DATE : September 12, 2013

TO : Fran O'Keleher, Vice President

FROM : Samant Khanna, Process Engineer
RE : Newly purchased Alpha Technologies MDR 2000 Moving Die Rheometer
This memo is in response to your request regarding our recent purchase of the Alpha
Technologies MDR 2000 Moving Die Rheometer. This new instrument was purchased to replace
the old Monsanto R100 Rheometer and its outdated technology. With the new MDR, we can
expect more consistent results and ease of operation. MDR is a vital tool for quality assurance
and R&D with the following benefits:
Increased accuracy and repeatability
Increased test efficiency
Better temperature control
Included in this memo is a brief description of the old rheometer, a description and
comparison of the new MDR with R100 and a side by side cost analysis.
A rheometer is an essential instrument in determining the curing rate and properties of a
rubber compound. Any rubber part needs to be cured by heating at a specified temperature and
time for it to be useful. Uncured rubber is of no commercial use. Data acquired from a rheometer
gives exact information about the processability, cure characteristics, cure speed, and behavior of
the compound after curing. The rubber sample is placed in the rheometer cavity where an
oscillating rotor/die is used to calculate changes in viscosity of the rubber sample when it is
exposed to elevated temperatures and helps decide the curing properties.
Monsanto R100 Rheometer (Old instrument)

This old instrument required a lot of maintenance and repair. The temperature control
was unstable and took long times to reach defined temperatures. The cavity and rotor had to be
cleaned after every test which led to operator variation and lowered our efficiency. The data was
often found to be not repeatable leading to inconsistency.
Alpha Technologies MDR 2000 Moving Die Rheometer (New instrument)

The new MDR with its advanced technology brings a lot more to the table. It offers
consistent and repeatable testing at stabilized temperatures, is more user friendly and has
excellent test sensitivity.



Fran O'Keleher 2 September 12, 2012
Increased Accuracy and Repeatability
Lower oscillation angles lead to better measurement sensitivity as in the case of
MDR which uses an angle of 0.5 compared to 3 in R100, a decrease of 83.33%. Lower
angle ensures least distortion while the rubber sample is being cured leading to accurate
measurement which is repeatable.

Increased Test Efficiency
The sample loading time decreased from a typical 45 sec. in R100 to 5 sec. in
MDR which is a decrease of 88.89%. In MDR, the sample is put between two nylon
strips and placed in the cavity which can be easily removed after test. In R100, the rubber
flows around the rotor in center and has to be removed after completion of test by the
operator. The MDR uses an automatic sample loader and indicates if the tested sample is
out of specification.

Better Temperature Control
The temperature control system of MDR has a tolerance of 0.03 C compared to
1 C in case of R100, which is a decrease of 97%. MDR does not have an oscillating
rotor like in R100; instead its lower die oscillates for measurement. The rotor in R100 is
not heated and leads to temperature fluctuation and higher energy consumption. Stable
temperature in MDR leads to pure results as rubber properties rely on the curing
temperature used.
Cost Analysis

The total savings related with MDR are difficult to analyze as it is not a production
machine, but an instrument crucial for quality analysis and research. Even though the price of
MDR 2000 was $55000, its use guarantees reliable and fast data.

Advantages MDR 2000 R100
Annual
Savings
Less Maintenance/Repair $100/month $2000/month $22800
Less Energy Consumption
15 kWh * $0.15/kWh
* 8 hours * 30 days =
$540
20 kWh *
$0.15/kWh * 8 hours
* 30 days = $720
$2160
Total Annual Savings $24960

As can be seen from the table above, the investment on MDR 2000 will be paid off in
about 26 months. Moreover, it does not require the continuous presence of the lab technician due
to the automated sample loader. This instrument is indeed a wise investment and would help
Nortec prosper with its modern technology.

Fran O'Keleher 3 September 10, 2012
If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by my office or I can be reached at ext:
1268. Also, if you are interested, I would be glad to show you the operation of our new MDR
and its features.