ANTON ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES INC

---

. . . first of a series

EDITOR'S C O L U M N

6. checking and evaluation of data obtained. Too often, he noted, analysts are not used, and less t h a n optimum re­ sults are obtained. For example, an expensive mass spectrometer m a y be used where a much less ex­ pensive thermal conductivity cell would do equally well and with much less maintenance. Another example is the fallacy of assuming t h a t on-stream analytical instru­ ments can be merely "plugged i n " without regard to the system to be monitored, and the possibility of in­ terferences. Another erroneous a s ­ sumption is that the instruments are always correct and t h a t they need not be checked and calibrated. P l a n t operators often lack the background to detect trouble even when it exists and sometimes are rough or careless with the instru­ ments. While management will call on its analytical personnel in setting up and equipping a control laboratory, too often t h e y rely on the chemical engineer, instrument engineer, and others in t h e plant when it comes to deciding on, selecting, and installing on-stream instrumentation. In both the laboratory a n d the onstream cases, however, the devices used are similar. Training for On-Stream Analysis

One possible solution, D r . Siggia feels, is to develop analysts who are well-versed in continuous analysis. This can probably best be initiated in college by emphasizing t h a t onstream analysis is analysis and t h a t the same analytical principles apply here as in other types of analysis. In this way, students would be made familiar not only with the trend toward automatic on-stream analysis but also with the develop­ ing trend toward automatic labora­ tory analyses. These developments, D r . Siggia feels, constitute a challenge to p r a c ­ titioners and teachers of analysis to gear up, catch up, and m a k e their contribution in an area where it is sorely needed.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF ENVIRONMENT- EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL RELIABILITY

, . . CONCERNING ANTON GM-TUBES The following note accompanied a recent summary of radiation ex­ periments with satellites and deep space probes:

To: Mr. Nicholas G. Anton The attached constitutes a notable record for the Anton Electronic Laboratories. All detectors...have performed splendidly and have contributed immensely to the world's knowledge of radiations in outer space. Sincerely yours,

M.