Wyatt COMET™ (Cell Operation and Maintenance Enhancing Technology)
Light scattering is the premier technique for absolute macromolecular characterization. However, it is well known that in order to achieve the most accurate and reproducible results, one must maintain scrupulously clean optics and mobile phase. Even when the mobile phase is pre-filtered, chromatography columns continuously shed small particles that, over time, can contaminate even the cleanest optics.
This is where the Wyatt COMET™ (Cell Operation and Maintenance Enhancing Technology) concept becomes indispensable. This new device may be integrated with the flow cell manifold of a DAWN DSP, DAWN EOS, miniDAWN or miniDAWN Tristar and applies a radio frequency ultrasonic field specially tuned to the flow cell structure itself.
Unlike traditional ultrasonic cleaning methods, the field produced by the COMET device is resonant with the flow cell bore and does not produce cavitation bubbles that might damage the glass surface-nor does it form bubbles that would affect the scattering signals themselves. When used on a regular basis, the need to remove the flow cell for cleaning may be postponed indefinitely. The COMET loosens particles that may have adhered to the cell walls and removes them on a daily basis. In addition, the periodic activation of the device can prevent the adhesion of new particles. Moreover, the device operates in-situ while the mobile phase is flowing through the cell. There is no need to disconnect any fluid fittings, change solvents, or disassemble anything.
Wyatt Technology's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Wyatt noted that successful light scattering measurements come from minimizing dust and flare from the laser beam. "Up until now, our patented flow cell design has addressed these problems in three ways. First, the critical entrance and exit windows of the flow cell are located far from the scattering center to reduce the effect of contaminated windows. Second, the laser light source is focused into an extremely small beam diameter so that particulates and other contaminants on the walls are not illuminated. Third, the flow cell can be easily removed, manually cleaned, and reinstalled without perturbing the optical alignment. What has always been required, however, is an on-line method of maintaining flow cell cleanliness. That's what is so exciting about this novel device."
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Wyatt Technology is the world leader in providing the most advanced macromolecular and nanoparticle characterization tools. These instruments and software may be used to determine the absolute molecular weight and or size of macromolecules and nanoparticles and include: multi-angle light scattering, dynamic light scattering, high through-put dynamic light scattering, field flow fractionation, refractive index and viscometry detection.