Huake Instrument HK-3150ZL Automatic Surface and Interfacial Tensiometer
| Brand | Huake Instrument |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Model | HK-3150ZL |
| Measurement Range | 0–100 mN/m |
| Accuracy | ≤ ±0.3 mN/m |
| Sensitivity | 0.1 mN/m |
| Temperature Measurement Range | 0–50.0 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5 °C |
| Motor Descent Speed | 0.3–0.4 mm/s |
| Data Storage Capacity | 500 test records |
| Power Supply | 85–264 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | ≤50 W |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 190 × 300 × 435 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg |
| Interface | RJ45, USB |
| Operating Environment | 10–40 °C, RH ≤85%, non-corrosive, low-vibration, low-EMI environment |
Overview
The Huake Instrument HK-3150ZL Automatic Surface and Interfacial Tensiometer is a precision electromechanical instrument engineered for the quantitative determination of surface tension (liquid–gas interface) and interfacial tension (liquid–liquid interface), particularly between mineral oil and water. It operates on the Du Noüy ring method—a gravimetric technique standardized in GB/T 6541–1986 (confirmed in 1991), which aligns with internationally recognized principles equivalent to ASTM D971 and ISO 6295. The system employs a high-stability electromagnetic force compensation transducer to measure the maximum pull force required to detach a platinum–iridium ring from the liquid surface or interface. This method ensures high reproducibility under controlled immersion depth, withdrawal speed, and temperature—critical parameters defined in regulatory testing protocols for insulating oils used in power transformers and switchgear.
Key Features
- 800 × 480 color TFT touchscreen with intuitive bilingual (English/Chinese) menu navigation and context-sensitive prompts
- Electromagnetic force balance sensor with rapid response dynamics and enhanced linearity across the full 0–100 mN/m range
- Automated zero and span calibration—no manual potentiometer adjustment required; single-point calibration suffices for routine traceability
- Integrated temperature probe with ±0.5 °C accuracy over 0–50.0 °C, enabling temperature-compensated measurements per ASTM D1319 and IEC 60429 requirements
- Dual communication interfaces: standard RJ45 Ethernet for networked lab integration and USB host port for firmware updates and direct data export
- Self-diagnostic routines and hardware-level safety interlocks—including overload protection, thermal cutoff, and sensor drift monitoring
- Built-in thermal printer supporting both automatic print-on-completion and manual retrieval modes
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HK-3150ZL is validated for use with a broad spectrum of non-volatile and low-volatility liquids, including transformer oils, turbine oils, hydraulic fluids, surfactant solutions, and polymer melts. Its platinum ring assembly (ISO 3001-compliant geometry) and magnetic stirring rod ensure consistent film formation and minimal hysteresis during repeated measurements. The instrument complies with national standard GB/T 6541–1986 and supports audit-ready operation in GLP and GMP environments through timestamped, operator-identified record storage. All stored data include measurement date/time, ambient temperature, sample ID (user-defined), tension value, temperature reading, and calibration status—enabling full traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with secure network logging.
Software & Data Management
Internal firmware implements deterministic real-time control of motor descent velocity (0.3–0.4 mm/s), ring immersion depth, and detachment timing—parameters critical to minimizing dynamic error in ring-method tensiometry. Up to 500 test records are retained onboard with searchable indexing by date stamp. Data export via USB yields CSV-formatted files compatible with LIMS platforms (e.g., LabWare, STARLIMS) and statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab). Firmware updates are delivered as signed binary packages to preserve integrity; version history and checksum verification are logged automatically. Optional PC software (sold separately) provides advanced curve fitting, baseline correction, and comparative trend analysis across multi-batch datasets.
Applications
- Quality control of insulating oils in electrical utilities and transformer manufacturing per IEC 60296 and ASTM D877
- Stability assessment of oil–water emulsions in petroleum refining and lubricant formulation
- Routine monitoring of surfactant concentration in cleaning agents and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) formulations
- Research-grade interfacial characterization in colloidal science, pharmaceutical emulsion development, and food-grade lipid systems
- Verification of surface activity degradation in aged dielectric fluids during accelerated aging studies
FAQ
What standards does the HK-3150ZL comply with?
It conforms to GB/T 6541–1986 and is functionally aligned with ASTM D971, ISO 6295, and IEC 60429 for interfacial tension measurement of insulating oils.
Is temperature control integrated or external?
The instrument includes an embedded Pt100 temperature sensor within the sample cup holder; external thermostatic baths are optional for sub-ambient or elevated temperature work.
Can the device be connected to a laboratory network?
Yes—via its standard RJ45 Ethernet interface, supporting DHCP-assigned IP addresses and static configuration for integration into centralized data acquisition systems.
How is calibration traceability maintained?
Calibration uses certified weights (1 g) and reference liquids (e.g., ultra-pure water at 20 °C: 72.75 mN/m); all calibration events are timestamped and stored with operator ID and environmental conditions.
Does the system support automated reporting for regulatory submissions?
Raw data export in CSV format enables direct import into validated report-generation templates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.
