​NEW ANALYTICAL CAPABILITIES
IN MATERIALS  CHARACTERIZATION
Micro-Thermo Pycnometer 
µThermoPyc ™ 

​ Variable Temperature Gas (Helium) Micro Pycnometer 

 Design features:
- Variable sample chamber temperature (automatically or manually)
- Continuous flow of gas into and out of the sample chamber
- Embedded vacuum pump (optional) and external vacuum port
- Dual gas supply ports (optional) - Rotameter and high accuracy  pressure       regulator
- Special design of sample holders to handle moisture/air sensitive samples
- High accuracy and sensitivity due low dead volume, precision
   pressure transducer, and 24-bit data acquisition
- Save operation (heating and cooling system utilizes 12VDC, triple over
​   temperature protection)
- Auto (PC software) and Manual (front panel controls) modes of operation
​ - Cost still below prices of other competitors gas (helium) pycnometers


​Software:
- Runs on all Windows® OS versions (32 and 64-bits)
- Modular design (predefined functions (macros) with parameters and tag numbers)
- The user defines the sequence of such experimental steps
- All results displayed in real time during experiment
   course  and recorded in text format
- Sample volume (density) calculations for repetitions at the same  temperature
- Multi-segment linear temperature profiles with dwell times

​​​Product Overview

​The µThermoPyc™ is a unique, R&D oriented volumetric analyzer with versatile software design for automated runs using a PC.
In its basic implementation it allows true volume measurements of small sample sizes in the temperature range 0 - 150 C. In addition to typical true density determination at user-defined various temperatures, continuous temperature scans allows study of sample behavior within a selected range of temperatures. Considering the small size of reference chamber (about 1 cc), small dead volume of the sample chamber (about 0.5cc), 24 bits resolution of data acquisition system, high accuracy in volume measurements and high sensitivity of pressure changes during temperature scans is achieved.
​Complex experiments can be carried out using unique approach to software design: the user composes the sequence of activities from the predefined functions (macros). Once the experiment course is defined, the template can be saved and reused later. Provisions were made to enhance the design with additional capabilities and/or interface with other analytical instruments, like GC/MS for evolved gas analysis, purge and trap devices, borescopes for visual observations, etc. 

   Applications: 

• True volume (density) measurements at various temperatures
• Determination of volume changes in temperature-driven phase changes
•  Sample stability within the temperature range (evolution of gas)
• Studies of volume changes at different pressures and temperatures​ (sample compressibility, hysteresis)

             
​      Optional:

• Custom-made interfacing with other analytical  instruments
• Gas transfer rates through small size membranes at various temperatures
• Sample temperature monitoring during phase transitions​

   Accessories (all included):

• Calibration kit
• Set of special-design sample holders
• Tubing and hardware for gas connection
• ​​Spare parts and auxiliary hardware

Technical Notes  

Gas (helium) pycnometers are popular instruments for true volume (density) determination.
New designs and additional capabilities of the pycnometers from InstruQuest Inc. provide R&D scientists with versatile and inexpensive tools for material characterization. Although the gas expansion principle based on the ideal gas law is simple, the more detailed and technological description is not easily available. The presented below technical notes are intended for the educational and informational purposes in understanding and using these instruments.

​​​​Pdf.File

1. Isothermal and non-isothermal approach to true volume measurements using the gas (helium) micro
​   thermo pycnometer.
​2. Calibration of gas (helium) pycnometer. Information and remarks on calibration balls selection.
3. Determination of actual performance of gas pycnometer versus quoted specifications.
4. Determination of foam density (open-cell, close-cell percentage) using the HumiPyc-density analyzer.

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To inquire about our products, please contact us at:  [email protected]     

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INSTRUQUEST INC.  SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS R&D