NEW EQUIPMENT TO EVALUATE QUALITY OF EMULSIONS
CITEVI incorporates a laser diffractograph to measure the size of the particles in emulsions.
The average size of asphalt particles and their distribution in an emulsion affect a number of properties including emulsion viscosity and rheology, as well as storage stability, shear rate, and sieve. This equipment allows us to measure both parameters in a simple way in a few seconds, so we can control the quality of the emulsions during production to guarantee that the specifications are met in advance and correct if there is any deviation.
On the other hand, it is a very useful piece of equipment for optimizing parameters in the formulation and manufacture of emulsions, improving quality according to the intended application. We invite you to learn more about the equipment and the advantages of its use, as well as the characteristics of BITAFAL emulsions.
The working principle of the particle analyzer is based on the Fraunhofer and Mie light scattering theories. To measure the size of a particle, a laser beam passes through a sample containing the recirculating particles. The partial deflection of the laser beam creates a characteristic ring-shaped intensity distribution behind the sample that can be measured with a special detector. Particle size is calculated based on the spacing of these rings: larger particles produce rings that are closer together, while smaller particles produce rings that are further apart.
The most realistic samples, however, do not show individual particle sizes, but instead consist of particles with a wide band of varying diameters. Therefore, many different ring systems overlap. With the help of a mathematical process, these superpositions are virtually unfolded and, as a result, the particle size distribution is obtained. Usually this distribution is represented in a Gaussian curve and, from there, the D values (D10, D50 and D90), which are the intersection of 10%, 50% and 90% of the accumulated volume. The average particle size is obtained with the D50 and the distribution width is calculated using the equation (D90-D10) / D50.
In general, fast cationic asphalt emulsions have an average particle size (D50) between 3 and 8 micrometers (um). The distribution width should be as narrow as possible to achieve good viscosity and storage stability. In the case of the line of emulsions BITAFAL Y IRRIGATION BITAFLEX 65 the D50 is on average 3.5 um.
emulsion PRINT 50 As it is specially formulated to penetrate the interstices of granular bases, it has an average particle size of 1.5 um. In this way, the product presents good storage stability as well as a very good performance for the primer of bases.
