KRÜSS GmbH will be presenting its latest development, the Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT, at the ACHEMA 2015.
The instrument measures interfacial and surface tension with a high degree of accuracy and a particularly wide measuring range of 10-6 to 80 mN/m. The SDT is the ideal solution for the quality control and development of emulsions and surfactants thanks to its enormous bandwidth, low number of samples and simple handling during preparation. Exact capture of extremely low interfacial tensions also makes the SDT an instrument particularly well-suited for analyzing the interfacial behavior of milli-emulsions and micro-emulsions, for example for tertiary oil recovery or the pharmaceutical branch.
Exact rotation and image evaluation
With the spinning drop method, measurement of the interfacial and surface tension is carried out by analyzing the video image of a drop or a bubble surrounded by fluid in a rotating capillary. The accuracy of the video analysis and the rotational speed are decisive for the precision of the spinning drop method. That is why a high-resolution USB3 camera and an exactly controlled precision motor with excellent speed constancy are among the most important components of the SDT, combined with the intelligent and robust
image evaluation algorithms of the software ADVANCE.
In addition to the standard Vonnegut method, the ADVANCE software’s spectrum of methods also
encompasses an evaluation of the drop shape in accordance with Young-Laplace. This method reduces the
rotational speed needed for high interfacial and surface tensions. Thus, the instrument measures not only
extremely low interfacial tensions but also – at a rotational speed of up to 15,000 rpm – the surface tension of aqueous solutions with no problem at all.
Ergonomically designed, safety-ensuring housing
Completely novel in respect to the spinning drop technique is that all components, including the rotating
capillary, are enclosed in a sturdy, closed housing. This virtually eliminates the risk of injury while the design with its clearly highlighted control elements makes working with the instrument very easy. The tilting and the camera position are motor-controlled while the camera itself is protected by a special recess that accommodates it in its park position.
Innovations for speedy sample preparation
One of outstanding features of the SDT lies in the especially simple procedure for changing the samples. The novel concept for preparing the capillary, for which two patents are pending, significantly reduces the often laborious preparation otherwise involved in a spinning drop measurement. It also abolishes the need
of regularly changing a septum normally required. The capillary is first filled with surrounding liquid while
dismounted. Its specially shaped cap also serves as a holder for the drop liquid which enters the capillary
when the cap is closed. The capillary is then placed in its holder with just one simple click.
Efficient and flexible temperature control
The speedy capillary changeover is achieved not least by the forgoing of a liquid temperature control, which at the same time saves the need for an additional thermostat. The integrated electric heater controls the target temperature quickly and accurately and is characterized by its high temperature stability. A cryostat can also be connected for analyses carried out at below room temperature. An accurate infrared sensor measures the temperature contactless and reproduces the thermal conditions directly at the place of measurement.
Software with a new workflow-orientated operating concept
The ADVANCE software focuses on simple automation and intuitive operability. The relevant functions for
each particular step are arranged in tiles which display all elements necessary in the context on the screen.
By forgoing the use of menus and pop-ups, ADVANCE saves any unnecessary clicks and time-consuming
searches for hidden elements. Measuring with the Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT is completely software-controlled and uses prepared and easily adaptable procedure. ADVANCE automatically assigns every measured value to its associated drop image and presents it in the video window. There is no need for the laborious saving, loading and management of image files.
KRÜSS will be demonstrating the Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT with its ADVANCE software for visitors at the ACHEMA 2015 on stand F77 in hall 4.1.
About KRÜSS GmbH
Advancing your Surface Science. As specialists in interfacial chemistry and the world’s leading supplier of measuring instruments for surface and interfacial tension, we not only provide high quality product solutions – our offer is a combination of technology and scientific consulting. These include seminars, technical service, our Customer Support Lab and our Surface Science Center for professional measurement services. Our exclusive distribution network and our locations in Hamburg (Germany), the US, Great Britain and France allow us to provide fast, flexible support for R&D labs and in quality control throughout the world. Our expertise, precision and passion have already convinced many prestigious companies in countless industries.
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