Varian Brings Powerful Analytical Capabilities to More Labs With Low-Cost GC/MS Instrument.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 1999--Varian Associates, Inc., is broadening the marketplace for one of its major lines of analytical instruments by introducing a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) affordable for the first time to cost-conscious academic, industrial, and environmental laboratories.

The Saturn 2000R GC/MS is the first such instrument to employ sensitive and flexible ion trap technology priced less than $45,000. At this price point it is approximately 25% less than comparable models, well within the budgetary range of numerous labs performing basic chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical research. The Saturn 2000R is also seen as an important analytical tool for laboratories in developing nations, where budget is a significant issue.

Designed in its basic configuration as an entry level instrument, the Saturn 2000R can be upgraded to handle the most complex analyses.

"Making instrument innovations available to a broad range of laboratories is one of our most successful strategies. This effort has proved extremely effective with our revolutionary Cary 50 UV-Vis spectrophotomer," says Allen J. Lauer, Varian executive vice president and head of its Instruments business. "At less than $45,000, the Saturn 2000R is well within the reach of labs that could never before consider GC/MS.

"No other low-cost GC/MS offers the upgrade path of this ion trap system. As analytical requirements change, advanced capabilities such as chemical ionization and even MS/MS can be added as uncomplicated, field upgrades," Lauer continues.

"The Saturn 2000R brings the power of electron ionization analysis into the laboratory at the lowest possible price, lowest cost of ownership, and with groundbreaking simplicity of operation and maintenance," concludes Lauer.

About GC/MS

Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy combines two analytical techniques for identifying and confirming molecules. First, substances are introduced into the gas chromatograph. Gas chromatography is a technique that separates a mixture of substances by taking advantage of the characteristics specific to each component.

As the compounds under analysis leave the chromatograph, they are introduced into the mass spectrometer operating in a vacuum. The compounds are then bombarded with high-energy electrons, which produce ionized fragments. Like fingerprints, these fragments are unique for each compound and can be compared against a computer database for precise identification and confirmation.

This level of accuracy is particularly important when documenting results for regulatory agencies involved with drugs of abuse screening, pharmaceutical analysis, or environmental testing.

The Saturn 2000R consists of three principal hardware modules: a workhorse Varian Model 3800 GC; a simply designed yet exquisitely sensitive ion trap mass spectrometer; and a powerful Saturn computer workstation with a full Windows(R) software interface.

Deliveries of the Saturn 2000R commence immediately.

Varian Associates, Inc., based in Palo Alto, is a $1.4 billion, diversified, high-technology company with core businesses in analytical instruments, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and health care systems that provide products and services to worldwide markets. It operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and has sales and service offices worldwide.

Press announcements and other information about Varian are available at www.varian.com.