Mastersizer 2000 provides essential flexibility for round the clock QC at leading minerals processing company

Major factors in selecting a Mastersizer 2000 system for routine particle size analysis at leading minerals processor Viaton Industries Limited, were its ability to easily handle both wet and dry measurements, its straightforward SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) - driven operation, and its speed and range of measurement. The company has also used the system to develop a method of determining ‘grindability’ that allows them to accurately predict mill throughput rates of new materials.

Viaton Industries Limited is one of Europe’s largest processors of mineral based products and a leading contract processor in the field of particle size modification. Operating round the clock, the company routinely processes a very broad range of materials using a variety of milling, blending and particle classification techniques.

Measuring and monitoring particle size distribution (PSD) is critical, both for mill control and to precisely meet the specifications of the final product. One of the challenges when processing a large variety of materials is the need to measure particle size of both wet and dry samples, depending on the properties of the sample. The modular nature of the Mastersizer 2000 provides the ability to switch quickly and easily between these different measurement modes and it is also possible to switch rapidly from aqueous to solvent based dispersions if required.

Full automation and SOP-driven operation make training and use of the Mastersizer 2000 very straightforward. At Viaton, this has been an important factor in enabling consistent and comparable results throughout their standard 24-hour operating period.

Howard Beedle, Technical Manager at Viaton Industries, is especially pleased with the user friendliness of the Mastersizer 2000 and the improved speed of measurement: “The SOP system on the Mastersizer 2000 works really well and we can depend on reliable 24-hour a day operation. Having such a rapid turn round in results allows us to make any necessary adjustment to the process immediately.”

More information on the Mastersizer 2000 can be found at www.malvern.com and more about Viaton Industries Ltd at www.viaton.com.

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