Anton Paar DMA35 Portable Digital Density Meter

Overview

The Anton Paar DMA35 is a handheld digital density meter engineered for high-precision, on-site and at-line density determination of liquids and low-viscosity suspensions. It operates on the oscillating U-tube principle (OUM), where the sample-filled glass U-tube vibrates at its natural frequency—directly correlated to the sample’s density via precise calibration against reference standards. This physics-based method ensures traceable, ISO/IEC 17025-compatible measurements with minimal operator dependency. Designed for field deployment in chemical plants, refineries, quality control labs, and R&D environments, the DMA35 delivers laboratory-grade accuracy without requiring benchtop infrastructure. Its compact form factor, integrated temperature-controlled measurement cell, and real-time viscosity correction (for samples up to 300 mPa·s) enable reliable operation across diverse industrial conditions—from ambient storage tanks to hazardous Zone 1/2 locations when equipped with Ex-certified variants.

Key Features

• True portable architecture: Weighing only 660 g with ergonomic single-hand operation and backlit LCD display featuring integrated viewing window for visual sample inspection.
• Robust industrial housing: IP54-rated enclosure with corrosion-resistant wetted parts; Ex-certified versions (ATEX II 2G Ex ib IIB T4 Gb / IECEx Ex ib IIB T4 Gb) approved for use in explosive atmospheres containing gas groups IIB (e.g., ethylene, acetone).
• Multi-interface connectivity: Standard Bluetooth® and RFID interfaces enable wireless data transfer, automated method recall via tag scanning, and seamless integration with LIMS or ERP systems; IrDA support for legacy printer compatibility.
• Extended data management: Stores up to 1024 timestamped measurements with sample ID, method name, temperature, and density—fully compliant with GLP audit-trail requirements.
• Smart measurement intelligence: Automatic viscosity correction algorithm improves accuracy for moderately viscous fluids; configurable pass/fail limits with audible/visual alerts for out-of-spec results.
• Modular configuration: Four dedicated variants—DMA35 (general-purpose), DMA35 Tag&Log (RFID-enabled), DMA35 Ex (hazardous area), and DMA35 Ex Petrol (petrochemical-grade corrosion resistance)—each optimized for specific regulatory and operational constraints.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DMA35 is validated for liquid-phase density measurement per ISO 12185 (petroleum products), ASTM D4052 (density of crude oil and liquid petroleum products), and ISO 2737 (alcoholic beverages). It supports direct input of concentration scales including % w/w alcohol, Brix, Plato, API gravity, H₂SO₄ wt%, and ten user-defined units. All versions comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives (2014/30/EU) and RoHS 2011/65/EU. Ex-certified models meet EN 60079-0 and EN 60079-11 for intrinsic safety in classified zones. The instrument’s temperature-controlled measurement cell maintains thermal equilibrium within ±0.1 °C repeatability (per ISO 5725), ensuring compliance with USP , EP 2.2.39, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software workflows.

Software & Data Management

Measurements are stored internally with full metadata (date/time stamp, operator ID, method parameters, environmental conditions). Bluetooth® enables direct export to PC-based Anton Paar Density Software or third-party platforms via CSV/Excel. RFID tag integration allows pre-programmed method selection—eliminating manual setup errors during high-throughput sampling. Audit-trail functionality records all parameter changes, user logins, and calibration events—supporting 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature readiness when deployed with controlled access protocols. Optional ISO 17025-accredited calibration services include uncertainty budgets traceable to NIST SRMs.

Applications

• Quality assurance in petrochemical refineries: Real-time density verification of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and lubricants per ASTM D1298 and D4052.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Excipient density screening, solvent batch release testing, and formulation density validation under GMP conditions.
• Food & beverage production: Alcohol content analysis in spirits, sugar concentration in syrups and juices (Brix), and density-based grading of dairy products.
• Chemical process monitoring: In-line density checks for reaction progress tracking, blending homogeneity verification, and cleaning-in-place (CIP) endpoint detection.
• Academic and contract research: Rapid screening of ionic liquids, polymer solutions, and nanofluids where portability and thermal stability are critical.

FAQ

What measurement principle does the DMA35 use?
It employs the oscillating U-tube method (OUM), where the resonant frequency of a precisely manufactured borosilicate glass U-tube filled with sample correlates directly to its density.
Can the DMA35 measure viscous samples?
Yes—up to 300 mPa·s—with automatic viscosity correction applied to compensate for damping effects on oscillation frequency.
Is temperature control internal or external?
The instrument features an integrated Peltier-based temperature regulation system that actively controls the measurement cell between 0 °C and 40 °C with ±0.2 °C accuracy.
How is data integrity ensured for regulated environments?
All measurement records include immutable timestamps, operator IDs, and method configurations; optional software packages provide full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance with electronic signatures and audit trails.
What certifications apply to the Ex versions?
DMA35 Ex and DMA35 Ex Petrol carry ATEX (II 2G Ex ib IIB T4 Gb) and IECEx (Ex ib IIB T4 Gb) certification for use in gas Group IIB hazardous areas.