Free : Web Resource for Colloid Scientists

Malvern, UK -- An extended section of the Malvern® Instruments website is devoted to colloids and colloidal stability issues. Offering a valuable resource to anyone working in this field, the colloid section now features specific and highly relevant on-demand presentations and downloadable application notes.

It also provides background information on the topic and details of the analytical solutions that the company offers: in particular the Zetasizer® Nano particle characterization system and Malvern’s range of stress and strain controlled rheometers.

The Zetasizer Nano measures two significant colloid parameters – particle size, and zeta potential - both relevant to colloidal stability. It enables non-invasive particle size characterization at high concentration with minimal dilution, and is therefore especially useful for studying aggregates or agglomerates, which are at risk of breakdown when any sample preparation is required.

Malvern’s range of rheometers enables accurate and reliable rheological characterization of fluid-like, semi-solid, and solid materials. Patented Rotonetic™ adaptive control technology delivers unsurpassed torque and speed control in all test modes while an extensive range of temperature control options allows quantification of the impact of this important variable.

Colloids are finely dispersed two-phase mixtures widely encountered in everyday life in the form of cosmetics and toiletries, pharmaceuticals, paints, foodstuffs and agrichemicals. Colloidal stability is a critical issue directly linked in many instances with product quality parameters such as shelf life. The development of optimal products is dependent on the accurate measurement of colloid properties and an understanding of the variables affecting them.

http://www.malvern.com/colloids

Metso-Best Live Bottom Bin Discharger

BRUNSWICK, OH --In response to a leading manufacturer’s need to hopper and control feed a needle type of material used as a reinforcement in their ad mix, Metso BEST, Inc. designed a Live Bottom Bin Discharger with 10 cubic foot Storage Hopper to meter the needles to the mixing process.

The manufacturer of refractory/ceramic-type products could not feed the 1” long needle-like material by a screw and bridging in the hopper. The Live Bottom Bin Discharger eliminated all bridging and provided even flow to the 8”x48” Twin Motor Vibratory Feeder.

The entire system is supplied with dust-tight covers and dust boots. The self-contained unit can be made portable for moving from one area to another.

The Live Bottom Bin 36” Diameter with 10 cubic foot hopper flows product to an 8”x 48” Vibratory Feeder.

For more information contact:
Metso BEST, Inc.
1071 Industrial Parkway North
Brunswick, OH 44212
Telephone: 800-827-9237
Email: sales@bestvibes.com
Web site: http://www.bestvibes.com/

Rotary Cone Sample Divider - Laborette 27

Idar-Oberstein, Germany -- Today modern analytical instruments for particle characterization can achieve previously unheard-of levels of precision. Verification limits of trace analysis in the ppm (parts per million) or ppb (parts per billion) range have now become standard.  Unfortunately, it is frequently overlooked that the overall error in analysis is comprised of the measurement error of the analytical instrument plus the sampling error.

In other words: an error of 15% made in taking of the sample will never disappear irrespective of the precision of the measuring instrument!

The error due to sampling becomes larger when, as is often the case, an analysis quantity of less than 200 mg is required and the original sample quantity available to the lab is, for example, 2,000 g. For this reason, it is necessary to divide the total quantity into a representative sub-quantity. The aliquot should be representative and have the same physical and chemical properties as the whole quantity.

The ideal way to obtain a representative sample is to use the Rotary Cone Sample Divider Laborette 27 from FRITSCH. The design is based on the combination of various dividing processes in one instrument. The sample is fed through a funnel to a dividing cone with a shape that allows for quartering and coning of the material.

Against the surface of the cone, the sample material is accelerated outward through rotation of the entire system and divided by guide channels into 8, 10 or 30 individual material flows depending on the dividing head used. Due to the rotation of the dividing head, the number of dividing steps is increased up to 2600 per minute, so that the final reduced sample is made up of a very large number of individual samples.

The result of the sample division is more accurate the slower and more uniformly the sample is introduced. For this reason, we recommend use of the FRITSCH Vibratory Feeder Laborette 24. With rotary sample dividers of other manufacturers, the sample introduction takes place eccentrically into the individual glass sample bottles. Unfortunately, this can result in systematic errors. When using a feeder channel, segregation of the sample can occur in the channel. This results in a reduced dividing accuracy.

The introduction of the sample over the central dividing cone in the Laborette 27 reduces this error. Through rotation of the cone, the flow of material is spread out radially and evenly over 360° and thereby also the random or systematically embedded properties of the sample.

Naturally, the handling and cleaning of the sample divider is equally important. The dividing head of the Laborette 27 can be very easily removed from the drive shaft in order to either clean it with a brush or remove it with compressed air. It is also possible to rinse it with water, place in an ultrasonic bath or wash it in a dishwasher!

The dividing head is available in various versions. These allow for division ratios of 1:8 (in 500 ml or 250 ml bottles, i.e. a maximum of 4 liter sample), 1:10 (in 250 ml bottles, 2.5 liter sample) or 1:30 (15 ml, 20 ml or 30 ml bottles, maximum 300 ml sample). In addition, the individual dividing heads are available in Aluminum and POM plastic (polyoxymethylane). FRITSCH also offers the dividing head 1:30 with PTFE coating.

For more information visit: http://www.fritsch.de/

I

Skako provides more capacity at Quarry Skako Comessa supplied four custom designed vibratory feeders to Arcow Quarry to solve their capacity problems.

New Enhanced Surface Area Analyzer
Quantachrome announces its NOVA series of surface area analyzers will be available with an enhanced "calibration-free" analysis.

Low-Profile Screener Achieves High Rates A new low-profile, sanitary screener from Kason employs two gyratory motors mounted on opposing exterior sidewalls of the unit.

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Mr. Plata wants "gentle" bulk storage for friable material:

I'm looking for a sanitary bulk storage solution for pellets that crush easily. Are there silos/tanks available that eliminate much of the downward force on a material?

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Wrigley Company
joseph.plata@wrigley.com

Mr. Rauch wants help with product changeovers:

My company packages and distributes plastic resins. For years we packaged out PEs and PPs. Occasionally we would package some styrenes.

When we did we would dedicate both equipment and hoses to the job and when finished we would water wash everything. This included removing and changing the filters from the receiver. It is time consuming but was a rarity, so it was what it was.  Today I was informed that we will be getting involved in packing a lot more Styrenes, ABS, and Carbonates.

Does anyone have any ideas on clean downs that would relate to less downtime? Hoses can stay dedicated, but there are only so many pieces of transfer equipment. I can just blow thing down when changing between PEs and PPs. Contamination issues become much greater when I will start packaging these other materials.
 (to post reply, click here)

Thanks,
Scott Rauch
Entec Polymers
srauch@entecresins.com

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Technical Sales Engineer - Charlotte, NC

LCI Corporation, an engineering division of an international company has an opening for a Technical Sales Engineer at its headquarters in Charlotte, NC.

This person will be responsible for the sale of company products and development of proper business relationships with LCI clients in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Individual will be actively involved in marketing aspects of the business including advertising, trade shows, sales and technical presentations.

Individual will also be expected to run test center trials, manage projects, conduct equipment commissioning, and provide technical support to LCI clients.

We require a B.S. in Chemical Engineering (or related field), along with 3-5 years experience in technical sales of agglomeration and material handling equipment, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. A strong equipment/mechanical background is considered necessary.

Working familiarity with standard office automation software is required (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Acrobat, and ACT) as well as the ability to quickly and effectively conduct targeted online research.

Certifications in the following areas are considered a plus: Sales, marketing, cGMP regulations, validation, electrical/instrumentation/controls.

This position requires up to 50% travel.

LCI offers a competitive salary and benefit plans along with a matching 401K Savings Plan.

If qualified, please respond with your resume, salary requirement, and a cover letter of interest to hr@lcicorp.com

LCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Solid-Liquid Filtration and Separation Technology
by Y. A. Rushton, etal
Paperback, 539 pages, 1996

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Screw Conveyor 101
by Michael P. Forcade
Spiral-bound, 260 pages, 1999

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Circular Storage Tanks and Silos
by A. Ghali
Library Binding, 352 pages
2nd edition, June 2000

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Design of Metering
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