FPA - Fiber Potential Analyzer

Measurement of the Zeta potential of fiber suspensions

Determination of the adsorption of additives on fibers

Surface charges of fibers, fillers, particles or colloidal dissolved matters in stock suspension are defined by the Zeta Potential on their surfaces. The charge of the stock suspension can be split into the colloidal and particle charge, measured with the CAS Charge Analyzing System, while the fiber and filler charge is measured with the FPA Potential Analyzer. All both charge levels together defining the overall Zeta Potential fiber suspensions. The knowledge of the fiber charges in the pulp is the key for optimized dosage of chemical aids which should adsorb on the fiber. The mostly negative (anionic) charged fiber adsorbing the positive (cationic) charged additives in the papermaking process. The optimized dosage of such aids always depends on the Zeta Potential within the pulp.

The FPA is designed to determine the Zeta Potential of fibers according to the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski equation by simultaneously measuring conductivity, pressure and the streaming current potential. The measuring principle is based on the streaming current potential measuring method in a fiber plug. That fiber plug is automatical build up on a screen electrode in the measuring cell of the FPA by (with the help) a vacuum. By periodically changing the vacuum during the measurement the charge clouds absorbed on the fibers are moving with the liquid stream and generating the streaming current potential measured by the screen and ring electrode. The knowledge of the fiber charge enables a correct and effective dosage of the charged chemical additives. The fiber adsorption of cationic starch, wet strength resin, and many other chemical aids can be easily measured with original samples on-site to optimize the dosage of chemicals in the wet end of the paper manufacturing process.

technical data:

Power Supply: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 40 W
Weight: approx 15 kg
Device dimensions: 330 x 350 x 245 mm (WxHxD)
Available screen electrodes: 30-315 micrometer
   
Sample requirements  
Min Sample Volume: 400-800 ml
   
Analytical findings:  
Zeta potential: resolution: 0.1 mV
pH: resolution: 0,01 pH
measuring range: pH 0 - 14

included accessories:

Measuring cell, beaker, PC Software, USB-SD-Card Reader, Power cable, RS232 cable with USB adapter

features:

Menu controlled fully automatic measuring procedure
Simple handling, robust design, high accuracy and reproducibility
No big and noisy external vacuum pump 
No manual adjustment of pressure control: pressure is controlled automatically by computer
Integrated pH measurement connection (additional pH Electrode necessary)
Portable: Only one device, low weight, transportation case with rolls
Automatic, menu controlled cleaning of the system
Automatic removal of the fiber plug after the measurement
Simple removal of filtrate
Measuring results compatible to comparable devices
All components (measuring electronics, micro controller, control systems) are at the latest technological standard
Controlling and processing of data by most modern micro controller
No external connection cable for electrodes - thereby prevention of handling errors
Storage of data on an internal SD Card for data to export and evaluation by PC
High performance PC software for data logging, display, evaluation and storage
Data readout via display and integrated printer
Display of trends are possible
Integrated vacuum pump water protected: pump cannot be destroyed by filtrate overflow

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