52 Future-Proof Rheometry


Anton Paar introduces the third generation of Modular Compact Rheometers. More versatile than ever, the new MCR series offers one thing first and foremost: An open range of possibilities. This is how Anton Paar defines future-proof rheometry: whichever new application opens up, MCR rheometer users can rely on the fact that they are always covered – whether in routine quality control or high- end research & development, the speed and precision of the systems’ dynamic EC motor and numerous patented features are always readily available for convenient operation and reliable results.


Rheological requirements are always in flux, much like the flow and deformation behavior of the materials the technology is used to investigate. Building on their intrinsic modular design, the new generation of MCR rheometers is now even further ahead of latest testing applications: The instruments are efficiently and comfortably adapted to meet any testing requirement.


The intuitive application software and patented features like ToolmasterTM, an automatic tool recognition and configuration system, make


sure of smooth modular operation: Changing a cone-plate for a concentric-cylinder measuring system is just as easy as integrating a new temperature device or extending the MCR rheometers’ testing capabilities with a wide range of application-specific accessories.


The space-saving MCR rheometers are built for practice, with all components incorporated into one simply installed unit that easily fits on a standard laboratory table. ‘Compact’ use of operators' time is also guaranteed: The patented TruGapTM


system for automatic gap control,


the T-ReadyTM feature for controlling the actual sample temperature, and of course the speed and precision of the synchronous EC motor itself – these and other characteristic MCR qualities ensure efficient rheological operation.


MCR rheometers deliver cutting-edge performance. The third generation features well-known as well as brand-new and further refined rheological highlights: The air-bearing-supported, synchronous EC motor, the dynamic TruRateTM patented normal force sensor integrated in the air bearing, TruStrainTM features ensure the MCR series’ world-renowned rheological peak performance.


sample-adaptive motor controller, the real-time position control, improved electronics and numerous other Circle no. 151


The NanoChemistry group at the Department of Chemistry at DTU in Kongens Lyngby near Copenhagen, is led by Professor Jens Ulstrup.


University Teaching Labs Buy into Better Performance Autoclaves


York University is shortly taking delivery of a number of priorclaves for use in the Biology Department’s Teaching Laboratories and associated central Wash-Up and sterilising facilities, the third contract to be awarded to Priorclave by the University in the past 12 months. Although the laboratory equipment supplies market is extremely competitive, the Operations Manager at York University specified the Priorclave brand of autoclaves because of their inherent and proven energy efficiency, enabling the Department to reduce significantly its day-to-day operational costs. This was a key factor in changing to priorclaves since all utility supplies along with media disposal costs are levied direct to the University.


For the ultra-modern teaching laboratories Priorclave is supplying a 350 litre autoclave featuring a ‘square’ chamber, providing sufficient capacity to sterilise everything from small and medium sized containers to large canisters and other plastic items. Despite its large chamber the 350 autoclave has a small footprint ensuring that York University can maximise the teaching area. Effortless access to the front loading chamber is gained by the two hand-wheel door closure system.


It is the combination of standard functions such as delayed start and media warming for ready to pour media at the start of the day plus automatic timed freesteaming for improving air removal and sterilising performance that contributes to the speed at which the priorclaves can move from an off status into a full on-start for steam sterilisation. It proved a major factor in winning the contract for the biology department.


As part of this contact Priorclave is to supply a high capacity steam steriliser, a 700 L autoclave for the central Wash-Up and sterlising Facility to ensure complete sterilisation of all medium and other waste by-products generated by more than 30 research groups located in the department of Biology. This large, front-loading rectangular chambered autoclave also has an easy-open/close door locking system activated by three hand-wheels.


The addition of Priorclave autoclaves at York University ensures that the Biology Department, which is recognised as one of the leading biological science departments in the UK, maintains the highest of standards in sterilisation in the laboratory to prevent cross contaminations, as well as in the central wash-up facility for the safe disposal of deactivated waste material from research experiments in-line with legal requirements.


Circle no. 152


Chemistry at the nanoscale deals with the observation and manipulation of Nature's tiniest chemical building blocks, and with the design and exploitation of new properties that arise from nanoscale objects.


The NanoChemistrty group at DTU Chemistry uses new and untraditional technologies, which has helped us to open a whole new world of ‘ultra- small’ chemical and physicochemical systems of great importance for future technology. One of the current projects dealing with nanoparticles in solution is the SAMENS project.


The main objective of NanoChemistry's SAMENS project (saccharide-based approach to metallic nanostructure synthesis) is to develop methods for the preparation of novel exciting nanostructures. These include very small, metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, core-shell hetero-nanostructures of metals and metal oxides and highly anisotropic nanostructures. These are thoroughly characterised by a variety of methods and applied in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis.


The research is built on a strong ‘green’ foundation with constant efforts also within nanotoxicology. The properties of the nanostructures depend strongly on their size and shape, so it is critical that we have precise knowledge about these parameters.


Several techniques for size and shape characterisation have been used in the project. These include TEM, AFM, STM, UV-Vis, SEM and Zetasizing. Most recently, a NanoSight system providing particle-by-particle nanoparticle tracking analysis, NTA, was acquired.


Moisture Analysers Intelligent Design Enables Fast, Accurate Results


With smart features developed specifically for simple operation and fast results, Adam Equipment’s PMB moisture analysers deliver outstanding performance. There are two models to choose from: the PMB 53 provides moisture determination results at 0.01%/1mg with a capacity of 50g, while the PMB 202 provides results at 0.05%/10mg with a capacity of 200g.


Adam Equipment sets a new standard for data collection in these moisture analysers. With multiple samples and repetitive tests being standard in most applications, PMB analsyers allow use of a USB memory card to store an unlimited number of results and test programs. Tests can be run at virtually any location and results are stored on the spot. Its rugged, metal housing, simultaneous display of test parameters and results, single halogen heat lamp and easy functionality make PMB moisture analysers a smart choice for moisture determination.


Circle no. 153


The leading user, Christian Engelbrekt from the NanoChemistry group at DTU Chemistry, described his thoughts on using the system for his research: "From my experience, NTA is superior to the majority of nanoparticle characterisation techniques and complementary to others. Compared to other light-scattering techniques in solution, the NTA user is much closer to the raw data.


This provides a strong basis for analysis and interpretation of the results. This is especially important when working with hybrid and anisotropic nanostructures where very careful data analysis is needed. The other techniques are all based on dried or immobilised samples that introduces other challenges regarding interpretation.


We furthermore often look at coated nanostructures and with NTA we can ‘see’ the overall size including the coating layer, which is not visible in TEM. And another advantage is that NTA is really fast and inexpensive to run."


Circle no. 154


Nano Chemistry Group at DTU Copenhagen Utilises Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis in its Research


INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012


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