Malvern Rheometers and Compuplast Simulation Software Cut Development Time


9 March 2010: Malvern, UK: For polymer processors seeking to cut development time and cost, the combination of advanced simulation software from Compuplast (Zlin, Czech Republic) and powerful capillary rheometers from Malvern Instruments (Malvern, UK) offers a compelling solution. Malvern's Rosand bench top and floor-standing rheometers measure the flow properties of polymers with market-leading precision, providing a sound basis for the construction of truly representative process models. Compuplast software makes it easy to use the data to simulate extrusion, and other polymer processing operations, cutting the requirement for expensive, time-consuming pilot scale trials.

'Evaluating different operating regimes with a process model is quicker and less expensive than with an equivalent laboratory or pilot programme,' remarks John Perdikoulias, Vice President, Compuplast, 'but the quality of the simulation is key. Malvern rheometers can provide the material data that Compuplast software requires to develop a simulation that accurately reflects process behaviour. Simulating alternative operating strategies, equipment designs or materials identifies an optimal operating condition.'

As research costs spiral upwards the replacement of experimental work with simulation studies becomes increasingly lucrative, however, constructing an appropriate model can be seen as a major hurdle. Within this context, tools that provide accurate input data and simplify simulation are increasingly sought after, producing savings that more than off-set the upfront costs of model development.

The Rosand range of capillary rheometers includes the RH2000 bench-top series and the RH-7 and 10 advanced floor-standing units for higher loading studies. A new digital drive gives all these instruments unsurpassed performance in terms of speed control, accuracy and dynamic operating range. Combined with twin bore configurations, these features allow the simultaneous determination of shear and extensional viscosity under processing conditions. The rheometer hardware is supported by the latest Windows(TM) based Flowmaster(TM) software, offering an extended range of rheological test types and experimental possibilities.

Compuplast solutions allow accurate representation of the complete die or screw extrusion process, including cooling, a suite of module options simplifying plant specific model development. An automatic checking feature builds in expert experience, highlighting to the user operating regimes that may be unsuccessful. The resulting models are valuable both for process development and full-scale optimisation.

For information about Rosand rheometers visit www.malvern.com

For information about Compuplast simulation software visit www.compuplast.com

About Malvern Instruments

Malvern Instruments provides a range of complementary materials characterization tools that deliver inter-related measurements reflecting the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Analytical instruments from Malvern are used in the characterization of a wide variety of materials, from industrial bulk powders to nanomaterials and delicate macromolecules. A broad portfolio of innovative technologies is combined with intelligent, user-friendly software. These systems deliver industrially relevant data enabling our customers to make the connection between micro (such as particle size) and macro (bulk) material properties (rheology) and chemical composition (chemical imaging).

Particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, chemical composition and rheological properties measurements are now joined by advanced chromatography solutions (GPC/SEC), extending Malvern's technologies for protein molecular weight, size and aggregation measurements, and synthetic polymer molecular weight and distribution. The company's laboratory, at-line, on-line and in-line solutions are proven in sectors as diverse as cement production and pharmaceutical drug discovery.

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Korea and Japan, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com

For press information, please contact:

Trish Appleton,

Kapler Communications

Knowledge Centre, Wyboston Lakes,

Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire,

MK44 3BY, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1480 479280;

Fax: +44 (0)1480 470343

trish@kapleronline.com

USA contact:

Marisa Fraser,

Malvern Instruments Inc.

117 Flanders Road, Westborough,

MA 01581-1042 USA

Tel: +1 508 768 6400

Fax: +1 508 768 6403

marisa.fraser@malvern.com

Please send sales enquiries to:

Alison Vines,

Malvern Instruments Ltd

Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road,

Malvern, Worcestershire

WR14 1XZ UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456;

Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789

salesinfo@malvern.com

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