@measurenet-tech.com
> Printer-Friendly Document
New Science Building Exterior. Additional facilities for Chemistry will be housed in the adjacent Mathematics Building (currently under renovation at the rear right).
Mt. San Antonio's José Jimenéz puts the final touches on the first MeasureNet Network scheduled for use. José is also a technology instructor for the college's Business program.
Lab 1 pan of benches with fume hoods in background.
Lab 2 pan to pre-lab lecture area with LCD projector (not visible) The MeasureNet PC will be connected to the projector to enable instructors to demonstrate data acquisition procedures, as well as review individual station data before an entire lab group.
February 12, 2007
Returning students will see a number of changes to the laboratory program at Mt. San Antonio College this February. Not only has Mt. Sac completed construction of a new Physical Sciences building equipped with the spacious lecture halls, new laboratories, and conveniently-placed faculty offices, but three of the program's new laboratories will sport MeasureNet Networks for a variety of data acquisition activities. The three Measurenet-equipped laboratories will support an expanding Chemical Laboratory Technician Program, bolster entry-level chemistry, and facilitate student research activities. Employment of MeasureNet's Online Data Storage System will enable students to download data to wireless laptops in lecture areas integrated with the main labs or easily access data from home or other campus facilities. Located in the city of Walnut west of Los Angeles, the California college has the third highest enrollment of any 2-year program in the state.
The Chemistry Department, under the guidance of Chair Eileen DiMauro, has entered into its third generation of electronic data acquisition with MeasureNet. Mount Sac was an early adopter of the PC-based Labworks® interface and a recent user of calculator-based labs (CBLs). "We didn't want to go back to PC-based labs," says DiMauro. "MeasureNet will give us significant ease of use, space-savings, superior data quality, and lower maintenance." Colleague Iraj Nejad believes that probeware quality will be an important feature of MeasureNet use. "Our initial kinetics runs using the MeasureNet colorimeter were just excellent" commented Nejad.
Professor Nejad, with the assistance of DiMauro and a number of faculty colleagues, is helping spearhead the development of the College as a center for undergraduate research. He and Dr. Jenny Chen were awarded a two-year US$55,000 National Science Foundation grant in 2004 to to develop a pilot program for a university research center in collaboration with UCLA, Occidental College, and Cal State Los Angeles. The grant has funded a 10-week summer research program in chemistry and biochemistry for Mt. SAC students working in the laboratories of one of the partner universities. Professors Nejad and Chen were also awarded a three-year $135,000 NSF grant that funded equipment and the implementation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques into general and organic chemistry laboratory classes to give students hands-on experience using equipment usually reserved for research universities.
"We are pleased that MeasureNet institutions like Mt. San Antonio College are leaders in transforming the role of the 2-year college into one that can provide students choices that range from practical preparation for employment to research-oriented experiences," says MeasureNet Director of Marketing Michael Kurutz. "MeasureNet has both the category leading ease-of-use and acquisition precision that supports the variety of roles demanded of today's community college laboratory."
MeasureNet Technology Ltd. manufactures patented, network-based data acquisition interfaces for science teaching laboratories. It is a spin-off of the University of Cincinnati's Department of Chemistry and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Measurenet's award-winning, PC-reducing design helps reduce laboratory maintenance and operational costs while giving students access to high quality shared UV-vis spectroscopy, gas chromatograph connectivity, and an array of innovative probeware. Its acclaimed intuitive design provides improved transparency to enable better science-focused, not technology-focused, learning. Winner of the Ohio Governor's Award For Excellence in Energy Efficiency, MeasureNet networks are found in universities, community colleges, high schools, and vocational training centers across the United States and around the world.
For more information contact:
Michael Kurutz
Director of Marketing
tel. toll-free: 866-396-6765
cell: 602-513-9311
kurutz@measurenet-tech.com
> Additional lab photos and short movie clips
> Mt. San Antonio College Chemical Laboratory Technician Program
MEASURENET TECHNOLOGY #1549
MeasureNet Technology Ltd. manufactures patented, network-based data acquisition interfaces for science teaching laboratories. It is a spin-off of the University of Cincinnati's Department of Chemistry and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Measurenet's award-winning, PC-reducing design helps reduce laboratory maintenance and operational costs while giving students access to high quality shared UV-vis spectroscopy, gas chromatograph and HPLC connectivity, and an array of innovative probeware. Its acclaimed intuitive design provides improved transparency to enable better science-focused learning. Winner of the Ohio Governor's Award For Excellence in Energy Efficiency, MeasureNet networks are found in universities, community colleges, high schools, and vocational training centers across the United States and around the world.
For more information contact:
Len Weibel
Director of Business Development
tel. toll-free: 866-396-6765
lenweibel@measurenet-tech.com