SITA DynoTester+ Portable Bubble Pressure Tensiometer

Overview

The SITA DynoTester+ is a handheld, battery-operated bubble pressure tensiometer engineered for field-deployable and lab-based surface tension analysis of aqueous and low-viscosity liquid systems. It operates on the well-established maximum bubble pressure (MBP) principle—measuring the differential pressure required to form and detach a gas bubble at a capillary tip immersed in the test liquid. This method provides direct, real-time quantification of dynamic surface tension at defined surface ages (controlled via precise bubble lifetime), making it especially suitable for evaluating surfactant adsorption kinetics, wetting behavior, and formulation stability in industrial process control environments.

Key Features

• True portability: Compact form factor (75 × 168 × 35 mm), lightweight construction (250 g), and ≥10-hour battery life enable on-site measurements without external power or benchtop infrastructure.
• Dedicated 3-button interface: Enables immediate selection of preconfigured bubble times—eliminating menu navigation and reducing operator-induced variability during routine QC checks.
• Integrated temperature sensor (0–100 °C, ±0.3 K accuracy): Simultaneously records sample temperature with each surface tension reading, supporting temperature-corrected comparisons and thermally sensitive process monitoring.
• Automatic calibration capability: Self-calibration using deionized water at standardized conditions ensures traceable baseline verification prior to critical measurements.
• Splash-proof, chemically resistant enclosure: Designed for robust operation in production floors, electroplating lines, and ink manufacturing facilities where exposure to acids, alkalis, or organic solvents is common.
• On-device data logging: Stores up to 25 complete measurement records—including surface tension value (mN/m), bubble time (ms), temperature (°C), and timestamp—without requiring external software or PC connection.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DynoTester+ is optimized for transparent, low-to-moderate viscosity liquids (e.g., cleaning agents, plating baths, ink diluents, coating precursors, and detergent formulations). Its stainless-steel capillary sensor is compatible with pH 2–12 aqueous media and non-aggressive organic solvents. While not intended for highly viscous, particulate-laden, or strongly foaming systems, it meets functional requirements aligned with ISO 6889 (surface-active agents — determination of surface tension by maximum bubble pressure method) and supports GLP-compliant documentation workflows when paired with SITA’s optional data export utilities. The instrument’s design facilitates repeatable inter-laboratory correlation across the SITA tensiometer platform family, enabling cross-site quality benchmarking in multi-facility manufacturing networks.

Software & Data Management

Data retrieval is performed via standard USB 2.0 interface. Exported CSV files contain structured columns for surface tension, bubble time, temperature, date/time stamp, and measurement ID—enabling seamless import into LIMS, statistical process control (SPC) platforms, or Excel-based trend analysis. Firmware updates and configuration adjustments (e.g., unit preferences, display contrast) are managed through SITA’s proprietary PC utility, which adheres to cybersecurity best practices for industrial instrumentation. Although the device itself does not implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature or audit trail functionality, its deterministic measurement protocol and immutable on-device timestamping support retrospective validation in regulated environments under internal SOPs.

Applications

• Real-time monitoring of cleaning bath activity in metal pretreatment lines to prevent under- or over-dosing of surfactants.
• Verification of ink jet fluid surface tension prior to printhead loading—critical for droplet formation consistency and print fidelity.
• Electroplating bath qualification: Ensuring optimal wetting of substrate surfaces to minimize pitting, voids, and uneven deposition.
• Rapid assessment of raw material surfactant potency during incoming goods inspection—reducing reliance on off-site lab testing.
• Field troubleshooting of coating adhesion failures by correlating dynamic surface tension profiles with substrate energy thresholds.

FAQ

What surface tension range can the DynoTester+ measure?
It measures surface tension from 15 to 100 mN/m with an accuracy of ±0.1 mN/m and repeatability of ±0.5 mN/m.
How is calibration performed?
The instrument supports automatic calibration using certified deionized water at ambient temperature; no external standards or manual zeroing are required.
Can measurement data be exported to a computer?
Yes—via USB connection, all stored records (up to 25) are exported as a timestamped CSV file for further analysis or archival.
Is the sensor compatible with acidic or alkaline solutions?
The stainless-steel capillary and sealed housing are resistant to common industrial acids and bases within pH 2–12; extended exposure to strong oxidizers or halogenated solvents is not recommended.
Does the DynoTester+ meet any international standards?
Its operating principle conforms to ISO 6889 for maximum bubble pressure surface tension determination; full compliance documentation is available upon request for audit preparation.