News. Petrochemicals Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory. XP Analytical Balance Quality Lubricants Smooth Operator

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1 Petrochemicals Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory 6 News XP Analytical Balance Quality Lubricants Smooth Operator Innovation and technical progress is advancing rapidly in the field of lubricants. Therefore, a fast reaction time is a must in the development of new universal lubes. For this development process, a fast, accurate, versatile and durable analytical balance is indispensable. Increasing Technical Requirements Lubricants are often based on mineral oil and play a crucial role in making sure that simple motors to complicated technical machines run smoothly day in day out. Quality lubricants are typically formulated with additives that greatly influence the technical characteristics of the lube and adapt it to its specific area of use. In order to meet the increasing demands of the machine industry, engineers have to constantly improve the properties of lubricants to ensure better durability, degradability and corrosion prevention. Analytical balances are used for a variety of different functions within lubricant development and quality control. Requires Innovative Solutions Typical tasks carried out by analytical balances range from sample preparation for subsequent titration analysis or the measurement of low concentration of metals via ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy) to preparing new lubricant formulations by mixing various concentrations of additives with solvents and base oil for further analysis. An Erlenmeyer flask is generally used for the weighing-in of additives. Weighing into such a tare container can be quite a cumbersome undertaking. However, this is greatly facilitated by using an Excellence Plus Analytical Balance to allow the mounting of an ErgoClip flask, a special weighing pan innovation. Thanks to ErgoClip flask, the Erlenmeyer flask can

2 XP Analytical Balance Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Production Segment Marketing LAB Switzerland Technical articles Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Analytical Instruments be securely placed on the weighing pan guaranteeing optimum weighing accuracy directly into the tare container even with the smallest of samples. In addition, adverse weighing influences are reduced to a minimum resulting in shorter stabilization times and therefore faster weighing results. Furthermore, the automatic draft shield can be operated hands-free with the integrated infrared sensors on the balance terminal preventing contamination and reducing cleaning time. Overall, the new XP Analytical Balance provides clear advantages for lubricant companies in comparison to older analytical balance models. The new XP is fast, accurate and greatly facilitates weighing within stringent laboratory conditions consequently increasing productivity whilst reducing costs. } Benefits n ErgoClip Flask: perfect positioning of tare vessels n Smart Sens: hands-free operation n Automatic Draft Shield: weighing efficiency Subject to technical changes. Mettler-Toledo AG 08/01 Printed in Switzerland. 2

3 FP83HT Softening Point Tests for Asphalt and Pitch with FP83HT The softening points of modern asphalt and pitch mixtures are important criteria in the quality control of these materials. Asphalt and pitch that contain binders with a low softening point can result in a rutted surface while binders with a high softening point may lead to cracking. With METTLER TOLEDO s FP83 hot stage, the softening point can be easily determined with reliable results to ensure a high product quality. It s All About Melting Point Asphalt and pitch do not go through a distinct solid-liquid phase transformation when heated, so a precise melting point cannot really be assigned. As the temperature increases, the materials gradually change from brittle or thick pasty solids to softer and less viscous liquids. Hence, softening point tests must be closely defined experiments using an approved standard (ASTM or DIN) if the sample results are to be reproducible. A Simple and Speedy Approach The FP83HT measuring cell is fully automatic and has the advantage of standardized sample cups and measurement methods. This provides the user with a wide application range and fast and accurate softening point test values of asphalt, pitch and resins according to approved procedures. The measuring cell also features a nonsubjective measuring concept based on the light transmission principle and is independent of the interpretation of results. Additional advantages of the FP83HT include: The FP83HT measuring cell is a simple but valuable solution for the investigation of the thermal behavior of asphalt, pitch and resins. Special sample cups and the measurement method ensure that reproducible and comparable measurement results are obtained. The endpoint detection values provide important information and criteria to assist in the selection of mixtures with suitable binders, thereby ensuring high product quality control. } n Excellent accuracy, reliability and reproducibility n Compliance with ASTM and DIN standards (ASTM D 3104, 3462, 3954; DIN 51920) n Easy automatic endpoint detection via light transmission n Repeatability of samples n Worldwide support from METTLER TOLEDO service organizations 3

4 DENSITO 30PX DENSITO 30PX Aids in Bioethanol Production A company in the U.S. produces 16 million gallons of corn-derived ethanol yearly which, in turn, becomes blended with gasoline as bioethanol. During the ethanol production process, the quality control division relies on METTLER TOLEDO s hand-held density meter, DENSITO 30PX, to monitor and assure accurate test results. The Power of Nature Apart from the traditional markets of food and animal feed industry, corn producers are also increasingly supplying ethanol processors. From fields to processing plants to the gasoline tanks in our cars, corn produced for ethanol processing is impacting our economy in a positive way. Ethanol is in high demand as an oxygenate to blend with gasoline. Not only does it increase octane, but it also improves the quality of the gasoline emission. After harvesting, the locally-grown corn is dried and taken into the company s grain storage which can be compared to a yeast fermentation facility. We break the starch in the corn down to sugar. The yeast eats the sugar and produces carbon dioxide and liquid ethanol in a fermentation setting, explains the Lab Manager. It s a lengthy process, eventually yielding 190 proof alcohols which are then purified to 200 proof. DENSITO 30PX Keeps Testing under Control METTLER TOLEDO s hand-held portable density meter, the DENSITO 30PX, serves to monitor this process. Those two steps, the 190 proof and the 200 proof, are monitored at least every hour, and we use the portable density meter to test the proof of those products, continues the Lab Manager. In a distillation process, the operators must continually adjust reflux and temperature to maintain optimum proof of the distillate. DENSITO 30PX facilitates quick and simple testing to adjust the process and keep it under control. Prior to the DENSITO 30PX, floating glass hydrometers were used. The lab recognized the disadvantages of using the hydrometers for process control. 4

5 A hydrometer is meant to accurately measure at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the Lab Manager explained, so if you re measuring an 80 or 90 degree product, your accuracy is going to be off. The further you get (from 60 degrees), the less accurate the adjustments are. Shorter Measuring Time In addition to the increased accuracy, DENSITO 30PX saves valuable time. Prior to verifying the proof of a warm sample with DENSITO 30PX, we had to take the sample and set it in a bucket of water to cool off so we can get an accurate reading from it, said the Lab Manager. The DENSITO 30PX shortens the measurement time significantly. The METTLER TOLEDO DENSITO 30PX is very simple to use. The operator collects a small sample of liquid and measures it there. Once the sample is drawn into the meter, it takes only a few seconds to stabilize before the reading is available. Depending on the result, the process can be adjusted immediately to be brought back into control. We re very pleased with the DENSITO 30PX as it truly helps us to reach and maintain the accuracy level we need from the measurement for reliable process control, concludes the Lab Manager. }

6 CarePac CarePac: Professional Weight Set to Ensure Balance Accuracy Routine balance testing is the most economical way to ensure accurate results every time. CarePacs are designed to respond to ever increasing time pressures by offering fast and convenient balance testing. Hans Joerg Burkhard, Weight Business Manager at METTLER TOLEDO We asked Hans Joerg Burkhard, Weight Business Manager at METTLER TOLEDO, to tell us more about the importance of routine testing and to explain the advantages of the recently introduced CarePacs. n Hans Joerg, could you please give our readers some insight into routine testing and its importance in ensuring accurate weighing results? Balances play a key role at the very beginning of daily laboratory analytical testing. The accuracy and reliability of weighing results with even the smallest quantities have a direct impact on final test results. To ensure that weighing results are within process tolerances, the balance needs to be regularly tested with externally calibrated weights. This is often a challenge as time constraints and limited resources do not allow for in-depth balance testing. In this respect, CarePacs are greatly beneficial as correct weighing results and adherence to process tolerances can be achieved through regular routine testing with certified weights. n How do you perform a typical routine test and how often does it need to be done? Routine testing is performed using calibrated and certified weights to ensure compliance with national or international standards. Typically, tests are executed from the upper to lower weighing range, i.e. at or close to maximum load and at approximately 5% of the weighing range. Testing frequency is dependent on many factors such as process tolerances, associated process risks and laboratory practices. n How do CarePacs support routine tests performed by customers? The new approach with CarePacs is that they only contain two calibrated and certified test weights, which is in sharp contrast to the traditional approach where customers were forced to buy an entire weight set with up to 20 weights. Test weights in CarePacs are recommended by METTLER TOLEDO and nominal values and weight classes are adapted to the technical characteristics of each specific balance model. The initial cost of CarePacs is a fraction of that compared to conventional weight sets. Another great advantage of CarePacs is that recalibration costs are very low as only two weights need to be calibrated. Ergonomic tweezers and weight forks, clean room approved gloves and a cleaning cloth for correct weight handling come as stan- 6

7 Hans Joerg Burkhard is Weight Business Manager at METTLER TOLEDO headquarters in Switzerland. During the design and construction phase of CarePacs, he worked in close cooperation with customers from various industries. Three sizes of CarePacs allow routine testing of balances up to 8 kg weighing capacity. dard with each CarePac. Manufacturer recommended SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) provide clear guidance and ensure consistent processes of routine balance tests. n Hans Joerg, thank you for sharing this information with us If you have questions about METTLER TOLEDO s CarePacs contact Hans Joerg Burkhard at: } hans.joerg.burkhard@mt.com } Professional accessories such as ergonomic tweezers and weight forks, cleanroom approved gloves and cleaning cloths match highest requirements of all industries. 7

8 New Products and Technologies From METTLER TOLEDO METTLER TOLEDO delivers powerful solutions that simplify work in laboratories around the world. Combining our state-of-the-art technologies with our applicative competence, we have a strong value proposition to make: accurate results and productivity second to none. Weighing Solutions and Analytical Instruments Plug & Play Titration Sensors Versatile and Reliable Oil Titration A comprehensive range of 17 Plug & Play ph glass, platinum and silver titration sensors is now available. The sensors cover the entire applications spectrum from routine ph measurements to specialist titrations in difficult sample matrices. The sensor chip in the electrode head stores all relevant data with expiration dates and lifespan monitoring. The design of the electrodes, such as sensing part and reference system, has been optimized for fast response and signal equilibration as well as for ruggedness and durability especially for the non-aqueous media of petrochemical applications. XP-K Ultra Load Line Comparator Balances Peak Performance up to 6000kg With the new XP-K Ultra Load Line and its new MonoBloc weighing cell technology, peak performance can be reached easily. The dedicated centering device, Levelmatic, guarantees measurement quality and eliminates eccentric load deviation. The Next Level of One Click Titration The new version 2 of the Titration Excellence line offers many improvements that make titration simpler, more efficient and secure. The new Rondo 30 sample changer saves your precious samples due to a smaller beaker volume. The powerful LabX titration PC software gives total control and saves all data in the database. Find out about all other advantages and improvements of One Click Titration! LabX Balance Version 1.4 Avoid Mistakes Thanks to New Terminal Instructions LabX Balance software is a single software platform for balances. It enables the centralized control of balances whilst maintaining user management and weighing applications. User guidance can be customized according to each weighing process in order to avoid errors and ensure SOP adherence. Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Mettler-Toledo AG Analytical Instruments Sonnenbergstrasse 74 CH-8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland Your METTLER TOLEDO contact: For more information