Accessories

Advancing and receding contact angles are readily determined by inclining the substrate and allowing the drop to deform as a function of gravity. By mounting a ramé-hart goniometer on the optional Automated Tilting Base, it is possible to incline not only the substrate but the entire instrument, preserving perfectly the optics-to-specimen alignment. This technique greatly expedites such measurements. The Automated Tilting Base is fully software driven and is supported by DROPimage Advanced v2.3 and above. This option requires DROPimage Advanced.

The Peltier Environmental Chamber leverages the power and flexibility of the Peltier effect. Using a multistage thermoelectric module, the chamber is able to be precisely regulated from –50° C to 150° C. A temperature controller is included for regulating the DC current through the module in order to achieve and hold any chilled or elevated temperature within the range to within 0.1° C. The Peltier module is rated for 100,000 hours offering a long and reliable life. Nitrogen gas is used for chilled temperatures to prevent frozen condensation. A tank and regulator kit is available if your lab does not already have nitrogen service. Ice water is circulated through the base of the chamber during chilling cycles to draw away the heat produced by the multistage module. Add a Quartz Cell for liquid/liquid studies. The Peltier Environmental Chamber is supported on every ramé-hart instrument. However, note that the temperature logging features requires DROPimage v2.7 or higher.

The Advanced Chamber with Temperature and Humidity Control p/n 100-26-TH provides a controlled environment for up to 6″ diameter samples. The chamber features rotating support, quartz windows for viewing, inlets for humid and dry air, outlets for exhaust and pressure relief. The temperature can be controlled up to 230° C or up to 85° C with humidity. The humidity level can be regulated between 0 and 100%. Gas parts are included as well as cooling ports to circulate water or a refrigerant through the base of the chamber to speed up cooling or to bring the chamber temperature to below ambient. The system ships complete with a temperature and humidity controller, an ultrasonic humidification system for cool mist, and a dry air pump and desiccant-based drying unit. Additional customization is also possible with this versatile modular design. The Advanced Chamber is supported on Models 500, and 590 with or without the optional Automated Tilting Base.

A temperature only version of this chamber is also available, p/n 100-25-T. It includes all of the same features as 100-26-TH except humidity control. The chamber temperature can be controlled up to 230° C and humidity can be added later with an available upgrade kit (p/n 100-26-H-KIT).

The Cover with Stage accessory replaces the standard cover supplied with Environmental Chamber p/n 100-07 and contains an externally adjustable substrate stage which permits studies of sessile drops on either side of substrate (normal and inverted), or captive bubbles on the underside. Substrate clamping will also accommodate films. Cover is equipped with an O-ring seal to interface with Elevated Temperature Syringe 100-11.

The ramé-hart Overhead Optical Imaging Kit is designed to be added to any instrument that currently is running DROPimage Advanced v2.x. The kit permits an existing goniometer to measure contact angle using a novel and powerful overhead method. The advantage to this method over the traditional profile view method is that hydrophilic surfaces can be more easily characterized. Low contact angles (under 10°) are traditionally difficult using traditional methods. The overhead method involves capturing an image of the three-phase line from above and then calculating the contact angle based on its diameter and the drop volume. The Automated Dispensing System 100-22 is recommended. Another advantage to the overhead method is that it works well even where surrounding topology prevents a direct line of sight required for the conventional profile view method. The Measure distance command can also be used to precisely measure linear distances. An alternate Illuminator Fixture as well as an Optical Reflector Fixture and all parts (software and hardware) necessary to measure contact angle and distances from overhead on an existing goniometer are included in the kit. The Overhead Optical Imaging Kit works only on the standard ramé-hart specimen leveling stage. For use inside a chamber or for another applications, please contact us for customization.

Use of this accessory with the ramé-hart goniometer permits liquid/liquid or liquid/liquid/solid studies to be performed at pressures of up to 68 Atmospheres and at temperatures to 230° C. Elevated temperatures are produced by integral electrical heaters. Liquid pressure is generated by a static pressurization system attached to the chamber. The chamber contains an externally adjustable substrate positioning stage. This high pressure chamber is for use with non-hazardous liquids only.

The High Pressure Chamber is currently out of production.