MMany products consist of complex multi-component mixtures. Often, long-term homogeneity and durability of such mixtures is of high priority in product development, aas separation processes have a negative impact on product quality. Traditionally, separation processes are observed with the naked eye in a so-called shelf-life test. Hhowever, this procedure is subjective and often several weeks of testing are necessary for each optimisation round.

MMeasurements at Sub-Zero Temperatures Possible for the First Time

To solve this problem, the German laboratory instrument manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments offers the MultiScan MS 20 dispersion stability analysis system for an automatic stability and ageing analysis of liquid dispersions. The device was specially developed for the characterisation of suspensions and emulsions and enables a time- and position-resolved analysis of separation processes. With the MultiScan MS 20, such processes can be quantified more precisely and eevaluated in more detail than with a conventional shelf-life test. The MultiScan MS 20 consists of a base unit, to which up to six sample chambers can be connected.

Up to now, measurements at constant temperatures and temperature profiles between 4 °C and 80 °C were possible with the MultiScan MS 20. Now, DataPhysics InI struments has succeeded in lowering the minimum temperature for measurements to -10 °C. To measure at sub-zero temperatures, the tower-shaped sample chambers of the MultiScan MS 20 are encased with an insulation sleeve. To prevent humidity from condensing on the samples, the sample chambers are flooded with dry inert gas dduring the measurement. The sleeves can be ordered in the desired quantity when purchasing a new device. Existing devices can be retrofitted for measurements at low temperatures.