Mercury Porosimeter Pascal 440

Pascal 440 for high pressure analysis (up to 400 MPa)

The Pascal 440 is not only the highest-pressure model of the line but it also offers the highest pressurization speed of the series. It reaches its maximum pressure of 400 MPa in the same time as the Pascal 240 reaches its maximum of 200 MPa. It is particularly suited for ceramics, sintered metals, very hard materials and, in general, for all the solids which have a porosity approaching the micropore region. Thanks to its unique pressurization speed, it is highly recommended in QC labs where short run times and productivity are the priority. It requires a sample preparation unit to degas the sample before the analysis and to fill the dilatometer with fresh mercury. The dilatometer preparation unit can be the Pascal 140 or a Duplex Dilatometer filling device.

Features

  • Motor driven autoclave raising/lowering simplifies the operation and contributes to the user friendliness of the unit

  • Fast autoclave oil filling by special peristaltic pump

  • Real blank correction for a real pore volume measurement avoiding any mercury compression effect

  • Highest speed permits to collect a penetration curve up to 400 MPa in about 9 minutes

  • 4 security systems assure total safety for the operator

  • Penetrated volume detection by capacitive electrode provides highest resolution

  • Simple, easy to handle and inexpensive dilatometers are suitable for any kind of samples

  • Built-in memory data buffer stores the analysis data freeing the PC during the run

  • Multi RS232 connection permits up to 4 different instruments to be connected to a single serial port

  • Automatic calibration routine for periodical check of the instrument status

  • Separately selectable speeds to increase and decrease pressure minimize hysteresis effects

  • Extremely high resolution (up to 2500 data point per analysis)

  • Choice of operation via control panel or PC assures high versatility of use

  • 'PASCAL' pressurization method eliminates the dead times automatically assuring equilibrium condition

  • 'PASCAL' pressurization method does not require any prior knowledge about the sample characteristics

  • Stand-alone module provides extreme system flexibility and money saving

Speed and resolution to match any requirement

The Pascal 440 incorporates a totally new pressurization system, developed to meet the sophisticated analytical requirements of laboratories working with modern materials. The pressurization system uses a reversible pump operating continuously and a new type of pressure multiplier. This permits a perfect control of the pressurization speed during the analysis. The key features of this system are the extremely high maximum speed of pressurization and the immediate acceleration or deceleration response according to the real mercury penetration speed in the sample porous matrix. At the maximum speed, the instrument can provide a penetration curve up to 400 MPa in about 9 minutes, permitting an incredible productivity in terms of analyses per hour, as required in quality control labs. The easy-to-use control panel with a liquid crystal display allows operating the unit even without a PC connected. It lets the operator program the analysis or the calibration and provides a useful guide to operate correctly. It shows the analysis status in real time and indicates incorrect operations by means of error messages. The software for instrument control and data processing is developed in Windows 95/NT/98 © operative system.

In the Pascal series safety is the keyword

One electromechanical, one electronic and two mechanical protection devices assure that nothing is left to chance and the operator’s safety is absolute. A calibrated valve in the pressure multiplier opens if the safety pressure is reached, discharging the oil to reduce the pressure. At the same time, a capacitive detector continuously monitors the position of the pressure multiplier piston, and, if the piston moves over a fixed limit, the system shuts down. The signal of the pressure transducer connected to the autoclave is monitored by the safety system to avoid any over-pressurization in the dilatometer area. Finally, in case of power failure, the natural leakage of the reversible pump assures that the pressure will decrease by itself avoiding any risk for the operator.