Quickly measure the envelope volume and density of formed pieces and compressed powders

It provides fast, highly accurate, and reproducible results while maintaining the integrity of the sample.

Overview

The GeoPyc is an innovative bench-top instrument designed for precise and efficient determination of the envelope volume and density of solid objects without the use of hazardous materials. By employing DryFlo, a non-invasive solid medium, the GeoPyc delivers rapid, reliable, and consistent results while preserving the integrity of the sample. Additionally, it offers an optional Trans-Axial Pressure (T.A.P.) analysis for comprehensive evaluation of the compressed bulk density of powders. When combined with skeletal density measurements, the GeoPyc can also provide detailed information on the pore volume and porosity of formed pieces.

The GeoPyc automatically determines the volume and density of a solid object by displacement of Dry Flo, a solid medium. The medium is a narrow distribution of small, rigid spheres that have a high degree of flow ability and achieve close packing around the object under investigation. The particles are sufficiently small that during consolidation they conform closely to the surface of the object, yet do not invade pore space.

Repeatability and reproducibility are achieved by a controlled method of compaction. The sample cell in which the dry medium is placed is a precision cylinder. A plunger compresses the powder as the cell vibrates; the force of compression is selectable and, therefore repeatable from test to test. A preliminary compaction with only the displacement medium in the cell establishes a zero-volume baseline.

The GeoPyc T.A.P. density option obtains precise results comparable to conventional tap density analyzers, only it does it faster, quieter, and with a higher degree of reproducibility.

When equipped with the T.A.P. Density option, the GeoPyc measures the packing volume and calculates the bulk density of granular and powdered samples, including pharmaceutical and electrochemical materials, under a wide range of compaction conditions.

To determine T.A.P. density, the sample chamber is rotated and agitated while a precise specified force is applied to the sample. A force transducer measures the consolidation force in Newtons and the distance over which the consolidation piston and plunger travel is measured in steps. The user specifies the force applied and the number of consolidations per analysis. The GeoPyc averages the measurements from each consolidation and automatically calculates volume and density, and reports the results in cm3 and g/cm3