Microtrac Zetrator

Autotitrator for Microtrac Zetatrac and Zetaview SL-PS-15 Rev.D

The Microtrac Zetrator is a fully automated titration device specifically designed for use with the Microtrac
Zetatrac and the Microtrac ZetaView particle size and charge analyzers. In order to fully understand the
conditions contributing to the stability or otherwise of a product or process, Zeta Potential measurements on
their own are not enough! Stability or coagulation of a material is generally a function of the ionic conditions
existing within the colloid or emulsion. The Zetrator allows controlled alterations of the electro-chemical
conditions of the sample in question in order to determine its points of stability.

The objective of a particle charge

titration is to identify the Iso
Electric Point (IEP) or point of zero
charge. At the IEP the weak
electrostatic repulsion forces
between particles are overcome
by attractive forces, leading to
agglomeration and instability. By
studying the titration data, re-
searchers can determine the stabil-
ity characteristecs and alter process
or storage conditions accordingly.

The Microtrac Zetrator is designed to ensure the integrity of charge

titrations. One of the major sources of error in such experments
is the generation of bubbles which will yield erroneous data. The
pump components and valves are specifically selected to ensure
this does not occur. The Zetrator comes in three different models,
a single titrant version for simple titrations, a three titrant version
that faciltates foreward and backward titrations and a five titrant
version for more precise increments.

Total Solutions in Particle Characterization

AutoTitrator Control Panel

Auto-Titration SOP ( Standard Operating Procedure ):

Opens the Auto-Titration SOP dialog for user entry of Auto-Titration parameters.

Auto-Titration Start: Starts an Auto-Titration experiment.

NOTE: this button will be Inactive until a Valid Zetatrac Setzero has been obtained.

Stop: Stops all Auto-Titrator activity. Stops any experiment that is in

progress. Stops any manual operation that is in progress.

Drain: Drains the system, including the Reaction Beaker and

the Zetatrac Sample-Cell.

Rinse: Performs a Rinsing cycle leaving the system full of liquid.

Fill: Fills the system with fresh liquid and flows the liquid through the
system.

Flow: Toggles Flow On/Off, circulating liquid through the system.

Clicking a second time will turn the flow off.

pH Measure: Makes a measurement of the pH and displays it in the

Titration Statistics section of the Control Panel. Updates every 5 seconds
until “Stop” is clicked or 50 measurements are performed.

Auto-Clean: Repeatedly Rinses the system until Zetatrac measured background indicates
the system is clean enough for an acceptable Setzero measurement. If not clean after 5 tries,
a message is displayed indicating the system may need manual cleaning by the operator.

Prime: Used to prime the dosing pumps. This is necessary whenever the input tubing
of a dosing pump becomes exposed such as when a titrant bottle runs empty or if the
tube is pulled out of the bottle.

Total Solutions in Particle Characterization

Standard Operating Procedure SOP

Titrations are programmed using the Titration SOP dialog box. The user can determine the type of
titration by choosing between fixed volume steps of a polyelectrolyte solution or pH increments.

Stop Criteria can be manual. It can also be operated for: (a) a set number of increments after IEP;
(b) a specific time; (c) a specific total volume; (d) a specific ZP or mobility; or (e) for a specific pH. Pre-
dosing and autocleaning can also be programmed.

The Dosing Bottles tab facilitates the labelling and enabling of the various titrants to be used in the
experiment. Display Options allows the user to define which parameters are to be displayed on the
main titration display curve. Experiment Description is a free-form notepad for recording specific
details on the experiment in question.

Once the SOP has programmed it can be initiated by simply pressing

Specifications

Mechanical
Dimensions : ~ 14” (355mm)H x 8” (203mm)W x 18” (457mm)D
Weight : ~ 23 lbs (~ 10.5 kg)
Electrical
AC-DC Power Supply(1) : In: 100-240VAC 50-60 Hz; Out: 24VDC 2.5A max.
Auto-Titrator : In: 24VDC 1.5A max.
Environmental
Ambient Temperature : 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F)
Humidity : Up to 90%, non-condensing
Titrants (2)
Number of Pumps/Bottles: 1, 3, or 5, depending on selected option.
Fluids: Acids, bases, salts.
Minimum Dose: 20ul
Bottle Volume: 250 ml each.
pH Range : 1.5 to 12.5
Sample (2)
Minimum Starting Volume : 30 ml
Maximum Ending Volume : 150 ml
pH Range : 2 to 12
pH Probe
Probe Type : Combination type, gel-filled glass electrode
Measurement Range : 0 to 14 pH (see above - sample is restricted to 2 to 12 pH)
Measurement Accuracy : ± 0.1 pH units
Other
Other Pumps : 1 for circulation (speed is controlled by Flex software)
1 for filling (fixed speed)
Other Bottles : Bottles for Fill and Waste fluids are provided with the
system.
(1) Power supply is provided with the system.
(2) Chemical Compatibility: Wetted surfaces include polystyrene (sample beaker), polyethylene (titrant bottles),
silicone (tubing), Teflon (dosing-pump input and output tubing), polypropylene and perfluoroelastomer
(dosing pumps), stainless steel and Teflon (Zetatrac FlowCell).

Your local Microtrac Representative is:

WWW.MICROTRAC.COM

Total Solutions in Particle Characterization