New from Bestech Australia is the AMETEK Lloyd PETPlus polymer IV tester that measures the IV (Intrinsic Viscosity) of moisture sensitive polyethylene terephthalate (PET) without the use of solvents. The PETPlus distributed by Bestech Australia is operated either in stand-alone mode, or with the intuitive AMETEKLloyd NexygenPlus PET comprehensive control and data acquisition software package.
AMETEK Lloyd PETPlus Polymer Intrinsic Viscosity Tester
Utilising a non-solvent based analysis technique, the PETPlusIV tester saves not only the costs of purchasing, storage, handling and disposal of solvents, the PETPlus technique is inherently environmentally friendly. Also, by testing polymer at virtually any stage of the manufacturing process, from the raw resin, powder stage, dry granules, melt stage to completed product, scrap is virtually eliminated. The PETPlus saves time because tests can be completed within 20 minutes, and rapid testing at the various stages enables external equipment to collect and prepare samples ready for the next test. The small footprint of the instrument saves bench space and the new design makes the loading of samples into the instrument quick and easy.
High precision measurement is enabled by the PETplus’s microprocessor controlled standalone system.Temperature control is stable within ±0.1°C, and the internal memory can retain up to 600 test results. Operator prompts and the test progress are displayed by the on-board backlit LCD screen, and communication via RS232 with an external computer enables automatic pre-programmed control of the test cycling and up-loading of test results if required.
The new PETPlus from Bestech tests each sample by extruding moltenpolymer forced through a calibrated die by user set pressurized nitrogen. The resultant rate of displacement of a probe whichfollows the molten polymeris measured by an LVDT. The software then calculates the optimum flow rate and hence the intrinsic velocity of the test sample. The degradation factor,and the mean and standard deviation of the tested batch are also automatically calculated. A range of dies is available to suit the particular IV range of the polymerunder test and its specified test temperature, an integral nitrogen pressure regulator is standard, and accessories including sample dryers, vacuum pumps, chip grinders, polymer chip transfer vessel, and the NEXYGENPlus PET Analysis Software are available. The PETPlusIV tester is mains powered.
Bestech Australia provides comprehensive support including installation and commissioning, on-site training and post sales technical support for the AMATEK (Lloyd) PETPlusIV Test Instrument andall other Ametek Lloyd NEXYGENPlus software based instruments.