Product category:
Particle size analysis equipment
News Release from: Malvern Instruments | Subject: Insitec Aliss
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 26 February 2007
Aliss crucial to automated lab operation
at Holcim
Recent upgrade at Holcim, one of the world's leading cement producers, has seen the production plant move to an automated laboratory for the routine analysis of cement composition and particle size
The system of choice for particle characterisation was the Insitec Aliss from Malvern Instruments, which is now installed and is delivering routine process analysis with negligible manual input The instrument was purchased by Holcim France Benelux as part of an agreement with Malvern to supply two Insitec Aliss systems for use at sites in Belgium and six Insitec on-line systems for facilities in France
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 4 Oct 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Malvern exhibits at Easyfairs Solids 2006
The focus on the Malvern Instruments stand at Easyfairs Solids 2006 (1-2 November 2006; Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK) will be the Insitec on-line, and the Insitec Aliss at-line, particle size analysers
Contributing to drug carrier research
Nanoparticle characterisation using the Zetasizer Nano from Malvern Instruments is providing essential information for researchers working on drug delivery systems at UK's newest school of pharmacy
Melbourn is first UK CRO to routinely use Spraytec
Melbourn Scientific has become the first CRO in the UK to routinely use the Malvern Instruments Spraytec particle size analyser to support the development of inhaler, nebuliser and nasal spray systems
At Holcim's Obourg plant, all aspects of particle size measurement are fully automated.
At the heart of the automated laboratory is a robot which receives both clinker and cement samples, prepares them for analysis and transports them to the appropriate analyser.
The Insitec Aliss requires no sample preparation so the robot simply pours material directly into the analyser; measurement of the 80g sample is complete in under one minute.
Integration with the plant control system allows the resulting data to drive the empirical models used for control of the plant and process.
Commenting on the company's decision to purchase an Insitec Aliss, Stephanie Verhaeghe, quality control manager at Holcim said: "We have always enjoyed exemplary service support from both Malvern Instruments and Goffin Meyvis, the company's supplier in Benelux, and our existing Malvern analyser performed well over many years.
"The Insitec Aliss has some great features for our application, including abrasion-resistant internals designed specifically to withstand continuous use with materials like cement, and highly polished surfaces that reduce any requirement for cleaning.
"The instrument has performed well since installation, working 24/7 with negligible attention".
The award-winning Insitec Aliss is a laser diffraction-based analyser designed for manual or automated particle size measurement within the process environment.
Impervious to vibration or dust in the surroundings it is simple to use allowing at-line analysis to become a routine part of process operation.
Integral software facilitates communication with existing control platforms and allows results presentation to be customized to meet user requirements. Request a free brochure from Malvern Instruments ...
• Malvern Instruments: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Laboratorytalk email newsletter
• Laboratorytalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
