SensaDyne
SensaDyne Instrument Division manufactures the world's most advanced computer-based instruments for intermittent and continuous measurement of dynamic and equilibrium (static) fluid surface tension. The company was formed and incorporated in 1981 in Madison, Wisconsin, by Victor P. Janule, the current President.
SensaDyne has developed, patented, and commercialized a number of fluid surface tension measurement instruments, for both laboratory and in-process applications, based on the maximum differential bubble pressure method. This method evolved from research done in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin, Department of Chemical Engineering. In July 1982, SensaDyne relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and then in 1992 to new and expanded facilities in Arizona.
SensaDyne markets its instruments throughout the world, either directly from its sales office in Arizona, or through a network of domestic and worldwide representatives. Technical support is available by contacting its Arizona office at sensadyn@ix.netcom.com.
Technology
While there are several classical methods for measuring surface tension, the patented maximum differential bubble pressure method used by SensaDyne is both simple and unique. Bubbles are formed at the ends of two or more tubes with different sized orifices, immersed in a fluid. The difference in the maximum bubble pressure of the generated bubbles is directly proportional to fluid surface tension. By using more than one orifice, the method is independent of depth of immersion, fluid density, specific gravity, and is unaffected by surface contamination or surface foam. Because bubbles are formed continuously, this method allows continuous in-process monitoring and control.
SensaDyne Instruments continues to be at the forefront of surface tension technology.
SensaDyne Instruments Surface Tension Development Chronology
1981
Developed and patented the world's first, commercially available, Dynamic Surface Tensiometer based on the bubble pressure technique, the SensaDyne 5000.
1986
Developed the first computer-interfaced bubble Tensiometer, the SensaDyne PC6000 with DOS-based software.
1992
Developed the first bubble Tensiometer with all internal hardware components in corrosion resistant, 316 stainless steel, the SensaDyne PC6000-SS.
1992
Developed the first bubble Tensiometer with process control capability, the SensaDyne PC6000-PC, using a two channel, analog output, computer interface board, now compatible with all SensaDyne Tensiometers.
1994
Developed the first bubble Tensiometer with individual Mass Flow Controllers for each orifice to allow higher bubble rates and accurate Surface Age Measurements in the low millisecond range.
1994
Developed the first software peak detection algorithms for accurate, real-time, surface tension measurements in viscous fluids.
1995
Developed the world's least expensive line of Dynamic Surface Tensiometers, the SensaDyne QC3000 and QC6000.
1996
Developed the SensaDyne STS, the first automatic additive/surfactant dispensing system for use with SensaDyne Tensiometers for automatic concentration and dynamic CMC curve generation.
1996
Developed and installed the world's first in-reactor surface tension measuring system for emulsion polymerization, the SensaDyne PC1000R.
1996
Developed the world's first fully automatic bubble Tensiometer with automatic viscosity compensation, the SensaDyne PC500-LV.
1998
Developed the first dedicated on-line, stand-alone, bubble Tensiometer with embedded computer system and process control options, the SensaDyne IP6000.
1999
Developed Windows-compatible software for all computer-interfaced SensaDyne Tensiometers.
2011
Developed a Tensiometer for measuring fluids and liquified gases under high pressure, the SensaDyne PC500-HP-SS.
2020
Developed a Dynamic Pulmonary Surfactant Analyzer (DPSA) for measuring small human and artificial pulmonary surfactant samples using the SensaDyne maximum bubble pressure technique.
ASTM Test Method
SensaDyne tensiometers are the only commercially available instruments that comply with ASTM Designation: D 3825-90 Test Method for Dynamic Surface Tension by the Fast-Bubble Technique.
For more information contact ASTM Web.
Patents
SensaDyne technology is covered by United States patents No. 4,416,148; 6,085,577; and German patent No. DE 196 81 587 C2, in addition to several new patent applications.