Labotec hosted a highly interactive in person workshop on 14 November, “Latest Sample Prep technology for Milling and Particle Size Analysis” at their Midrand HQ in conjunction with special guests from Fritsch Germany; Maik Paluga and David Oduor from Fritsch Africa. After the opening speech “New dimensions for sample preparation & particle sizing”, which spoke to the theoretical advancements and device-related implementation, the delegates were invited to bring their own samples for processing and analysis using the Fritsch mills, grinders and Analysette Particle Sizer.
A variety of samples from mining, food, and industrial industries that included among others, samples of corn, car tyre, cheese, aluminium powder, bricks, glass sand, butternut, cement etc, were physically prepared and analysed on the day. According to Maik Paluga, “an eye opener was analysing the dispersion of an oil coated metal, which refused to dispense. After using a surfactant (tensile detergent), the measurement worked on the particle sizer”. He added, “another highlight was seeing the micro-meter measurement difference of three alloy mixes, each with a different compositional twist. We reliably identified the particles at 10, 10,5 and 11 microns respectively.
David Odour explained, “it was interesting to see the difference in sample grinding time and effects of the milling process, type of mill used and use of different ball sizes which all added up to producing the required homogenous fineness needed for the specific application. For instance, we had glass sand from different geographical locations in SA, and they all yielded different grinding results”.
The interaction, practical demonstrations and discussion of each of the results was of great value to the participants. Some of the more challenging samples for particle sizing were taken by Maik back to Germany for further inspection by the Fritsch application labs.
The objective was to show analysts how to get rapid, reproducible results every time samples are prepared, using the correct mill/grinder, and introduce the completely revised ANALYSETTE 22 NeXT Micro and Nano particle sizers with different measuring ranges 0.5 – 1500 μm and 0.01 – 3800 μm respectively that will automatically and simply analyse particle size. The Fritsch range covers size reduction and sample processing, particle sizing and analysis, and sample dividing and feeding and particle size analysis.
A big thank you to all speakers and attendees who made this day a success.
