Particle sizing for dry powders from 0.25 µm to 1,750 µm with laser diffraction in automated laboratory operations
The compact laser diffraction system MYTOS & VIBRI Module brings together dosing, dispersion and sensing in a robust housing that has been developed for applications in automated laboratory environments with a high sample throughput. The laser granulometry delivers precise and repeatable particle size analyses for dry products ranging from 0.25 µm to 1,750 µm in just a few seconds. Thanks to the use of the integrated RODOS dry dispersion in the MYTOS system, even finest, cohesive powders can be reliably dispersed and measured. The high-frequency, automated recording of measured data supports integrated quality inspection and optimised process control.
The MYTOS system can be flexibly integrated via conventional communication standards such as Modbus®, Profibus®, OPC (Open Platform Communications) with TCP/IP, RS232 or RS485 in a laboratory with automated sample feeding. The control and evaluation software typically receives an ID and a time stamp for a sample from the control system. Based on this, the system calls up a measurement specification, adjusts the measuring and dispersion parameters fully automatically, performs the measurement and reports the results of the measurement back to the control system. In this way, remote controlled or autonomous measurements can be performed in automated operations even if there are frequent product and grade changes.
- Particle size and particle size distribution
- For dry, fine grained and also cohesive powders
- For analyses in automated laboratories | at-line
- Sample amount per analysis 1 mg to 1,000 g
- 5 high-resolution measuring ranges from 0.25 µm to 1,750 µm | R2 to R6M
- Compact design for integration in laboratory automations | Stationary or mobile
- Automatic sample feed | Integrated self-cleaning function
- Automatic setting of all dispersion parameters | Software-controlled
- Remote control of the measurement procedure via TCP/IP or serial interface
- Transmission of results to the control system via TCP/IP, Modbus®, Profibus®, OPC, RS232, RS485 | TXT or CSV file transfer
- Also for clocked or continuous real-time analyses at the process | on-line
- Supply connections with quick-release couplings for fast changeovers
- GMP optional
When the sample is fed into the measurement system by the automation, a first protective screening can be performed with an extra sieve unit in order to remove the coarsest oversized grains. Then, the dosing of the powder sample is carried out by the precision vibratory feeder VIBRI, which guarantees a uniform, controlled product supply for optimum concentration of the sample in the measuring zone. In order to adjust the MYTOS dispersing line to the product, calibres of 4 mm, 6 mm and 10 mm are available. Dedusting and the removal of excess sample material are optionally performed with an additional extraction system on the feeder. In order to accelerate the automatic cleaning of the hopper and the vibratory feeder and the removal of particularly fine materials, the dosing unit is equipped with a double hammer system. An additional hammer system for dedusting of the supply hopper is mounted on the dispersion unit. After measurement, the sample can optionally be disposed of via an extraction system or made available for further analyses via a cyclonic separation.
Sheath flows and purge air ensure that the optical components are kept clean. Fast measurement and cleaning cycles effectively prevent the risk of cross-contamination during the successive processing of the individual samples. Regular reference measurements, vacuum control and the autofocusing of the detector combine to deliver a virtually maintenance-free system that is always ready to perform measurements.
Original equipment for laboratory automation in the cement industry
The MYTOS & VIBRI Module is established among leading suppliers of laboratory automation for the cement industry as the standard solution for measuring the fineness of raw meal and cement and is integrated as a tailor-made original equipment component. Our laser granulometers are specified for robot-based systems, e.g. from thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions (POLAB® Shuttle/polab® AMT/polab® ACT) or FLSmidth (QCX/RoboLab®), and operate reliably in automated laboratories worldwide.
By connecting optional process sampling systems such as TWISTER, SCREWSAMPLER or a probe, the MYTOS & VIBRI module can be extended into a fully-fledged on-line measurement system. Equipped with rollers, the system is also highly flexible and perfect for use in pilot plants or in batch production at varying measurement locations. Special designs for regulated pharmaceutical applications (GMP) and for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX) belong to our portfolio.
The MYTOS & VIBRI Module can also be operated as a robust, independent off-line system in a regular laboratory or process environment. Equipped with rollers and a mobile measurement computer, the system features manual sample loading and can be used flexibly at different measuring locations for routine or ad hoc measurements.
