Tests

SDTech offers its clients a technical support that is adapted to their projects, using state-of the-art technology. Our clients thus benefit from our expertise and our practical know-how in the field of grinding materials and in particular in powder technologies.

We carry out different types of studies, most often in collaboration with the client. Here are some examples of studies that SDTech has carried out :

  Studies of technical, financial or industrial feasibility
  Technical intelligence
  Establishing protocols for physical and chemical measurements
  Statistical data analysis
  SEM image reading (Scanning electron microscope)
  Granulometric reconstruction of mixtures
  Formulation
  Deconvolution of grain-size curves
  Assistance with the interpretation ATD/TG curves
  Analyses of X-ray diffraction curves
  Technicoeconomic optimization of manufacturing process

Consultancy / Expertise :

SDTech consultancy service is designed to demonstrate in situ how continuous real-time particle size analysis can transform plant operation.

Using the Insitec Voyager, the company’s mobile, laser diffraction-based particle size analyzer, SDTech’s specialist team can assess the suitability of laser diffraction technology for specific applications. In addition, an onsite trial provides a practical demonstration of the quality and quantity of data produced by an on-line system.

Plant monitoring over the course of several days provides data that affords new insight into the process and which can be used to :

• Improve and/or automate process control

• Reduce variables costs by minimizing waste, re-work and energy consumption

• Enhance product quality

An SDTech consultant is present throughout the trial, ensuring that every customer gets maximum benefit from the consultancy program. Any concerns about the operation and effectiveness of the technology can be addressed on site, while the potential for process efficiency gains can be comprehensively explored.

Why do we offer a consultancy service ?

While customers tell us that the availability of case studies describing on-line particle size analysis applications is extremely valuable, there is no substitute for hands-on experience.

Understanding exactly how data can be used and establishing the suitability of the technology for individual processes is critical. The consultancy service addresses these issues. It is particularly beneficial for generating information to justify a capital investment in on-line analysis.

How does the consultancy service work ?

Following an initial scoping meeting the consultancy runs over five days. A process expert from Malvern is present throughout.

• Day 1 : install Insitec Voyager and optimize set up. • Day 2 : gather baseline data • Days 3 and 4 : implement defined test program, assessing the impact of different variables ; evaluate potential for process improvement • Day 5 : complete test program ; record all results ; generate final report ; disconnect Insitec Voyager ; remove all associated equipment.

What are the objectives of the trial ?

Most consultancy projects share two key objectives - to establish the suitability of laser diffraction analysis for the specific application, and to assess the potential benefits of installing a permanent on-line system.

Issues routinely addressed include :

• the potential for instrument wear (abrasive applications)

• maintenance requirements

• operational reliability

• representative sampling

• how the measurements compare with historical analytical data.

Perhaps more importantly, process teams can gain insight into unique, process-specific issues, investigate the impact of key variables on product and plant performance and evaluate options for improved process control.

Maximum benefit is achieved if the process team can push the plant to the edges of the operating envelope during the two/three day test program.

What connections and services are needed ?

The only process interfaces required are one or two process tappings, preferably in a line where material is flowing downwards under gravity. Instrument air (dry and oil free) and electrical supplies are needed to operate the analyzer.

What does SDTech supply ?

SDTech supplies the Insitec Voyager for the duration of the trial complete with PC for data recording. A final report is generated covering all aspects of the trial. This includes any problems encountered with installation, specific requirements of the application, trends recorded during testing and conclusions about the benefits of continuous analysis.

For which industries is the consultancy service suitable ? Insitec Voyager can be used in almost any dry process. The consultancy service therefore has widespread application across many industrial sectors.

Sixteen of the 20 customers who used the consultancy service in 2006 went on to purchase permanent on-line particle size analyzers. Seeing is believing - install with an ‘eye in the process’ for optimal process control and operation.

The consultancy package is offered on a fixed fee basis

ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT :

SDTech an support and assist its clients throughout the full duration of their projects. In this way, SDTech places itself at the service of its clients from the first analyses of the samples up to the purchase of technical equipment, and passing through the validation tests or subcontracting.

Example of the types of support : SDTech has assisted many of its clients during the purchase of technical equipment with :

  joint visit to equipment suppliers
  presence and assistance during tests by the supplier
  helping to choose the technologies most suited to the project
  assistance with the onsite organization and installation
  theoretical and practical team training techniques.

SDTech remains your trusted, accessible and responsive contact, always ready to hear from you and at your service.