Automated Rheological Analysis

The Anton Parr HTR 502 plate rheometer is the first fully automated rheometer available. Rheological measurements are carried out by MCR rheometers in the high quality the instruments are known for, while a robot handles all additional tasks pertaining to the measurement: sample loading, sample trimming and the cleaning of the upper and lower measuring system while the next measurement is already in progress. The complete automation of the entire measuring procedure, from sample loading right through to data evaluation, for the very first time allows fully realised high-throughput rheometry.

Rheological characterisation of materials is time consuming and requires experience to set up the equipment and interpret the results. The validity of any results is thus very dependent on the protocol used and how the user has interacted with the materials and instrument. Utilising a robot, whilst not appreciably faster than a human operator, can realise benefits in more repeatable and robust data output.

Technical highlights
• Integrated with our scientific data management system: FLEX
• 24-hour operation
• Reliable rheological measurement with a standard MCR rheometer
• Cone-plate and parallel plate geometries available
• Fully automated sample loading and trimming
• Bar code reader for sample identification
• Fully automated cleaning with customised procedures
• Full range of rheological measuring parameters in rotation and oscillation
• Temperature control with Peltier heated and electrically heated systems

Software
• Method development with rheometer software
• Automated analysis, printout and export of measuring data
• Methods and data interchangeable between lab and automation equipment
• Individual set of measuring and analysis parameters for any number of samples

Specification/Attachments
• Vial based sample input for aspiratable liquids
• Pre-loadable plates for paste workflows
• Smooth or cross hatched geometries