For almost 20 years Zbigniew Grzesik has been using CI Electronics microbalance heads in the department of solid state chemistry at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland
Over this period some of the microbalance heads have been refurbished and upgraded by CI Electronics.
The need for refurbishment is particularly great for microbalance heads that have been used with extremely corrosive sulphidizing environments at high temperatures.
Many experiments were and are still being carried out in hydrogen sulphide and pure oxygen atmospheres as well in hydrocarbons and water containing environments.
Typical experiments are conducted in temperature ranging from 600 up to 1050C.
Because CI Electronics supplies its recording microbalance systems in component form, Grzesik can readily incorporate the weighing heads into apparatus of his own design.
In addition, the components are far more economical to purchase than such devices as microthermogravimetric instruments that can only be used for one purpose - and which Grzesik has found to be far more costly to refurbish or replace when damaged by corrosion.
As proof of the versatility and longevity of the CI microbalance heads, Grzesik is still using the first unit that he purchased about 20 years ago, albeit upgraded and refurbished several times.
In connection with four microbalance heads, Dr Grzesik also uses CI Disbal control units and the LabWeigh for Windows software package.
Commenting on the microbalance heads, Grzesik says: "They are excellent for my purposes; the price-performance ratio is perfect.
"I have tried using microthermogravimetric heads for studying the kinetics of corrosion of metals in various highly corrosive atmospheres and they do last about two years.
"In addition, they are considerably less expensive than those offered by other companies".
Grzesik is also pleased with the service and technical support he receives from CI Electronics: "Telephone and e-mail support is always very good, and it is especially useful that CI Electronics can refurbish and upgrade the microbalance heads.
"I am very pleased indeed with the service I have received from the company for almost 20 years."
