Turbiscan – product ageing analysis

Citation

(2001), "Turbiscan – product ageing analysis", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2001.12930bad.006

Turbiscan – product ageing analysis

Turbiscan – product ageing analysis

Keywords: Fullbrook Systems, Testing, Analysis

What is a Turbiscan? The quick answer! It is described as a computer controlled bench top unit that utilises transmitted and/or back-scattered near infra-red light to discriminate and distinguish between particle migration and size change in concentrated or opaque samples. Samples of up to 60 per cent weight for weight concentration can reportedly be assessed far more readily than is possible with a Rheometer. The Turbiscan, it is claimed, enables a quantitative comparison of samples at speeds up to 50 times faster than is possible with the naked eye and needs only 6mls of product to be able to produce informative results.

Emulsions or foams can also be tested for stability as well as dispersions. The widely varying industries currently using Turbiscan units to evaluate and develop their products include inks and paints.

Plate 2 The Turbiscan from Fullbrook

The universal suitability of the Turbiscan (Plate 2) for testing these products is believed to be enhanced by the fact that it maintains a better particle size response than is commonly available with other instruments. Additionally, it does not require samples to be diluted prior to running a test. All that is required is the ability to get the product into the test cell, either by pouring or coring the sample. Further simplifying the test procedure, the Turbiscan reportedly does not require the samples to be matched for refractive index, density, or particle separation. Once under way, the test can be user-defined to provide data acquisition from every 0.1 second up to once every nine days.

Details available from: Fullbrook Systems Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1442 876777; Fax: +44 (0)1442 877144; e-mail: sales@fullbrook.com