RPA2000 A4:Layout 1 - ccsi-inc.com

1 ALPHATECHNOLOGIESRPA2000 Rubber Process Analyzer Viscoelastic measurements before,during and after cure Analysis and control of raw polymers Analysis and control of rubbermaster batches and final compounds Versatile test configurations Short test cycles, efficient operation New Extended Dynamic Range optionThe First Name in Testing SolutionsOverviewThe Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA) is an advanced (dynamic mechanical rheological) testinstrument, designed to measure the properties of polymers and rubber compounds before,during and after RPA meets the full range of testing requirements of thecomplete manufacturing process: Incoming polymer characterization Incoming raw material test Master batch testing Final compound testing Cured compound testingThe RPA measures the viscoelastic properties of polymers and elastomeric compounds providing comprehensive data onkey parameters such as.

2 Processability Cure characteristics Final cured propertiesThe high sensitivity of the RPA enables detection of small changes in types and levels of ingredients and subsequent variations in compound properties, withroutine operation by factory overall range and flexibility of the RPA allowsrationalization of traditional laboratory tests andequipment, reducing testing complexity, testingtime and 2000 benefitsThis advanced system can be configured to determine awide range of product properties through all stages of rubber test sequences enable: Increased testing frequency compared to traditional techniques Faster batch release, improving productivityThe RPA s unique programmable testing capabilities permit muchhigher and faster discrimination between polymers andcompounds than is possible by conventional numerous traditional techniques: Increase test efficiency and quality Reduce testing costsEliminate many downstream production problems.

3 Increase production efficiency Significantly reduce scrap and reworkQuality control (& development) of new generation compoundswhich cannot be effectively analyzed by conventional featuresAdvanced instrumentationThe RPA is designed with a range of variable test parameters toenable a wide range of physical properties to be variable test parameters are: Temperature Oscillation frequency Strain/angle of oscillation TimeThe RPA is delivered with a pre-programmed series of tests allowingthe user to rapidly exploit this powerful user friendly, flexible system enables the operator to obtainquality control data on processability, curing characteristics and finalproperties from a single sample. No complex sample preparationis required.

4 The sample is loaded into a sealed test cavity pioneered by AlphaTechnologies. Two directly heated low mass biconical dies give fast,accurate thermal response. The required starting temperature for the test is set automatically and controlled by heating and/or forcedair-cooling. The temperature can be varied up or down during a test,or maintained at a constant value to within +/- RPA is equipped with a direct drive servo motor system that canvary the oscillation angle ( to 90 deg arc) and frequency( to 33 Hz) with highaccuracy over a wide rangeof torque is transmittedvia the sample from theoscillating lower die to thehighly sensitive torquetransducer positioned in theupper die. The measurements made bythe torque transducer are fedinto the system computer.

5 This calculates the selectedsample properties, displays the results and stores the data forfurther advanced software control eliminates operator intervention fromsample loading until the test sequence is complete and the requireddata productivity increases are obtained when the automationoption is fitted. This option allows up to 100 samples to be measuredwithout operator involvement, and consists of a rotary tray stagingsystem; sample loading arm, film transport system and Technologies has pioneered the use of polyester or polyamide films for sample testing and transport, which giveadditional benefits in respect of reduced die contamination andincreased seal life. The unit comes complete with Alpha Technologies RPA software, computer, color monitor and color testing The reaction of the sample to the preset conditions is measuredand the sample properties determined as strain Strain is applied, via the oscillating lower die, under full computercontrol.

6 The strain angle can be precisely varied between and 90 in increments. Torque, modulus and viscosity aremeasured at a pre-programmed frequency and frequencyThe oscillation frequency of the applied strain can be varied preciselybetween and 33Hz. Torque, modulus and viscosity are measuredat a pre-programmed strain and , DeltaStrain (%SSA)NR raw polymer100 HzML (1+4) (1+4) (1+4) strain used to characterize raw natural rubber underrealistic processing conditionsVariable frequency used to evaluate different raw EPDM (Rad/s)Tangent DeltaTime/temperature superpositionTemperature: 75 C - 100 C - 125 C, 10% AEPDM BEPDM CComprehensive test Before, during and after cureStrainsweepVariabletemperature cureCuredvisco-elasticpropertiesFrequenc yStrainTemperatureTime60 Hz200%1%100 Hz7%170 C10 Hz1%50%1%40 C010 Time (Min)Non-isothermal vulcanisationS'(dNm)

7 C864202468101214 TempCure220180140100 Example Multi test sequence used to measure processability,cure and final propertiesVariable temperature cure used to characterize curing reactionsunder realistic molding conditionsMultiple test sequencesThe RPA enables a series of tests to be performed on a singlesample in a programmed sequence providing complete data on theviscoelastic and rheological properties of the sample, before duringand after cutter 2000 RThis robust cutter is recommendedto minimize sample preparationtime and maximize dual action pneumaticallyoperated press provides rapid,precise preparation of constant -volume samples for testing,thereby optimizing repeatability and temperatureThe temperature can be precisely varied during a test between 40 Cand 230 C.

8 Torque, modulus, and viscosity are measured underpre-programmed frequency and features:Stress relaxation Modulus and torque are measured against timeafter the sample is subjected to pre-programmed Sample ageing and conditioning at programmable time,frequency, strain and temperature. Matrix Specialist applications. A combination of modulus, torqueand viscosity are measured under programmable strain, temperatureand frequency. Cure Modulus and torque are measured against time underisothermal conditions at pre-programmed strain and frequency. Designed for precisionThe RPA design includes Unique temperature control system Sealed and pressurized test cavity High resolution drive motor Robust, sensitive torque transducerThese result in unparalleled precision and sensitivity, as requiredfor the demanding applications of the rubber options Automation- The system is under full computer controlallowing different, complex test sequences to be performed on up to 100 different samples.

9 Without operator intervention Pressure- enables the blowing characteristics of spongematerials to be measured at the same time as cure properties Low viscosity- The RPA is available with a torque transducerspecifically designed to measure the characteristics of lowviscosity materials, including thermoplastics (PVC, polyolifins,ABS, polystyrene, polyamides) and thermoplastics rubbers (TPR,TPV, TPU,TPE) EDR- Extended Dynamic Range to increase sensitivity at low strains and low frequencies23 Sample 1311511711912112141618110112114116118120 1221 TorqueCured SBR SD = , COV = @ 10% strain. Measured at 100 CNew RPA2000 with Extended Dynamic Range RPA2000 EDRThe new EDR (Extended Dynamic Range) optionfor the RPA has been developed to improvesensitivity at low strains and low frequencies,improving precision on post cure tests andallowing more accurate measurements on low viscosity Performance Increased dynamic range decades vs.

10 3 decades Lower Minimum Deformation vs. Increased Maximum Frequency 50Hz vs. Improved Torque resolution 10-4dNm vs. 10-3dNm. Higher precision for phase angle ( )measurements Lower Inertia Improved repeatability Improved reproducibilityNew Applications: Elastomers Improved Polymer Characterisation -Tangent reliability at low/very low frequency ( ) Improved post-cure dynamic propertymeasurements Improved compound characterisation at verylow strains More reliable tangent and G measurementsat low strain Retofit kit available for existing RPA 2000 StandardsComplies with ASTM D6204, D5289 and D6601US and World WideNos 5,079,956 Multi angle and high strain,Patents4,552,025 Variable frequency and temperature5,481,903 Temperature ramping4,794,788 Calculation of data by Discrete Fourier TransformTest ConfigurationSealed test cavity with biconical dies, Sample volume controlled, Computer programmed.