Particle sizer plays key role in R and D

Silverson, a specialist manufacturer of high shear mixers, is using a Malvern Instruments Mastersizer 2000 particle size analyser in the development of new mixers and in the analysis of clients' samples during production trials.

The Mastersizer 2000 is one of a range of analytical systems installed in Silverson's recently commissioned, purpose-built laboratory, which is located within a dedicated test facility at the company's headquarters in Chesham, UK.

Peter Matthews, Silverson's technical manager, heads the R and D team that runs the laboratory: "Our laboratory is used primarily in the development of new mixing equipment, providing detailed analysis of the performance of experimental machines," said Matthews.

"During development trials so many tests are purely subjective that it is often difficult to produce definitive, comparable results.

"This is especially so in terms of the particle size of suspensions and emulsions, or the degree of particle size reduction.

"Using the facilities in the laboratory, we can now analyse and compare the performance of prototypes accurately and build a complete database".

The availability of laboratory testing on site also means that comprehensive analysis of clients' products can be undertaken during trials and demonstrations at the test facility. Previously, samples from production trials were tested off site. The inevitable delays called into question the reliability of results, particularly where products have characteristics that may change on cooling, or when shear forces are removed, or where hydration continues over time.

Immediate analysis during trials, using analytical systems that many clients have in their own facilities, allows rapid identification of the most promising lines of research.

Silverson's products range from laboratory-scale mixers to full scale production equipment.

The R and D team is currently investigating the formation of submicron emulsions using rotor/stator technology.