Micromeritics Instrument Corp., a developer of material characterisation technology, has introduced its Breakthrough Analyzer (BTA), a system designed for precise characterisation of adsorbent performance under process-relevant conditions. The device combining Micromeritics’ expertise in gas adsorption with its microreactor and pilot plant technology to deliver reliable, selective adsorption data for gas/vapor mixtures. The tool is designed to be particularly valuable for researchers working in fields such as gas separation, storage and purification, carbon dioxide capture and energy storage.
According to the company, the system uses high-performance blending valves, precision mass flow controllers and optional vapor sources. The resulting gas delivery system has minimal dead volume and ensures the precise control of both composition and flow rate. Adsorbent is held in a column that uses 0.05 – 2.5 g of sample per measurement.
A thermostated environmental chamber provides temperature control for the components up to 200 °C, with no cold spots. Automated sample activation and adsorption studies can be performed at temperatures up to 1,000 °C with the resistance furnace. Sequenced and cyclic experiments can also be programmed. Operating pressures can be controlled from atmospheric to 30 bar via a back-pressure valve. The gas detection system and other features can be customised for the application at hand.
Jeff Kenvin, the VP of Science for Micromeritics said: “The new BTA is a compact, safe, fully-automated bench top system enabling scientists and engineers to generate the highest quality breakthrough curves. Precise and reproducible data can be obtained using small sample quantities; easily outperforming competitive systems. A wealth of adsorbent studies can be conducted including mixed gas studies, competitive sorption assessments, and high-pressure isotherm generation. BTA users will accelerate new adsorbents from discovery to commercial use, faster than ever.”