Malvern has introduced a robotic solution for cement analysis on the Mastersizer 3000 particle size analyser.
Used in combination with the Mastersizer 3000’s ceramic venturi, this new interface delivers fully automated, highly repeatable measurement for all cement types, with little manual intervention or maintenance.
According to the company, performance tests confirm the generation of consistent high quality data with no sample cross-contamination.
Automated laboratories are established across the cement industry. They are frequently used for all routine plant analysis and are designed to ensure that what would normally be ‘manual’ interaction with the analysers is handled by robots.
Such facilities deliver value through the production of high quality data and by eliminating the need for manual input. Consequently the equipment they contain must achieve a demanding specification.
Malvern’s robotic solution integrates with the Mastersizer 3000, using the analyser’s vibratory feeder.
The funnel into which the sample is poured can be orientated to meet specific laboratory layouts and its closely defined geometry minimises the abrasive impact of the cement.
Working in tandem with the analyser’s ceramic venturi it delivers fully dispersed sample to the measurement zone at an optimal and precisely controlled feed rate.
Polished PTFE surfaces stop sample adhering to the funnel walls while a dual vacuum automated cleaning system removes any residual sample before the next analysis.
In-use tests showed a standard deviation of less than 1% between repeat analyses, even for the finest cements with no cross-contamination.
Steps taken to prevent powder build up on the optics ensure a steady background for measurement and lengthen running times between cleaning.
To download the Mastersizer 3000 product brochure, please click on the link above.
