Pulsating Drop Module Used to Study Surfactant Behaviour in Flotation
The choice of surfactant influences the recovery yield of minerals during flotation separation processes. Scientific instruments such as the Theta force tensiometer with Pulsating Drop Module are now being used to measure the rheological properties of bubble surfaces.
The principle of flotation is simple. In the flotation tank, fine bubbles are dispersed in the pulp containing finely ground ore particles which, depending on their hydrophobicity, attach to the air bubbles. Thus, valuable ore is lifted to the top of the tank, where it is skimmed off, while gangue minerals stay in the pulp.
DVS Measurement of Human Hair Reveals Variations in Moisture Uptake
Research conducted by leading sorption solutions provider Surface Measurement Systems Ltd has revealed noticeable variations in the moisture uptake properties of damaged and undamaged human hair.
The method used in the research was Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS), which employs scientific instruments — known as DVS moisture sorption instruments — to measure how rapidly and how much of a solvent is absorbed by a sample.
Three types of human hair were subjected to DVS analysis in the study. These were classified by the researchers as;
Introducing the Mastersizer 3000
The Mastersizer 3000 is a new particle size analyser that is capable of providing accurate and fast distributions in both wet and dry dispersions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Mastersizer 3000, discussing how it works and some of its key features.
What is particle size analysis?
Firstly, for those who may be unfamiliar with the role of a particle size analyser such as the Mastersizer 3000, allow us to explain very briefly
In order to properly understand many products, it is critical to understand the particle size distribution of those products. Without this knowledge, the physical and chemical properties of the product cannot be fully grasped.
7 Reasons Particle Size Analysis is Essential
An examination of the various industries that use particle size analysis during the manufacturing or production stage reveals that the process is used for a similar reason: quite simply, to control the amount of chemical reactions that occur when the product is being used. In this article, we’ll take a look at seven of the most crucial properties that are affected by particle size in various manufacturing scenarios.
1. Rate of reactions
When it comes to solids, the surface area of the particle is critical in determining the rate of chemical reaction. Chemical reactions are far more likely to occur in fine particles than otherwise. A great example of an industry reliant on this principle is the cement industry, which must deliver the appropriate reaction rate in order to achieve the desired product.
4 Benefits of On-Line Particle Analysis for Mineral Processing
In order to extract valuable minerals from naturally occurring ores, the process of comminution and milling must take place to produce materials of an appropriate particle size. This process is critical in order to ensure operating costs stay low and to ensure the minerals extracted are of high value. Traditionally, particle size analysis has been performed through manual measurement, but increasingly the industry is turning towards on-line particle size measurement methods such as laser diffraction. In this article, we’ll look at four reasons that laser diffraction is the optimum method for particle sizing in the mineral processing industries.
1. Quicker and higher ROI
Using Dynamic Imaging Particle Analysis to Characterise Biologics
In recent years we have seen an increase in the role of biologics in medicine. Biologics are medicinal products that are created by biologic processes instead of chemical synthesis; these include products such as blood, vaccines, gene therapy, allergenics or somatic cells. Because of the increased role of biologics, the need to characterise particulate matter within those biologics has increased as well. In this article, we’ll take a look at how dynamic imaging particle size analysis is being used to characterise particulates in biologics, as well as some of the factors that need to be considered when using the technology.
The early days: Light Obscuration
In the early days of particle analysis in biologics, analysts used light obscuration techniques to attempt characterisation, but this method meant they faced a few hurdles. These were as follows:
Detecting Invasive Mussels with Particle Analysis
Particle size analysis technology, such as laser diffraction and FlowCAM digital imaging, plays an important role in a range of areas, from pharmaceuticals and food to cement mixture. In this article, we’ll look at one particular use of FlowCAM particle analysis: the detection of invasive species, in particular the quagga and zebra mussels of the U.S.
The quagga and zebra mussel threat
In the U.S., the threat of invasive quagga and zebra mussels is a very real one. They arrived in the U.S. from Europe some time during the ‘80s and quickly wrought havoc on water storage, water delivery and hydropower systems and structures. Additionally, these invasive species have the potential to cause long-term damage to the ecosystem.
7 Applications of FlowCAM technology
Originally built in 1999, FlowCAM is a technology used for particle size analysis. It was the first automated instrument to use digital imaging with the goal of measuring the size and shape of particulates in a fluid. These days, FlowCAM technology is used in a wide variety of industries with a wide range of uses, from ensuring the survival of plankton species to quality control in pharmaceutical products. In this article, we’ll look at seven different applications for FlowCAM.
1. Plankton
Plankton absorbs around half of the world’s carbon dioxide and is a mass producer of oxygen, making it crucial to the health of our planet. FlowCAM is capable of detecting and measuring marine plankton in a continuous flow of fluid. Because measurements occur in real time, scientists are able to acquire a range of information including size, shape, fluorescence and concentration immediately, a much better alternative to the longer times afforded by traditional microscopy methods.
Uncovering Lipid Membranes
Dual Polarisation Interferometry (DPI) is an important tool that enables drug discovery, as well as an important enabling tool for biochemistry and cell biology. The AnaLight 4D scientific instruments by Farfield represent analytical methods that provides high resolution measurements of density, dimensions and quantitative mass for biomolecules and their complexes. There is a clear link between changes in these physical parameters and the interactions of biological membranes and proteins or peptides — at least, their functional and structural elements.
The experiment
In this case, an AnaLight 4D instrument was used to perform DPI experiments. This involved utilising an unmodified AnaChip, with temperature being maintained at lower than 20 degrees Celsius at all times. The experiment used analytical-grade buggers and reagents, while a Farfield Aries degasser was used to degas all solutions before being used. The running buffer for the experiment was 10 mM HEPES, 150mM sodium chloride.
Understanding the Structure of Proteins at the Oil-Water Interface
Due to their amphiphilicity, proteins are commonly utilised in both the pharmaceutical and food industries to form emulsions. Their adsorption to an emulsion’s oil-water interface results in proteins forming an interfacial layer that works to stabilise emulsions against flocculation through steric and/or electrostatic repulsions. The proteins’ structural properties when adsorbed at the oil-water interface is a key factor in the determination of an emulsion’s stability, as well as various other physicochemical properties. As a result, gaining a better knowledge of the stability and structure of proteins adsorbed at oil-water interfaces with the aid of particle size analysers has been identified by researchers as crucial to improving emulsion-based products.
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