Microtrac SAA

Surface Area Analyzer SL-PS-20 rev B

The Microtrac SAA applies the well established gas adsorption method to determine the surface area of dry
powders. As nitrogen gas is passed over the powder a monolayer of Nitrogen molecules is adsorbed onto
the surface of the particles. Specific Surface Area (Sg) is calculated by the formula

Sg = Vm x N x /22400 x W

Where Vm is the adsorbed gas volume for one monolayer (cm3), N is Avagadros Number (6.024 x 1023), is
the area occupied by one Nitrogen molecule (0.162nm2) and W is the sample weight in grams.
At Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP), 1 mole of gas has a volume of 22.4 cm3, so

Sg = 4.36 x Vm/W

In reality the sample adsorbs or desorbs more than one monolayer of gas. The relationship between Vm and
V (actual Volume adsorbed) is described by the established BET equation.

V/Vm = P/(P0-P) / 1/C(1-P0)+P/P0

Where Po is saturation pressure of the gas; P is the pressure of the gas. C includes heat of adsorption and
liquefaction, R and temperature.

By actually measuring the real amount of gas adsorbed using Thermal Conductivity Detectors, Vm can be
calculated. From that the Specific Surface Area Sg is calculated. Surface Area can be measured using a refer-
ence comparison method where samples are compared to a reference standard material, through a full
multi-point BET analysis, single point BET analysis, or Langmuir measurement.

Sample is weighed and placed in the sample

measurement tubes. The user selects whether a
reference comparison, Langmuir or BET analysis is to
be performed on the system software. Gas flow is
regulated by the gas flow meter. Liquid
Nitrogen is poured into the Dewar vessels and
raised to cover the sample tubes. Gas
adsorption and desorption cycles are automatically
controlled by the software.

The Microtrac SAA software facilitates data

storage and retrieval. Various printouts and
presentations are available.

Total Solutions in Particle Characterization

Specifications

Method: Dynamic Gas Adsorption Surface Area

Functions: Specific Surface Area by Reference Method

Specific Surface Area by multi-point or single point BET Method
Langmuir Specific Surface Area Measurement

Measurement Range: Surface Area 0.01m2/gram and above

Accuracy: +/- 2%

Gases used: High purity Nitrogen

High Purity Helium

Flow Control: High precision constant voltage/current automatic control.

Detectors: Thermal Conductivity Detectors.

Calibration Method: Automatic calibration of quantitative N2

Measurement Efficiency: 20 to 60 minutes for one sample using multi-point BET method.

Dimensions: 350W X 590D X 500H mm ( 13.75 x 23.2 x 19.7 ins)

Weight: 33 Kg ( 73 lbs)

Your local Microtrac Representative is

WWW.MICROTRAC.COM

Total Solutions in Particle Characterization