Attension volumetric tensiometers are used in quality control and process control to monitor surface tension in water-based liquids. Surface tension is a function of chemical concentration in the water, for example detergent surfactants. Some common applications are:
- De-greasing operations
- Surface treatment bath control
- De-inking and floatation
- Cleaning bath monitoring
- Environmental monitoring
A wide range of industries can benefit from using a volumetric tensiometer to control and regulate chemical additives use in order to improve quality and reduce costs. Volumetric tensiometry is used in the automotive industry, can and bottle manufacturing, metal processing, food & pharmaceutical controls, pulp and paper industry, oil and lubrication applications, glue and coating manufacturing. Improved monitoring of the production line leads to improved efficiency, higher quality and less waste. Volumetric tensiometers provide highly accurate and reproducible measurements, optimized for low chemical concentrations.
Measurement principle: Attension volumetric tensiometers are unique instruments developed from patented technologies. They measure surface tension by investigating the size of drops that can be made from the sample. The sample is pumped into a capillary at a constant rate, forming a drop at the end of the capillary. When the drop size is large enough the drop falls past a sensor. The time between drops is recorded, and from this the size of the drop is obtained. Surface tension is the force that binds liquids together, hence the higher the surface tension the larger drops can be made.