OPUS - Ultrasonic Extinction Spectrometer by Sympatec GmbH

Ultrasonic extinction provides outstanding performance for in-line and on-line particle size analysis of suspensions and emulsions. One of the major benefits is the ability to operate in highly concentrated mediums, which typically come along with wet process stages. A solid content between 5 and 50 % by volume is a typical range of concentration. These are perfect conditions for OPUS, which even may be applied at concentrations up to 70 % by volume – typical for paste-like particulate systems.

Using sound waves instead of light waves, analysis of suspensions or emulsions is independent of transparency and may be conducted in totally opaque disperse matter like water droplets in crude oil, mineral slurries, or even carbon particles in liquid pitch. Paints, sugar pastes, or pharmaceutical suspension also belong to the main field of application. Ultrasonic extinction allows for a rugged and robust probe design that resists typical process conditions such as high temperatures, pressures or aggressive media, and abrasive materials.

OPUS Features

• Fully compliant with FDA requirements and 21 CFR Rule 11
• Linking to process control systems possible | TCP/IP, OPC UA, Modbus^®, Profibus^®, PLC signals, and others
• Allows a rugged and robust probe design that resists typical process conditions up to 120°C | up to 40 bar | pH value 1-14 | IP65
• In-line measurement of high concentrated emulsions, suspensions, slurries, or pastes without dilution or sample manipulation in real-time
• No moving parts
• No optical restrictions
• High system lifetime with low maintenance requirements
• ATEX compliant version optional
• The control and evaluation software using intuitive and high-performance methods provides calculation and display of all relevant and characteristic size distribution values

OPUS Applications

• Milling Operations | Mining (Ore Dressing, Precious Metals), Battery production (Nano Silicone …), Sand and Industrial Minerals (Bauxite …), Petrochemicals (Oil Sands …)
• Crystallization and Polymerization | Salts, Sugar, Expandable Polystyrene (EPS)
• Particle Syntheses | Fertilizers …