|
MeltView Software Sample
Experiment |
|
|
|
OptiMelt provides a fast and accurate means of automatically determining
the melting points and melting ranges of chemical substances. With
microprocessor-controlled temerature ramping, a built-in digital
camera, and a selling price that is half that of competing models,
OptiMelt offers the best value of any commercially available melting
point apparatus.
Automated Measurements
OptiMelt is specifically designed for unattended operation. It
has a built-in digital camera that continuously captures real-time
images of the samples, and it uses digital image processing to determine
results. The melting points and melting ranges are prominently displayed
on the front panel and automatically recorded into memory for later
review.
Simple Operation
OptiMelt has an intuitive front panel and is very easy to use.
Simply select a start temperature, ramp rate, stop temperature,
and hit start. Results can be easily seen from across the lab on
the large LCD display.
Samples can be viewed on the front panel through a removable magnification
lens. During a measurment, you can flag relevant events by pressing
dedicated front-panel buttons. Up to six individual temperatures
can be tagged for each sample.
Interactive help is available for all functions and parameters
of the instrument. Text and numerical entry keypads are built into
the touchscreen interface so that no external keyboard is required.
Fast Measurements
The small, aluminum oven design, along with microprocessor-controlled
temperature ramping, provides fast and repeatable warm-up and cool-down
cycling. Programmable ramp rates from 0.1 ºC/min to 20 ºC/min,
in 0.1 ºC/min increments, provide measurement flexibility.
The ability to rapidly preheat the oven to a start temperature
slightly below an expected melting point minimizes analysis time.
Accurate Results
OptiMelt uses a platinum RTD sensor and makes temperature measurements
to 400 °C with 0.1°C resolution. It is easily calibrated
in the field against certified reference standards and complies
with modern Pharmacopeia protocols. The instrument remembers the
date of the last calibration which is included in all reports.
Data Logging
OptiMelt meets modern GLP requirements for melting point determination.
Up to 24 different analysis methods can be stored in memory. Eight
complete melting point reports can also be saved. Records can be
displayed on the front panel, printed, or transferred to a host
PC via USB. Printouts include technician identification and space
for a signature.
Digital Image Processing
The OptiMelt system is unique among melting point analyzers. It
has a built-in, high-resolution digital camera to capture real-time
images of the samples. It then uses digital image processing to
determine phase transitions in the samples.
Unattended melting points, and melting point ranges determined
by OptiMelt, closely match visual results. OptiMelt’s digital
image processing algorithm provides a dramatic improvement over
optical absorption or reflection techniques.
MeltView Software
The MeltView Windows software
displays live, high-resolution images of each sample during analysis.
The three screen-captured images to the right were collected during
a typical melt. Figure 1 shows the unmelted solid samples, figure
2 reveals the meniscus point, and figure 3 corresponds to the end
of the melt (clear point). Stored images may be recalled at any
time, and can be played back frame-by-frame or as a movie.
Thermometer Input and Timers
OptiMelt is the only melting point apparatus that can also be used
as a general-purpose digital thermometer and timer. In between melting
point determinations, OptiMelt may be used with a Pt RTD to measure
and log temperatures around the lab. Three built-in timers are also
available to keep track of timed events during experiments.
|
