MCS-Muti-grain Crushing Strength Tester
Description
The MCS – Multi-Grain Crushing Strength Tester is a fully automated laboratory instrument designed for the mechanical characterization of catalyst particles and catalyst carriers. It determines the force required to break individual catalyst particles and supports both Catalyst Extrudate Crushing Strength according to ASTM D4179 and Radial Crushing Strength of Extrudates according to ASTM D6175. The instrument is suitable for spherical samples and extrudates and is intended for catalyst development, qualification, routine quality control and R&D applications.
During testing, the crushing mechanism is automatically positioned above each sample, which is then subjected to a progressively increasing compressive load until breakage occurs. A high-accuracy force sensor continuously measures the applied force while a stepper-motor-driven press precisely controls the loading rate. Sample breakage is automatically detected and the corresponding force is recorded as the crushing strength.
Features
* 96-sample automated platform – Up to 96 individual catalyst particles can be loaded on a removable sample plate and tested automatically with minimal operator intervention.
* Dual ASTM capability – One instrument supports testing according to ASTM D4179 and ASTM D6175
* High-accuracy force measurement – A precision force sensor continuously monitors the compressive load and automatically records the force at sample breakage.
* Automatic dimensional measurement – An integrated camera measures extrudate length, while spherical sample diameter is automatically determined from calibrated motor-axis displacement.
* Controlled low-humidity chamber – An integrated humidity-control system maintains the enclosure at below 30% RH, limiting moisture uptake and protecting humidity-sensitive catalysts from alteration before and during testing.
* Advanced PC-based HMI and data management – The dedicated software manages test recipes and automatic sequences, provides live monitoring and records dimensions, crushing strength, normalized strength, crushing slope, applied force rate and complete batch statistics.
Benefits
* Higher laboratory productivity – Automated testing of up to 96 samples considerably reduces repetitive manual operations and increases sample throughput.
* Improved repeatability and accuracy – Automated positioning, controlled compression rate, precision force measurement and automatic dimensional measurement minimize operator-dependent variations.
* Reliable catalyst qualification – Statistically representative crushing-strength data help evaluate the ability of catalysts to withstand mechanical stresses encountered during transportation, handling, reactor loading and operation.
* Protection of moisture-sensitive catalysts – Maintaining relative humidity below 30% RH helps preserve the catalyst's original mechanical condition and prevents humidity from affecting crushing-strength measurements.
* Maximum testing versatility – A single platform accommodates different catalyst geometries and two recognized ASTM crushing-strength methods, reducing the need for multiple dedicated instruments.
* Complete data traceability – Automatic acquisition, storage, statistical analysis, visualization and export provide consistent and traceable results for R&D, catalyst qualification and routine quality control.
