JETSCAN

This instrument produces foam by recirculating sample liquid method.

In the JETSCAN, a stream (or jet) of sample is directed downwards into a pool of liquid at the bottom of a glass tube to generate foam. The circulation pump inlet is at the base of this glass tube, well below the foam. The pump forces sample liquid through a heat exchanger and back to the top of the tube to supply the jet.

Experiments can be run at temperatures of up to 90 °C. A video camera views foam in the glass tube, providing data to image analysis software which determines foam volume. Defoaming agent can be introduced automatically into the jet or into the reservoir holding the sample.



JETSCAN diagram. Operation
The schematic diagram shows key components of the JetScan®

• 1 - Light source
• 2 - Video camera
• 3 - Cuvette to hold liquid to be foamed
• 4 - Glass tube
• 5 - Nozzle for the jet
• 6 - Automatic sampler to inject defoamer into the sample
• 7 - Circulation loop for the sample
• 8 - Sample or cleaning liquid entry
• 9 - Drain to remove sample or rinse liquid
• 10 - Rinse system for the top of the glass tube

Uses

Application

JetScan® can be used in the many fields such as:

• Sugar refining
• Paper making
• Food manufacturing
• Detergency
• Specialty chemicals
• ...

Measurements made by JetScan

JetScan measures in real time:

• Foam volume
• Liquid flow rate required to produce a constant foam volume
• Quantity of liquid trapped in a foam
• Foam "knock down" time

Options

JetScan ® can be fully automated in the introduction of liquid samples, introduction of anti-foam and cleaning of the entire apparatus.

Results

Results from a typical experiment are shown on the right. The graph shows formation of foam by the jet. Reproducibility is also demonstrated by the degree of overlap in the three measurements.
With all automation features installed, both versions of the JETSCAN will introduce a sample for measurement, heat the liquid to temperature (up to 90 °C), measure steady state foam volume, inject a defoaming agent, determine how long the defoamer is effective, dispose of the sample, rinse itself, and then introduce the next sample for analysis.