Working with the lights out!

Citation

(2001), "Working with the lights out!", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 30 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2001.12930ead.008

Working with the lights out!

Working with the lights out!

Keywords: Malvern Instruments, Sampling, Sizing, Particles

According to Malvern, its new Autosampler for the Mastersizer 2000 particle size analyzer (Plate 3) is designed to enable the automatic and reliable processing of wet or dry samples. This new sampler makes the most of the Mastersizer 2000's SOP (standard operating procedure) driven operation.

Plate 3 The new autosampler for Malvern's Mastersizer 2000 Particle Size Analyzer

With a capacity of up to 36 60ml sample pots, the unit is equipped with an automatic barcode reader that we are told allows it to recognise the contents of each pot and automatically apply the appropriate measurement protocol.

Two different additives may be injected, as required, to condition the sample and ensure perfect dispersion. Dry powders, suspensions and emulsions are said to all handled equally well.

The user has the facility to create or schedule measurement SOPs for each individual pot loaded. Offline scheduling allows preparation of sample trays in advance for uninterrupted Autosampler operation.

Flexibility is reportedly maintained with the facility to reschedule urgent samples instantly. If the Autosampler lid is raised in order to remove or add samples, the system simply re-scans the tray contents and is operational again in less than a minute, working to a revised schedule.

We also understand from Malvern that the Autosampler continues to recognise previously programmed samples, even months after initial programming, so repeated programming is unnecessary. In addition, its database facility has a powerful search, sort and filter utility that allows access to all records.

The rate of throughput of samples, including the cleaning cycle, is stated to be five minutes per sample. This means that the system is capable of measuring 108 samples in a nine-hour period.

Plate 4 The low cost autotitrator for use with Malvern Instruments Zetasizer System

Malver has also recently launched the MPT-1 which it describes as a high performance, low cost autotitrator for use with Malvern Instruments Zetasizer systems (Plate 4). It reportedly enables the measurement of zeta potential and size while pH, conductivity and additive concentration are varied automatically. This is a necessary part of determining the effect of these variables on zeta potential and particle size because measurement in a single environment is generally insufficient to characterize a material fully.

The MPT-1 is said to replace manual sampling techniques, which are time intensive, inherently variable and operator dependent. With simple "press and go" operation, the system is reported to be easy to use. Software control enables users to develop their own titrarator operating procedures (TOPs), or to use those supplied with the system. Multiple method storage ensures that protocols are always available for future use.

The titrator features three separate titration dispensers, a fast response pH electrode and patented syringe technology. Replaceable, easy-to-change pump heads and rapidly interchangeable syringe units are said to ensure that the system requires little attention.

For controlled sample handling, the pump speed and stir speeds are managed via the software. According to Malvern, volumes as low as 0.3µl can be programmed and the system can handle sample volumes from 30ml to 100ml.

Further details are available from Malvern Instruments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1684 892456; Fax: +44 (0)1684 892789; E-mail: diptil@ malvern.co.uk