Catalyst characterisation analysers
Both of the Quantachrome Instruments catalyst characterisation units, the Autosorb-1C-TCD and the ChemBET-3000, feature stable, oxidation-resistant detectors for characterising carbon contents
Both of the Quantachrome Instruments catalyst characterisation units, the Autosorb-1C-TCD and the ChemBET-3000, feature stable, oxidation-resistant detectors. These are an essential feature of the analysis type known as temperature programmed oxidation, or TPO, wherein materials containing various types of carbon are characterised by heating in normal air or diluted air (reduced oxygen content). Whilst the sample is expected to react, the detector (known as a thermal conductivity detector, or TCD) must not, but shall retain sensitive response to changes in gas composition! Both instruments have already been used to characterise diesel soot and are expected to play an increasing role in the development of commercial catalysts used for reducing emissions from diesel engines.
The Quantachrome Autosorb-1C-TCD.
In addition to TPO it is capable of performing temperature programmed reduction (TPR), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), metal area and dispersion measurements, BET surface area and detailed pore size analyses.
The Quantachrome ChemBET 3000.
This analyser represents affordable bench-top catalyst characterisation.
In addition to TPO it is capable of performing temperature programmed reduction (TPR), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), metal area and dispersion measurements and BET surface area.
Please see the website for further details of both devices.
Spraytec used in Nebuliser development
Researchers at Trudell Medical International, a developer and manufacturer of aerosol delivery devices, are using the new Malvern Spraytec particle size analyser in the study of nebuliser performance
Researchers at Trudell Medical International, an established developer and manufacturer of aerosol delivery devices, are using the new Malvern Spraytec particle size analyser in the study of nebuliser performance. The Spraytec, equipped with an inhalation cell, allows the characterisation of nebuliser sprays under conditions representative of their use. At TMI, the system is being used in the development of new products such as the AeroEclipse II breath-actuated nebuliser (BAN).
The original AeroEclipse BAN, introduced a few years ago, was the first mechanically-operated small volume BAN with dosimetric capability, providing a near constant delivery rate of medication from a variety of formulations and volume fills.
This nebuliser required an inhalation flow rate close to 25 L/min to operate the breath-actuation mechanism.
The second generation AeroEclipse II BAN now actuates at flow rates as low as 15 L/min, making it potentially more suitable for younger patients.
According to Dr Jolyon Mitchell, Scientific Director, the team had very clear reasons for selecting the new Spraytec system.
‘Based on initial testing with a widely used formulation, it may indeed be suitable for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications.
Equally important for nebuliser studies is the inhalation cell which draws sample through the measurement zone at a rate designed to simulate the inhalation process.
The cell on the Spraytec has proved to be especially easy to set up, use and clean’.
The Malvern Spraytec uses laser diffraction technology to deliver automated, in situ analysis of high concentration aerosols and sprays.
Its 10 kHz data acquisition rate, coupled with a 0.1 to 2000 micron dynamic range, enables accurate analysis of the dynamics of spray atomisation.
The Spraytec flexible design, completely sealed against moisture ingress, and a patented multiple scattering analysis yield robust, accurate measurements even when characterising wide, high-volume spray plumes.
Measurement synchronisation is achieved using a series of triggering options ensuring that pulsed spray systems can be characterised effectively.
The system’s powerful software provides a frame-by frame analysis of each spray event and offers advanced data processing capabilities.
Integrated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) simplify method definition and make reproducible measurements straightforward.
IQ/OQs, full lifecycle documentation and a route to technical compliance to the requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 are provided for support of the pharmaceutical industry.
New dust monitors and particle counters
Recent EC research has indicated that there are more than 32,000 premature deaths in the UK every year as a result of particulate pollution: Quantitech has new counters and monitors for demo FOC
Recent EC research has indicated that there are more than 32,000 premature deaths in the UK every year as a result of particulate pollution. The main areas of concern lie with smaller particles that are not filtered by the nose and are able to penetrate deep into the lungs. It is encouraging to note therefore that technologies to measure even the smallest particles have recently developed rapidly.
Those responsible for monitoring particulates in industrial emissions and within the workplace are now able to choose from a range of instruments to precisely meet their needs.
Quantitech, one of the UK’s leading providers of environmental monitoring equipment, has invested heavily in the particulate monitoring market.
Explaining the company’s expertise in the particulate sector, product specialist Chris Tyrrell says ‘We exclusively offer the Grimm range of particle monitors in the UK.
This is because the Grimm products have been proven worldwide and because we are able to offer both portable and fixed instruments that can measure particles from 30 micrometers down to 1 nanometer, including PM-10, PM-2.5 and PM-1.
As a result, we are able to meet almost every customer’s needs’.
Responding to the growing requirement for particle counters and monitors for environmental, industrial hygiene and research applications, Quantitech has invested in extra service support and new demonstration units that prospective customers can evaluate free of charge.
Anyone interested in taking advantage of this facility should contact Chris Tyrrell directly.
Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade
It is with great pleasure that Malvern Instruments announces that the company is to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the UK’s leading accolade for business success
It is with great pleasure that Malvern Instruments announces that the company is to receive the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s leading accolade for business success. Details of the winners of the 2006 Awards were announced on Her Majesty The Queen’s 80th birthday. The Malvern Instruments award is in the category of International Trade, reflecting the company’s increased export earnings, up by 76% through sustained growth over the past six years.
Malvern Instruments is a leading supplier of analytical solutions for particle characterisation and rheological applications.
Trading since 1971, this is Malvern’s fourth such honour, having received: The Queen’s Award for Technology in 1977; The Queen’s Award for Export in 1981; and The Queens Award for Export and Technology in 1988.
Managing Director, Paul Walker, praised the efforts of the Malvern teams throughout the world.
‘I am pleased and very proud that the achievements of Malvern Instruments and everyone who works in and for the company are being recognised publicly.
We operate in a highly competitive global marketplace and serve a wide range of industries.
Maintaining a leading position requires us to stay ahead, not only in terms of technology, but also in the way we interact with and support our customers in their activities.
I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in achieving this honour for the company’.
Malvern products feature advanced technologies combined with robust mechanical designs and comprehensive software, to provide systems for material characterisation (particle size distribution, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight) and bulk material properties.
Operating from headquarters in the UK, Malvern has an established network of subsidiary organisations, local offices and distributors worldwide, and provides world class applications and technical support to its customers.
AIR surface analysis photoelectron spectroscopy
RKI Instruments has introduced the Model AC-2 Photoelectron Spectrometer, designed for atmospheric pressure operation, consisting of an open counter equipped with a UV source
RKI Instruments has introduced the Model AC-2 Photoelectron Spectrometer. Designed for atmospheric pressure operation, it consists of an open counter equipped with a UV source. The instrument measures ionisation potential and work function of surfaces IN AIR (ie without any requirement for a vacuum).
The open counter is a unique electron detector which can be operated in open air (without vacuum) and has been used for photoelectron spectroscopy in the air (PESA).
By combining the open counter with a UV source, the AC-2 PESA instrument opens the way to a new dimension in surface analysis.
The AC-2 is capable of measuring large samples up to 50 mm X 50 mm, powder samples and films on a surface.
Measurements can be taken is just 5 minutes.
Other methods which require vacuum may take up to 30 minutes for a measurement.
Any sample that emits photoelectrons can be measured.
Samples include metals, semiconductors, organics, magnetic and polarised materials as well as catalysts, pigments and ceramics.
RKI Instruments is an innovative instrument company located in Union City, California.
Two new applications centres in India
Materials characterisation company Malvern Instruments has established two applications centres in India, one in Mumbai and the other in Vadodara (Baroda)
Materials characterisation company Malvern Instruments has established two applications centres in India, one in Mumbai and the other in Vadodara (Baroda). The centres have been set up in conjunction with Aimil, the Malvern distribution partner in India. They are being operated by the Aimil dedicated applications scientists and will be used to run training courses for customers as well as to measure customer samples for applications development and on-going customer support.
According to Stuart Wakefield, the Malvern Distributor Sales Manager, the new facilities are unique in India.
‘Most companies offering analytical instrumentation do not have dedicated applications laboratories,’ he said.
‘The majority form alliances with academic departments or even with customers where they can send people to run samples.
Malvern has a reputation for excellent customer support in India, and with growing sales in this country we wanted to further improve our customer training and applications facilities’.
The well equipped laboratory facilities will house Malvern particle characterisation and rheology systems.
These new facilities enable Malvern to provide enhanced services to customers in India, and provide even better training and customer support.
Further support is provided through the Malvern website, which, in addition to product and applications information, features ‘on demand’ audiovisual presentations that can be downloaded and run at the viewer’s convenience.
Reduces particles and droplets to sub-micron sizes
The M-710 Microfluidiser processor model reduces particles and droplets to sub-micron sizes in a single pass, offering a cost-effective scale-up alternative
The M-710 Microfluidiser processor model reduces particles and droplets to sub-micron sizes in a single pass, offering a cost-effective scale-up alternative. Microfluidics introduces the M-710 Microfluidiser processor, a stainless steel 100 HP high-shear fluid processor designed to compliment the existing M-700 Series product offering. Capable of producing flow rates anywhere from two gallons per minute (GPM) at 40,000 psi to more than ten GPM at 5,000 psi in batch or continuous mode, the M-710 is a suitable alternative to expensive high-pressure fluid processors or traditional homogenisers.
With the aid of the dual synchronous intensifier pumping system, the product is kept flowing at high velocities and near constant pressure through the patented fixed geometry interaction chamber, resulting in shear forces intense enough to reduce particles and droplets to sub-micron sizes with narrow and uniform distribution, usually in a single pass.
Additionally, the M-710 processor is capable of uniform de-agglomeration, dispersing and distributing particles to create very stable emulsions and solids-in-liquid suspensions.
The lightweight Zirconia ceramic plungers within the intensifier pumps incorporate long life, wear-resistant high-pressure seals, and when coupled with the interaction chamber’s abrasion-resistant ceramic or diamond construction keep maintenance and repair costs to a minimum.
The M-710 comes with an optional Ultra-Clean-in-Place (UCIP) feature that thoroughly cleans the system between batches or before storage.
Because the interaction chamber employs no moving parts, no disassembly is required for cleaning.
Most existing options and accessories for the M-700 series are compatible with the M-710 product line, including flush diaphragm pressure transducers, feed pumps and temperature sensors, and a split-system design for clean room production areas with limited space.
ALISS at-line particle size analyser on show
The recently introduced Malvern ALISS at-line particle size analyzer for dry powder processes will be shown at the International Powder and Bulk Solids Conference/Exhibition (8-11 May in Illinois)
The recently introduced Malvern ALISS at-line particle size analyser for dry powder processes will be shown on the Malvern Instruments booth at the International Powder and Bulk Solids Conference/Exhibition, together with the company’s industry leading Mastersizer 2000 laser diffraction based particle size analyser, and the new Morphologi G2 high sensitivity particle image analyser. The Malvern ALISS has applications in a wide range of processing industries, including powder coatings, minerals and cement. It uses the same proven and robust Malvern Insitec technology and platform that is normally employed for particle sizing on-line.
Users therefore gain access to this robust laser diffraction technology to make measurements in an automated laboratory, or manually close to the process line.
The Malvern ALISS was named winner of the Powder/Bulk Solids 2005 Innovation Award in the Processing category.
A significant benefit of Malvern ALISS is that it can be transformed easily into an on-line system at a later date.
This allows the off-line optimisation of a number of mills while retaining the option to then dedicate the particle sizing system on-line for a particular key process.
Malvern ALISS can be centrally located among multiple mills, reducing the time from sampling to results to decision-making thus facilitating timely process control.
Two at-line packages are available - one that is ideal for automated laboratories and a second which includes a graphical user interface on a rugged touchscreen industrial PC.
Plant operators can make measurements of all the powder in a grab sample (typically up to 100 g).
This will avoid the introduction of errors associated with sub-sampling procedures.
Additionally no complex sample preparation or disposal procedures are needed.
Results are easily exported to plant control and information systems using the Malvern OPC server software package.
As would be expected from an industrial instrument, maintenance requirements are minimal.
Ceramic linings protect critical, high-velocity areas of the sample pathway and pro-active purging ensures that windows are kept free from dust.
Malvern adds to Vision Systems team
Malvern Instruments has appointed Dr Deborah Huck to the role of Product Technical Specialist - Vision Systems
Malvern Instruments has appointed Dr Deborah Huck to the role of Product Technical Specialist - Vision Systems. This expansion to the Malvern team follows significant sales growth and the recent successful introduction of two new image analysis based particle shape and size analyzers - the Morphologi G2 and the Sysmex FPIA-3000. Deborah will focus on applications development and support, working closely with new and existing users of Malvern systems.
Deborah joins Malvern from ABB instrumentation where she worked as a sales engineer.
She has recently completed a PhD jointly sponsored by the University of Exeter and the Universite Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg.
Welcoming Deborah to the company, Carl Crompton, Product Manager for Malvern Vision Systems said: ‘In a great many industrial areas there is a rapidly growing interest in measuring particle shape as well as size, as manufacturers constantly strive to increase productivity and enhance product quality.
Malvern image analysis based particle shape and size analysers are being used in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to abrasives, and the provision of applications development is a vitally important element in the support that Malvern can provide.’
Hosokawa appoint Lianco as agents in Ireland
Hosokawa Micron have appointed, Kilbrittain, Co Cork based, Lianco as their powder and particle equipment agents in Ireland
Hosokawa Micron have appointed, Kilbrittain, Co Cork based, Lianco . as their powder and particle equipment agents in Ireland. Highly experienced equipment suppliers to the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, Lianco will work in close partnership with the Hosokawa Micron powder processing and containment specialist engineers to offer an immediate response to the demands of established and new customers in Ireland.
Lianco experience in providing integrated processing systems complements that of Hosokawa Micron and means that customers will have access to high levels of expertise and customer service.