Instruction Manual For automatic Surface Tensiometer

Type: BZY -101 BZY-102 BZY-103

BZY -201 BZY -201 BZY -203

1. Thank you for choosing the serial product of surface and interface
analyzing instrument.
2. Please contact us when you meet any technical or operational
problem when using the instrument.
3. Before using the instrument, please read thoroughly and carefully
read the instruction manual which covers the solutions for most
problems that may occur during operation. Additionally please
inform us of any defect of the instrument or any new operating
method that you found during using the instrument. We will always
appreciate you support sincerely.
4. This Instruction Manual is not permitted to be reproduced or passed
round for perusal without authorization.

Shanghai Fangrui Instrument Co., Ltd

Prepared on: Jan. 2008

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Content
Chapter 1 General ................................................ 3
Chapter 2 Basic Principle ........................................ 4
2.1 What’s the “Surface tension”? ................................. 4
2.2 Wilhelmy Plate Method .............................................5
2.3 du Nouy Ring Method .............................................. 7
Chapter 3 Technical parameters and composition of surface tensiometer......... 8
3.1 Technical indexes .............................................. 8
3.2 System composition ...............................................9
3.3 Diagram and instructions of surface tensiometer parts ............10
3.4 Assembly of surface tensiometer ..................................11
Chapter 4 Operation method ..................................... 12
4.1 Please confirm that the following precautions are known well before the formal
testing..................... .................................. 12
4.2 Trouble elimination methods ...................................... 14
4.3 Testing method by using platinum plate .......................... 15
4.4 Testing method by using platinum ring ............................ 20
Chapter 5 Correction of surface tensiometer and daily maintenance of platinum plate and
platinum ring .............................................. 24
Chapter 6: Data processing software .............................. 27
Attachment 1: Surface tension values of some liquids at 20℃ ............ 28
Attachment 2: Density, viscosity and Surface tension on air interface of water at different
temperatures ........................................ 29

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Chapter 1 General
It is already known that the surface tension is basic principle for determining the
solubility, wetting, bubbling, coating, permeability and some other properties of a liquid.
People always have to analyze the surface tension of a given liquid so as to further study
the physical property of this liquid in relation to another liquid or solid. And such study is
a basic measure for quality control in industrialization.
BZY Serial Full-automatic surface tensiometer can supply the customer a perfect
solution for the study on surface tension. Solution changing with time and changing
because of the intervention of any surface active agent can be detected upon the perfect
“reproducibility” of the meter. And furthermore, the applicability can be enlarged by the
user through reasonable and clever operation.
Features of the instrument
When comparing with any other surface tensiometer, BZY serial surface tensiometer
includes but is not limited by the following advantages:
※ automatic measuring, by which the man induced error can be farthest decreased;
※ The equilibrium value of surface tension can be read automatically;
※ Absolute exact one-key resetting (clear to zero from any value in the whole range);
※ One-key calibrating can be realized with attached standard weight rapidly and
exactly;
※ It fully complies with the basic principle of Wilhelmy Plate Method and can
actualize the measuration in the following cases:
※ Surface tension varies in different time because of the existence of any surface
active agent
※ To measure some high viscosity liquid (the equilibrium value can be read
automatically)
※ To measure the tension on an interface between two different liquids that one can
not dissolved in the other one, such as oil and water
※ The sensor can respond rapidly with high accuracy, and thus it becomes possible to
supply reference data for carrying out a favorable reproducibility.
※ Operating is simple without being controlled by any external computer;
※ The deviation of the instrument is very low because of its own structure which
ensures that all errors in measuring can be controlled effectively;

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 ※ A constant-temperature sample cup, a sample thermometer and an external
constant-temperature tank can be optionally equipped to the tensiometer.

Chapter 2 Basic Principle

2.1 What’s the “Surface tension”?

It is widely known that the liquid property can be explained by the inter-attractive force
among molecules. Such molecular attraction is called as molecular cohesive force or Van
Der Waals force. And surface tension, interface tension and other similar phenomena are
used to explain the basic physical phenomena of molecular cohesion.
Concretely, the molecules of the liquid on the surface are under a stress which is different
from the body inside. The molecules inside the body are under a symmetrical and
balanced stress while the molecules on the surface are attracted by the molecules inside
the body without any counterbalance. It means that the molecules on the surface are
under a stress which pulls them inward the body. In other words, the force diagram will
decrease the surface area to remove the unbalance. In thermodynamics it is defined that:
“Surface tension” it the force which can decrease the surface energy in the system to the
minimum, i.e. the free energy (J/m2) on a unit area is also the minimum energy required
to form or enlarge the interface of the unit area. The value is complying with the surface
energy (N/m). Generally, surface tension is used to represent the surface free energy
which determines the physiochemical phenomena on the liquid surface. In daily life, a
dewdrop on lotus leaf in the morning and the cambered surface of water in a glass, etc are
all the representation of surface tension.

See the schematic diagram below.

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 γS = γL・cosθ + γSL Young equation
γS: Solid surface tension
γSL: Solid/ liquid interface tension
γL: Liquid surface tension
θ: Contacting angle

2.2 Wilhelmy Plate Method

When a sensing Wilhelmy plate is immersed into the target liquid, the plate will be
under liquid surface tension around and pulled downward as much as possible. When the
liquid surface tensional force gets balanced with other related forces, the sensing plate
will be stopped from immersing inward the liquid. At this time, the balance sensor of the
instrument will measure the immersed depth which is then transformed into the value of
surface tension of the liquid.
In practical measuring, the detailed steps of Wilhelmy Plate Method are: (1) a
Wilhelmy plate is gradually immersed into the liquid; (2) the equilibrium value is
detected by the sensor immersed in the liquid; (3) the equilibrium value sensed is
transformed into the value of surface tension which is then displayed.
See the figure below:

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 1) The surface tension on the sensing
Wilhelmy Plate will much higher than
the surface tension of the liquid, and
thus the liquid can effectively wet the
plate and climb up;
2) The liquid will form into a cambered
liquid surface around the Wilhelmy
Plate;
3) The molecular force on the surface
will pull the Wilhelmy Plate
downward.

P = mg + Lγ･cosθ – m: Weight of the Wilhelmy Plate

shρg g: Gravity (9.8N/ Kg)
L: Perimeter of the Wilhelmy Plate
Balance force (Upward)
γ: Surface tension of the liquid
= [Gravity of the θ: Contacting angle between the liquid and the
Wilhelmy Plate + Wilhelmy Plate
Surface Tension] s: Cross sectional area of the Wilhelmy Plate
(Downward) - Buoyant h: Depth of the Wilhelmy Plate immersed into the liquid
ρ: Density of the liquid
Force Applied to the
Wilhelmy Plate
(Upward)
Hardware:
When the Wilhelmy Plate contacts the
sample liquid, it will be pulled downward
by the surface tension of the sample liquid.
And this micro force will be detected by the
digital measuring system based on a
high-accuracy balance before it is
transmitted to the microcomputer for
process.

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Software:
The micro force detected is transformed into the value of surface tension after a series of
computing by the microcomputer upon a special software of control and analysis.

Display and output unit:

The value of surface tension can be displayed in real time, and if necessary, the related
data can be printed by a printer connected through the RS232 interface or be acquired by
a computer.

2.3 du Nouy Ring Method

This method, because of being widely applied to du Nouy surface tensiometer, is also
called as du Nouy method and widely used because it can be operated in a simply way. It
is named as “du Nouy Ring Method” because a ring will be formed between the testing
part and the liquid sample.

In which,
P: Downward force applied to the
du Nouy Ring
2r: Diameter of the du Nouy Ring
(metal wire)
2R: Inner diameter of the du Nouy
Ring (Distance between the
centers of the two metal wires)
P
Surface tension γ = F
4πR

The measuring steps of du Nouy method are: (1) the du Nouy Ring is slightly
immersed into the liquid; (2) the ring is slowly lifted up after it is immersed into the
liquid for 5mm~6mm, and then, the liquid level falls down oppositely, and a liquid
column is formed under the ring and finally separated from the ring! The du Nouy Ring
Method is used to sense a maximum value which appears when the ring is rightly to be

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separated from the liquid sample. The precision of the surface tension transformed from
this maximum value is determined by the liquid viscosity.
In the equation above, F is a set value which is determined by the diameter of the ring
and the property of the liquid. It is quite important to correct this value, as the downward
force is not always vertical and it varies with the liquid lifted up by the ring.
And generally, F can be calculated through the equation of Zuidema & Waters:

4b 1 P
(F − a)2 = 2
• 2
• +C
π R 4π R ρ
a: 0.7250
b: 0.09075 m-1s2
c: 0.04534 – 1.679 r／R
r: Radius of the du Nouy metal wire ring
R: Inner diameter of the du Nouy ring (distance between the two metal wire centers)
ρ: Liquid density

Chapter 3 Technical parameters and composition of surface

tensiometer

3.1 Technical indexes

BZY-101 BZY-201 platinum plate method
Measurement method BZY-102 BZY-202 platinum ring method
BZY-103 BZY-203 platinum plate and platinum ring method
Measuring range 0-600mN/m, 0-400mN/m Note: 1mN/m=1dyne/cm
Minimum resolution 0.1mN/m, 0.01mN/m
Standard deviation ±0.1mN/m, ± 0.05mN/m ( the second distilled water at 20℃)
Display mode LCD display
Generally it is 3-5 seconds.
Best time of reading If the sample for testing has larger viscosity or contains surface active
value agent, different sampling time can be adopted according to the
requirements of customer.
Supply voltage AC220V
Control mode CNC key

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Note: size of platinum ring: radius of wire is 0.185 mm, radius of ring is 9.55mm,
perimeter of ring is 60 mm

3.2 System composition

Note: After opening the package of surface tensiometer, please check whether
the following parts are completely packed, if there is any inconformity, please
immediately contact us or our local agent.

In general case, the standard configuration of surface tensiometer

includes:
No. Name Q’ty
1 Main part Main part of surface 1 unit
2 Accessories tensiometer 1 piece
2.1 Platinum plate or platinum ring
2.2 Sample dish Two sets
2.3 Alcohol lamp 1 unit
2.4 Tweezers 1 piece
2.5 Calibration poise 1 piece
Appendix Operation Manual 1 copy
part

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3.3 Diagram and instructions of surface tensiometer parts

Instructions of the parts: According to the operation process, the surface tensiometer
can be mainly divided into two parts
1. Sensing part, referring to the upper part of the tensiometer;
2. Display and zero returned part, referring to the lower part of the tensiometer;
The items in above parts separately refer to:
. Main part of surface tensiometer;
. horizontal leveling feet;
.level gauge(blister calibrator);
. power supply, tare, correction key;
. LCD display(display the measured value);
. manually lifting sample table.
. hook and platinum plate (platinum ring)
3.4 Assembly of surface tensiometer
The degree of integration of BZY surface tensiometer is higher, but the assembly
of the tensiometer is relatively easy.Please confirm whether the following matters has
been finished before the assembly:

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 The laboratory should keep very well cleanliness;
Confirm whether the laboratory has running water; because the running water is
required for cleaning during the experimental process.
Confirm whether the naked flame can be used in the laboratory. For the alcohol
lamp is required during the experimental process, if the relevant requirements can not
be met, the laboratory is recommended to be changed or other methods should be
adopted.
Operating ambient temperature:
10～30℃ for BZY series, the temperature fluctuation is not bigger than 1.5 ℃/h;
Relative humidity: smaller than 80% for BZY series;
Whether the 220V power supply has been connected well and the corresponding
receptacle has been well installed (i.e. grounding).
Check whether the appearance of the tensiometer is in good condition, if there is
any question, please contact us immediately;
Check whether the parts listed in Chapter 3 are complete, if there is any damage,
please contact us immediately;
Confirm the relevant basic knowledge of surface tensiometer is already known,
and the operation of the tensinmeter is basically mastered.

3.4.1 Steps of assembly of surface tensiometer:

First step: open the packaging box, take out the main part and all accessories of the
tensiometer;
Second step: find a smooth clean table, the special furniture for the laboratory is
recommended to be purchased;
Third step: calibration level: after puting the surface tensiometer at a stable position,
observe the operation of lower part of surface tensiometer (i.e. whether the horizontal
calibration blister in the display part is in the middle).If the requirement is not met,
it means the level is not reached, so the calibration must be done well;
Calibration method: turn the horizontal adjusting foot knob of surface tensiometer,
till the blister is in the middle of the level meter;
Forth step: Connect the power, turn on the power switch, “-OFF-”is displayed in
the LCD display of surface tensiometer, press “OFF/ON” key, latter

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on,“0.0mN/m,0.00mN/m” is displayed, after the condition is stable for 30 minutes,
the testing can be carried out.

Chapter 4 Operation method

4.1 Please confirm that the following precautions are known well
before the formal testing.
First, about the tensiometer:
I. Before the testing, make sure the main part of the tensiomter has been warmed
up for 30 minutes, it means the main part should be started for 30 minutes before the
testing, it can be used after the measurement system of surface tensiometer is stable.
II. The hook and platinum plate supplied with the tensiometer should be hung on
the hook before using, press “Tare” key to do zero clear.
III. The clean of platinum plate and glass dish should be ensured before every testing
(very important). The specific method is:
1. In general case, the running water (distilled water is preferrd) should be used
firstly to do the clean, then use the alcohol lamp to burn the platinum plate, when the
whole plate is burned to lightly red, stop the burning (the time is about 20-30
seconds), hang the plate for future use (the time should not be too long, so as to avoid
the moisture is absorbed by platinum plate). If the measured sample is oily in the
last experimental, the special deoiling solvent should be use to clean platinum film,
this method can ensure best effect of cleaning.
2. The glass dish should be washed and dried before testing, take some measured
sample to wet the glass dish in advance during the testing, to keep the effectiveness
of measured data.
3. Before cooling the platinum plate, keep it away from any liquid, so as to avoid
that bending and deformation affect the accuracy of measured value.
IV. The full range calibration of tensiometer can be carried out for the first use or
after a period of using:
1. Hang the hook and platinum well, press “Tare”, 0.0 mN/m,0.00 mN/m is
displayed.
2. Press “Calibration” key, “CAL” is displayed, hang the standard poise supplied
with the tensiometer;

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3. “600.0mN/m” (or 400mN) is displayed for about 5 seconds, when hearing “toot”,
the calibration is finished.
4. Take off the standard poise, the value on the display screen should be returned to
zero; if the value is not returned to zero, the calibration should be done again.
Second, about testing process:
1 When the platinum plate/ring or glass dish is not clean, the measured value has
some errors, and the reproducibility is worse, the value is suddenly bigger or smaller
or continues to increase or decrease, so the cleanness should be kept with an effort.
For example, during the process of testing the water, the user’s finger lightly dips
into the water, the tensiometer will display the changed and small tension value
immediately, due to the oil of the use’s finger changes the surface character of water.
2 The tensiometer has done some correction of density. If there is any need for
ensuring the testing result to be more accurate, please refer to the correction card in
the appendix for correcting.
3 For meeting the requirements of testing accuracy, the platinum plate of our
company is specially made, the roughness of the surface has been specially treated.
Thus, the scratches and wear of surface of platinum plate should be avoided. If the
user changes the part by himself, that the measuring is not accurate, the company will
not assume any relevant liability.
4 According to the principles of physical chemistry, in fact, the natural conditions
affecting the measured value during the testing process have (1) temperature; (2)
atmospheric pressure.
5 When measuring high volatile liquid, the testing process should be speeded up,
for the high volatile liquid easily stick on the platinum plate, please clean the
platinum plate thoroughly before doing the test for repeatability.
6 When evaporation appears during the test, surface tension value will rise with
time.
7 Although the quantity of measured liquid in the glass dish does not affected the
accuracy of measured value, for the sake of proper, please make sure the height of
the liquid is 5mm, the capacity of it is about 15ml.
8 When add surface active agent for observing of variation of surface tension,
please make sure the surface active agent is kept away from the platinum plate.

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9 The rising or lowering of sample table affects the surface tension value during
the measuring process, when it is risen, the value is reduced; when it is lowered, the
value is increased. Both are the appearances of error.

4.2 Trouble elimination methods:

First, the value is lower:
1 The platinum plate and ring is not well washed (the most possibility);
2 The value fails to be returned to zero;
3 The glass dish is not well washed, for example, it has the residue of the last
tested material;
4 The oil stain on the hand contaminates the measured sample;
5 The measured liquid itself is active agent or mixture, its character is changed
with time. So the evenly mixing and the same proportion should be ensured,
meanwhile, the test should better start after a standstill of same time.
6 The wettability of measured liquid is not too high or the liquid has viscosity, and
volatility.
Second, the value is higher:
The value is not returned to zero accurately;
The measured liquid itself is active agent or mixture, its character is changed
with time.So the evenly mixing and the same proportion should be ensured,
meanwhile, the test should better start after a standstill of same time.
The measured sample has viscosity.
Third, repeatability is worse:
The platinum plate is not completely washed clean;
The measured sample itself is changed with time;
Forth, The value is not displayed normally:
The interior data wire is not connected well;
The tensiometer fails and required to be repaired;

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4.3 Testing method by using platinum plate:

4.3.1 Standard testing method: ( most common)

It is very simple to use the tensiometer to measure the data, for the tensiometer is
very sensitive for the value, so it has certain requirements of the cleanness and
temperature during the testing process, please strictly comply with the precautions
for carrying out the test, so it can be ensured that the personal error during the testing
process will be reduced to a minimum.
The testing steps are as follows:
First, open the tensiometer:
Switch the power of surface tensiometer on, press “On/Off” key for 30 minutes of
pre-heating.
Second, clean the platinum plate, the steps are:
1 Use the nippers to pick up the platinum plate, and washed it by running water,
when doing the wash, the water stream should be kept a certain angle with the plate,
the rule is that the water stream can thoroughly clean the plate as far as possible, but
it can not deform the plate;
2 Use the alcohol lamp to burn the platinum plate at a angle of 45°to horizontal
surface generally, till the plate become red, the burning time is 20-30 seconds.
3 Precautions: in general case, it can be cleaned only by using water, but in the
event that the organic liquid or other contaminants can not be cleaned by water,
please use the acetone to clean or 20%HCL for 15 minutes heating, then to clean.
Use the water to wash later, finally burn the plate to be red.
Third. add the measured liquid into the sample dish, put the measured sample on the
sample table. (Note: when doing the sampling, it is better to use the pipette to
sample from the middle of the liquid to be measured, and ensure the cleanness of the
sample dish before the sampling. ）
Forth. Observe whether the displayed value on the LCD screen is zero. If it not zero,
please press “Tear Clean” key, to return the value to zero.
Fifth. manually turn the lifting knob, to raise it slowly. When platinum plate has
contact with the surface of measured liquid, if the ripple appears on the liquid level;
it should stop the rising of lifting table immediately. At the time, under the action
of surface tension of the liquid; the value on the display screen is increased gradually,
when the value is stable, it can be read.

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 Sixth. After reading the value, manually turn the knob of lifting table, to lower the
lifting table. The platinum plate is separated with liquid surface; it means one testing
process has been finished.

Note: If the measured sample contains surface active agent or it is a mixture,

the surface tension value will change, and the appearing time of final stable
value will be different for the different of the sample.

Seventh. operation method for testing the repeatability is:

Manually turn the lifting knob, gradually lower the lifting table, when the
platinum plate is separated with the measure sample, and the value is stable, then the
lifting table can be slowly risen again to do the test. After getting the measured value,
the effect of repeatability can be analyzed.
Note: when doing the operation for testing repeatability, the salvage value
displayed on the surface tensiometer must be ignored, i.e. do not start the
“ Tare”. In general case, if the value is over 5mN/m, the platinum plate is
required to be cleaned again.
The whole testing process is as shown in the following diagram:

Start the test, Platinum plate has When the ripple Dynamically After the
manually turn the contact with the appears on the measuring the measuring has
knob slowly,
After raise surface
the measuring hasofbeen finished,
liquid level, theturn the
manually surface
knobtension
to lowerbeen
the finished,
sample
the sample table.
table. measured sample. lifting table stops value. manually turn the
rising. knob to lower the
4.3.2 Measurement of medium and high viscosity liquid: sample table.

The method is for the liquid of which the viscosity is higher than 500 CP.S during the
measurement, the measuring time is over 5 minutes, the measured value will be stable
(not including the characteristics of liquid changing with time), such as glycerol ,
viscose glue etc.
Method one, manually operation method:
1 Hang the platinum plate, and return the value to zero;

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 2 According to the following steps, raise the sample table to contact the
platinum plate:
A Manually turn the knob slowly, to raise the sample.
B When the platinum plate almost contacts the surface of sample, stop raising the
sample table. After it stops, the platinum plate should contact the surface of
sample, and the surface tension value displayed on LCD screen is a negative value.
Note: such height is that the inserted depth of platinum into the sample is about
1mm (actually, for the high viscosity of testing sample, when the platinum plate
starts to contact the sample, it can not be really inserted, but raised).
C Take off the platinum plate with the wetting height of 5mm (the wetting place can
not be too high, and if the value is displayed as 5mN/m after hanging the plate,
please slightly scrape the platinum plate off the surface of sample until the displayed
value is smaller than 5mN/m).
D Hang the platinum plate again, at that time, the sample will contact platinum plate,
the surface tension phenomenon appears, so the wetting is finished.
E When it is relatively stable, the value should be recorded.
Method two, Automatic operation:
We recommend this method to customers for the operation.
1 Hang the platinum plate, and return the value to zero;
2 Take off the platinum plate with the wetting height of 5mm;
3 Use the tissue to slightly wipe off some liquid adhered to the platinum plate;
4 Hang the platinum plate again, at that time, the displayed value is over 0,
please do not return it to zero, if the displayed value is over 5mN/m, please
wipe off more;
5 Do the test when the sampling table is rising, record the stable value.

4.3.3 Measurement of surface active agent

The surface tension of surface active agent is relatively special, when the pure
surface active agent is added into other liquids; the surface tension value of sample
will change with time. When different amounts of surface active agent are added
separately, the different values of surface tension of the sample will appear, but in
general case one critical value will appear, i.e. CMC. For specific conditions, refer to

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relevant materials. The tensiometer can easily finish the measurement of the surface
tensiometer value changing with time.
1) Prepare the measurement (warming up, cleaning, preparation of the sample etc.)
2) Pour the sample into the glass dish until the sample reaches 80 % height of the
dish;
3) Pour 1/3 sample out for producing the new surface;
4) Measure the surface tension value by using the method as in the standard testing
method, and observing the condition of change curve of surface tension surface. It is
generally depending on the requirements of customer to take a time point as a stable
reference value of surface tension.
Precautions:
1) According to our experiences, the taking methods of time are different for each
industry;
2 For users, it is better to use the molar weight to prepare the sample, and take the
samples with different molar weight, for observing CMC. Meanwhile the flowing
method can be adopted to measure CMC, but the molar weight should be manually
calculated through the software by customers. Our tensiometer can display the
break point of the change of surface tension.
Take a certain amount of water, to add small amount of surface active agent, then
add same amount of surface active agent each time, until the break point appears.
The amount naturally depends on the samples of customers.

3) When measuring a low concentration surface active agent, the surface tension
value will change with the amount of surface active agent adhered to the surface of
liquid; for the surface state always changes, its value is relatively unstable, but when
the surface active agent reaches the balance, the value will be correspondingly stable.
Sometimes, this process requires 4-5 hours.
4.3.4 Method of measuring interfacial tension
The cleanness of platinum plate is required more attention at measuring interfacial
tension than surface tension.
Method one, measuring the interfacial tension when the proportion of sample A
sample B (such as: water-benzene, water-oil etc.)

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 1 Use higher glass dish, the cuvette is recommended to be used, and pour sample
A into the beaker until it reaches a height of 7mm (or higher).
2 Pour sample B into glass dish until it reaches about 15 mm.
3 Put the sample on the sample table.
4 Take small amount of sample A into other glass dish. After all the preparation
of the test have been finished, dip the platinum plate into sample A about 10mm, and
take it off the liquid level at a angle of inclination.
5 Hang the platinum plate on the hook, and ensure it has no contact with sample
A when it stays in sample B. If it has contact with sample A, please re-start until the
objective is realized after the plate is cleaned.
6 Press “Tare” key, the value is returned to zero. (the value is the flotage acted
on platinum plate), then slowly raise the sample table, when it contacts the interface
of this two liquids, stop raising, after the value is stable, record the value.
Method two, this method is applicable to the sample with the interfacial tension
is lower than 5mN/m.
1 It is as same as first step to fifth step in method one; then press zero clearing
key, the value is returned to zero.
2 Manually raise the sample table until the platinum plate contacts sample A;
3 Manually lower the sample table, read the surface tension value which is
increased gradually, after obtaining the max. value, the following formula is used for
calculating: max. value*0.991 measured value.

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4.4 Testing method by using platinum ring:

4.4.1 Standard testing method: (most common)

It is very simple to use the tensiometer to measure the data, for the tensiometer is
very sensitive for the value, so it has certain requirements of the cleanness and
temperature during the testing process, please strictly comply with the precautions
for carrying out the test, so it can be ensured that the personal error during the testing
process will be reduced to a minimum.
The testing steps are as follows:
First, open the tensiometer: Switch the power of surface tensiometer on, press
“On/Off” key for 30 minutes of pre-heating.
Second, clean the platinum ring, the steps are:
1 Use the nippers to pick up the platinum ring, and washed it by running water,
when doing the wash, the water stream should be kept a certain angle with the
ring, the rule is that the water stream can thoroughly clean the ring as far as
possible, but it can not deform the ring;
2 Use the alcohol lamp to burn the platinum ring at a angle of 45°to horizontal
surface generally, till the ring become red, the burning time is 20-30 seconds.
3 Precautions: in general case, it can be cleaned only by using water, but in the
event that the organic liquid or other contaminants can not be cleaned by water,
please use the acetone to clean or 20%HCL for 15 minutes heating, then to clean.
Use the water to wash later, finally burn the plate to be red on the alcohol lamp.
Third. add the measured liquid into the sample dish, put the measured sample on
the sample table. (Note: when doing the sampling, it is better to use the pipette to
sample from the middle of the liquid to be measured, and ensure the cleanness of the
sample dish before the sampling.
Forth. Observe whether the displayed value on the LCD screen is zero. If it not
zero, please press “Tear Clean” key, to return the value to zero.
Fifth. manually turn the lifting knob, to raise it slowly. When the platinum ring
contacts the level of measured liquid, please continually dip the ring into the liquid
until it reaches a depth of 2-3mm
Sixth. at this time, the value on the display screen can be ignored, press “mode”
key on the tensiometer; the mark of □ is displayed on the display screen, it means
the function of max. value lock has been enabled. Then manually turn the lifting
knob to lower it slowly.

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 Seventh. observe the variation of real time data on the screen of surface
tensiometer, after a while, a max value is displayed on the surface tensiometer; the
tensiometer will automatically record this max value.

Note: For platinum ring method, only the max value is of importance for
measured value. Observe the max value directly affects the accuracy of
measured value.

1) If the max value is not automatically saved, the “mode” key may not be
pressed, the operation of second to seventh can be repeated.
2) Input the measured max value into the corresponding field of EXCEL, the
software will automatically calculate the measured surface tensiometer value of the
liquid.
3) Compare the measured value in seventh with the surface tensiometer standard
value of distilled water under the corresponding temperature, to see whether it can
meet the requirement. Generally, in Chinese standard, the error range of surface
tensiometer value of platinum ring ±0.5mN/m. If the error exceeds this range,
it indicates the cleaning is not carried out thoroughly, or the platinum ring has been
deformed.
4) Exit the lock mode of peak value, press “ Tare” key. (there is no □ mark on
the display screen) the specific operation process is as shown in the following
diagram:

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1. The platinum ring is hung above the surface of liquid, and the value has been
returned to zero.
2. When platinum ring starts to contact the liquid surface, for the platinum contacts
the film on the liquid surface at that time; the value starts to be displayed on the
display screen. (the displayed number is small or negative)
3. The platinum ring starts to be dipped into the liquid, due to the action of surface
tensiometer, the displayed value starts to become more bigger.
4. The platinum ring stops at the depth of 3mm in the liquid, at that time, the
displayed value shows the surface tension action of the liquid on the two metal
wires connected with the platinum ring. (the value depends on the diameter of
metal wire)
5. Starts to slowly lower the sample table.
6. The value on the display screen gradually becomes bigger.
7. With the slow lowering of sample table, the platinum ring forms a liquid film on
the liquid surface. At that time, the displayed value is the biggest.
8. Finally the platinum ring is separated with the liquid, the liquid film is broken, and
the displayed value decreased.
9. Finish the testing report:
It is suggested that the testing report should mainly include: (1) testing unit; 2
the name of testing sample, including proportion, density etc.; (3) testing method is
platinum ring method; (5) how much the surface tension value of water is, how
much the standard value is under the same temperature? (6) how much the surface
tension value obtained by the testing is?
★ If the testing sample has viscosity, and the viscosity is more than 200m.pa.s, it is

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suggested to use the platinum plate method as the testing method. If the platinum
ring method is adopted as the testing method, the error of testing is relatively big.
★ If the testing sample is surface active agent, it is suggested to adopt the platinum
plate method as the main testing method. For one characteristic of surface active
agent is that the forming of surface needs a period of time, that is to say, the surface
tension value will have a certain change with time, but the platinum ring method can
just inspect the surface tension value at a certain time point.

4.4.2 Testing the interfacial tension value of two phase fluid

interfacial tension
When testing the two-phase interfacial tension, it is suggested to use small beaker as
testing sample dish (generally it is a beaker of 100ml capacity).

Upper layer phase

(sm all density liquid)
The depth is about
10mm

Lower layer phase (big

density liquid )
The depth is about
7mm.

First: take the lower layer phase liquid in the beaker. The height is about 7mm.
Second: hang the platinum plate, and leave it in the lower layer phase. The
method is : manually turn the knob to raise the sample table. The platinum ring
contacts the liquid at first, the condition is as shown in following diagram.
Third: take the upper layer phase liquid in the beaker. The height is about 10mm.
Forth: turn the knob to lower the sample table, and observe max value and record
it.
Fifth: input liquid density value of upper layer phase into the part of liquid density
of upper layer phase in EXCEL, and input liquid density value of lower layer phase
into the part of liquid density of lower layer phase in EXCEL, and input the observed

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max value into the corresponding position. Calculate the interfacial tension value at
that time.

The whole process is as shown in the following diagram:

Note:
1) the density of two-phase liquid must be different, otherwise the interfacial
tension value can not be measured.
2) The height of upper layer phase liquid is not higher than 10mm The liquid
height which the platinum ring is lifted at and the height of liquid level are about
15mm.If the height is over 10mm，the accurate interfacial tension value can not be
measured.

Chapter 5 Correction of surface tensiometer and daily maintenance

of platinum plate and platinum ring

1. Correction steps of surface tensiometer:

The surface tensiometer has been completely adjusted, unless the tensiometer is
not used for long time or the large error appears, there is no need to adjust it.
Hang the hook and the platinum plate (platinum ring), press “ Tare” key to
return the displayed value to zero;
Press “Correction” key, “CAL” is displayed at that time;
(the platinum plate (platinum ring) and the hook still hang there, and don’t try
to take them off).

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 Hang the standard poise of 600mN or 400mN supplied with machine on the
hook;
For (about 10 seconds) settling, the nominal value of the standard poise will be
displayed:
600mN/m(or 400mN) ,and after a short while, when hearing “tick” , it means the
correction is finished, take off the poise, the displayed value is returned to zero.

2. The maintenance of platinum plate

1 After testing the sample, only the platinum plate is cleaned completely, it can be
used in the next testing, or put the plate into the special preservation box.
2 The platinum plate avoids contacting the sharp objects during the daily testing
process, to prevent the surface of platinum plate from being scratched. If the
surface of platinum plate has some bending or deformation (under the slight
condition of bending or deformation), fold a white paper, find a sturdy level (the
marble level is recommended), to put the platinum plate between the paper, then
slightly smooth it by the finger nails. (Note: the finger nails can is be used for
scratching platinum plate on the paper).
3 The effect achieved by the cleaning process of platinum plate is very important to
the finial data of the whole experiment. If the testing sample is aqueous, after the
testing is finished, the common platinum plate just needs to be washed by
running water and put on the alcohol lamp for burning. If the testing sample is
oiliness, the platinum plate is washed by running water firstly, then immersed in
40% to 60% HCL for 30 minutes, or immersed in the organic solvent special for
the cleaning. After the immersing is finished, the plate should be washed, then
put on the alcohol lamp for burning.
4. The platinum plate is normal consumables, not within the within the warranty
scope; for ensuring the accuracy of the data, it is suggested to change a new one
for 12-15 months.

3. The maintenance of platinum ring

For the platinum wire is relative thin and the platinum is soft metal, so the platinum
ring is very easily out of shape. But the deformed platinum ring will affect the
accuracy of measure value. So, before the testing, whether the platinum ring is out of

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shape must be confirmed, mainly as whether it is round? Whether it is kept level?
Whether it is kept verticalness? and so on.

1. Appearance inspection
1) The platinum ring must be kept level with the liquid level. As shown in the figure.

Liquid surface

After hanging the platinum ring, check whether the platinum ring is kept level with
the liquid level.
The leveling correction of the platinum ring can be: find a horizontal plane, keep the
bottom side of the platinum ring close to this plane, then slightly smooth the
platinum ring with nippers. Please note that, first, can not smooth the ring very hard
for this can squash the platinum wire. Meanwhile, do not try to deform other parts.

2) The platinum ring should be kept round. as shown in the figure.

If the platinum ring is out of shape, please put it back in to the vessel of platinum
ring, and smooth the ring with nippers.
If the platinum ring is badly out of shape, or damaged, please buy a new one. The
platinum ring is easily-worn, not within the within the warranty scope.

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 Chapter 6 Data processing software
Data processing mode: (Option)
This data processing mode can display the measured curve at real-time, the curve can
be automatically enlarged, accessed and printed.
1. Use serial data line to connect the surface tensiometer with the computer;
2. Place the testing sample for the ready of testing;
3. Open the data processing software; choose platinum plate method or platinum
ring method. It only needs to be input the password of signal port, sample name
and operator information for the platinum plate method, but for the platinum ring
method, except the above information, the size of platinum ring ( ring radius,
wire radius), and the density of upper and lower liquid should be input. If it is the
surface tension testing, the upper liquid is air, of which the density is 0. After
inputting all the parameters, make the confirmation, then press “Sampling” key;
4. A coordinate system with x-axis of time (S), and y-axis of surface tension
(mN/m) is displayed on the display screen;
5. Slowly raise the sample table for testing, when there is variation of the value on
the display screen, the computer will collect data at real-time and display it by
continuous curve;
6. When the testing is finished, the “Stop” button can be pressed to stop the
sampling;
7. If the curve needs to be saved, only need to press “Save” button, input the
document name, then make the confirmation;
8. After the sampling is finished, the cursor point at any position of curve will
automatically display the sampling time and surface tension value at that point;
9. During the testing done by using the platinum ring, when the peak value appears
in the testing curve, the sampling can be stopped, then click “ Tension
calculation” button, the actual surface tension or interfacial tension value can be
automatically calculated;
10. The already stored curve can be extracted again, only need to press “Open”
button, chose the required document.
11. The opened curve can be printed by pressing “Print” button.

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12. The comparison of many curves: chose “Multi-curve comparison” button, the
corresponding dialogue box appears, input the quantity of the curves requiring
comparison and click enter key to confirm. Then click “Document open”
button, call out the curves stored before one by one.
13. Accuracy correction of platinum ring:
a) First to test the second distilled water and straight alcohol, store the
corresponding curves
b) Open the curve of the second distilled water, chose “Apparatus constant
correction” in the pull-down menu of “ Data processing”, then chose “Standard
water”, later on, press “ Standard water correction” button, at that time, the
correction of distilled water is finished.
c) Open the curve of ethanol, chose “standard ethanol”, then press “standard
ethanol correction” button, at that time the correction of ethanol is finished.

Pay attention that the correction of ditilled water and ethanol must be
finished at one time, otherwise the error will appear in the testing.

Attachment 1: Surface tension values of some liquids at 20℃

Table 2: γ of some liquids (20℃)
γ (mN/m)
Liquid
Liquid - Steam Water - Liquid
Water 72.75
Octane 21.69 51.68
Dodecane 25.44 52.90
Hexane 27.46 53.77
Benzene 28.88 35.0
Carbon tetrachloride 26.77 45.0
Octanol 27.53 8.5
Butanol 24.6 1.6
Aniline 42.9 5.9
Ether 17.0 10.7
Ethyl acetate 23.9 3
Hg 484 426

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Attachment 2: Density, viscosity and Surface tension on air interface of
water at different temperatures
t/℃ d/(g/cm3) η/(10-3Pa.s) γ/(mN/m)
0 0.99987 1.787 75.64
5 0.99999 1.519 74.92
10 0.99973 1.307 74.22
11 0.99963 1.271 74.07
12 0.99952 1.235 73.93
13 0.99940 1.202 73.78
14 0.99927 1.169 73.64
15 0.99913 1.139 73.49
16 0.99897 1.109 73.34
17 0.99880 1.081 73.19
18 0.99862 1.053 73.05
19 0.99843 1.027 72.90
20 0.99823 1.002 72.75
21 0.99802 0.9779 72.59
22 0.99780 0.9548 72.44
23 0.99756 0.9325 72.28
24 0.99732 0.9111 72.13
25 0.99707 0.8904 71.97
26 0.99681 0.8705 71.82
27 0.99654 0.8513 71.66
28 0.99626 0.8327 71.50
29 0.99597 0.8148 71.35
30 0.99567 0.7975 71.18
40 0.99224 0.6529 69.56
50 0.98807 0.5468 67.91
60 0.96534 0.3147 60.75
Shanghai Fangrui Instrument Co., Ltd
Add.: 2180#, Northern side of Huyuan Road, Shanghai
Tel.:186- 21/34625017 Fax: 186- 21/34625027
Website: www.shfangrui.com E-mail: [email protected]

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