QUANTACHROME

automatic
pycnometers
the density analysis of powders,
foams and bulk solids

© 2008 Quantachrome Corporation B.

 Gas Pycnometry
PENTAPYC 5200e “Pycnometry” is derived from the Greek word puknos, which has
long been identified with volume measurements. The pycnometers

ULTRAPYC 1200e from Quantachrome are specifically designed to measure the true
volume of solid materials by employing Archimedes’ principle of
fluid displacement and gas expansion (Boyle's Law).
Nominal Internal Internal Ideally, a gas is used as the displacing fluid since it penetrates the
Sample Cells Volume Diameter Depth finest pores assuring maximum accuracy. For this reason helium is
Standard sample cells 135 cm3 49 mm 75 mm recommended, since its small atomic dimension enables entry into
50 cm3 40 mm 39 mm crevices and pores approaching 0.2 nm. Its behavior as an ideal
10 cm3 24 mm 23 mm gas is also desirable. Other gases such as nitrogen can be used,
Optional Microcell 4.25 cm3 15 mm 24 mm often with no measurable difference.
Optional Mesocell 1.75 cm3 13 mm 13 mm
Optional Nanocell 0.25 cm3 8 mm 6.5 mm Applications
Quantachrome pycnometers are used for research, development
and quality control in such diverse industries as carbon black,
catalysts, cement, ceramics, charcoals, cosmetics, desiccants,
All cells are supplied in stainless steel for durability.(aluminum available) fertilizers, fibers, fillers, insulating and structural foams, pow-
Non-elutriating cells are available for fine powders, and spools are dered foods, ion exchange resins, minerals such as alumina,
available for films and fibers.
silica, titania and others, nuclear fuels, petrochemicals, pharma-
ceuticals and powdered metals. Gas pycnometers can even deter-
mine the percentage of solids in a slurry, or density of oil.
The PENTAPYC 5200e and the ULTRAPYC 1200e from
Quantachrome are the ultimate instruments for measuring the
true volume and density of powders, foams and bulk solids.
A wide range of sample cell sizes are easily interchanged to
accommodate many different samples. Calibration, sample
conditioning, operation of valves and calculation of results are
completely automatic. Samples are quickly and automatically
analyzed as many times as necessary to achieve the user desired
% deviation from mean at the specified number of runs. Should
the deviation setting be too narrow, the analysis terminates upon
reaching an operator specified maximum number of runs. The
results are printed automatically, freeing the operator to perform
other laboratory tasks.
The PENTAPYC 5200e permits up to five samples to
be loaded and then purged simultaneously. Each of the five
samples is then automatically analyzed in sequence with no
operator involvement. Adjustable flow rates for each cell
provide maximum flexibility of operation.
For laboratories with lower analytical throughput needs, the
single sample station ULTRAPYC 1200e provides the same
ease of operation and high performance as the
PENTAPYC 5200e.
• For measurements that require a fixed, known temp-
erature, a temperature control option is available for both
pycnometers.
Foods and Pharmaceuticals Catalysts and Ceramics
• For measurements in a hazardous environment, such as a
nuclear “hot cell”, a remote operation ULTRAPYC 1200e
is available.
• For measurement of foams, specialized versions called the
ULTRAFOAM and PENTAFOAM are available for auto-
matic measurement of open and closed cell content according
to ASTM D-6226 with automatic functions for the analysis of
cell compressibility and cell fracture.
• For measurements of extremely small amounts of material,
the MICRO-ULTRAPYC 1200e provides three interchange-
able cell sizes of 4.5 cm3, 1.75 cm3 and 0.25 cm3.

NIST traceable calibration spheres.

speed • versatility • accuracy • reproducibility
Feature Benefits
Automatic Functions - Operating simplicity is achieved via PC and a standard web browser or via built-in keypad following
prompts or instructions which are automati­cally presented on the alphanumeric display. Measurements
and reporting of results are totally automatic. Continuous self-diagnostics monitor and signal fault con-
ditions that may arise. The transducer is automatically reset to zero prior to each run. Front panel LEDs
display the operational status at all times.
Sample Identification - In the analysis parameters, alphanumerics may be added to uniquely identify the sample, even from
keypad.
Temperature Readout - Sample temperature is displayed and printed to ±0.1 °C. This feature is important for:
(a) verifying operation at the calibration point or,
(b) making corrections when analyzing larger quantities of materials whose density varies
significantly with temperature.
Target Pressure - The measurement of pressure-deformable cellular foams (insulation) is made possible by this feature.
A user can conveniently reduce the target pressure typically from around 18 psi to 2 psi.
Special versions, the ULTRAFOAM and PENTAFOAM use optimum low pressure and perform
calculations of open and closed cell content with or without ASTM correction for cut cells.
Sample Purge - Before analysis, samples are automatically conditioned to remove contaminants and trapped air.
The user has a choice to purge by a continuous flow or, by a pulse mode suitable for powders. The
PENTAPYC 5200e purges all five stations simultaneously, thus requiring no more time than for a
single analysis. The ULTRAPYC 1200e has the added capability to purge the sample by vacuum for a
“user selectable” time, (vacuum pump supplied separately).
Repeat Run Mode - This feature eliminates the need to reenter the same set of analysis parameters prior to each run.
It allows one to quickly change sample weight and sample ID, or simply to rerun a sample by a double
keystroke. Greater simplicity and ease of operator is afforded when connected to a PC.
Useful Statistics - For three or more averaged measurements the % coefficient of variance and the standard deviation of the
volume and the density are reported. This allows a relative comparison of samples from run-to-run and a
precise assessment of the absolute variation of the sample being measured.
NIST Traceability - Pycnometer volume calibration spheres can be provided with a formal Report of Calibration from the
National Institute of Standards and Technology.
PC Connectivity - Both Pycnometers feature USB connections to a PC and communication via a standard web browser.
Analysis can be started and monitored from the PC, even remotely on a network. Reports can be
accessed for analysis on the PC, or can be stored on an external USB flash / thumb drive.
Balance Port - Permits interface with configurable analytical balance for automatic transfer of sample weight.
Eliminates risk of transcription error.

Powder Metals and Construction Foams and Fibers Gas Input and Vacuum Fittings
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Quantachrome is also recognized as JAPAN

an excellent resource for authoritative Quantachrome Instruments Japan G.K.
analysis of your samples in our fully
equipped, state-of-the-art powder KSP W311 Sakado 3-2-1, Takatsu-ku
characterization laboratory. Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 213-0012 Serving Porous
Japan Materials and Powder
Phone: +81 44 829 1525 Characterization
Fax: + 81 44 829 1527 Needs Since 1968
www.quantachrome.co.jp
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Our policy of continuous development may cause the information and specifications contained herein to change without notice or liability. © 2012-2013 Quantachrome Corporation 0313