NOVA e SERIES – quantachrome.com

 

 

NOVAe SERIES

HIGH-SPEED SURFACE AREA & PORE SIZE ANALYZERS

®

Industries Served

Particle characterization
technology serves a wide
variety of industries,
including:

Aerospace
Agriculture
Automotive
Aviation
Batteries
Building Materials
Ceramics
Chemicals
Communications
Equipment
Construction
Consumer Goods
Cosmetics
Electrical &
Electronics
Environmental
Services
Foods
Food Processing
Fuel Cells
Manufacturing
Marine
Medical Devices
Metals
Mining & Minerals
Munitions
Oil Exploration
Optics
Paints & Coatings
Paper & Packaging
Petrochemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Plastics
Rubber
Textiles
Water Treatment

THE GAS SORPTION PROCESS

Before performing gas sorption experi‑
ments, solid surfaces must be freed
from contaminants such as water and
oils. Surface cleaning (degassing) is
most often carried out by placing a
sample of‑the solid in a glass cell and
heating it under vacuum or flowing gas.
Figure 1 illustrates how a solid particle
containing cracks and orifices (pores)
of different sizes and shapes may look
after its pretreatment.

Once clean, the sample is brought to
a constant temperature by means of
an external bath. Then, small amounts
of a gas (the adsorbate) are admitted
in steps into the evacuated sample
chamber. Gas molecules that stick to
the surface of the solid (adsorbent) are
said to be adsorbed and tend to form a
thin layer that covers the entire adsor‑
bent surface. Based on the well‑known
Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (B.E.T.)
theory, one can estimate the number
of molecules required to cover the
adsorbent surface with a monolayer of
adsorbed molecules, Nm (see Figure 2).
Multiplying Nm by the cross‑sectional
area of an adsorbate molecule yields
the sample’s surface area.

Continued addition of gas molecules
beyond monolayer formation leads to
the gradual stacking of multiple layers
(or multi‑layers). The formation occurs
in parallel to capillary condensation (see
Figure 3). The latter process is appoxi‑
mated by the Kelvin equation, which
quantifies the proportionality between
residual (or equilibrium) gas pressure
and the size of capillaries capable of
condensing gas within them.

Methods such as the classical one by
Barrett, Joyner and Halenda (B.J.H.) or
the more accurate Density Functional
Theory (DFT) models, allow the
computation of pore sizes from
equilibrium gas pressures. Experimental
isotherms of adsorbed gas volumes rel‑
ative versus pressures (at equilibrium),
are converted to cumulative or differen‑
tial pore size distributions.

As the equilibrium adsorbate
pressures approach saturation, the
pores become completely filled with
adsorbate (see Figure 4).

1

A section of one greatly
enlarged particle of a
solid.

2

The monolayer
of adsorbed
molecules; approxi-
mately 20% saturation.

3

The multilayer/
capillary
condensation
stage
approximately
70% saturation.

4

Total pore volume
filling; approximately
100% saturation.

Knowing the density of the adsorbate, one
can calculate the volume it occupies and,
consequently, the total pore volume of the
sample. If at this stage the adsorption
process is reversed by withdrawing known
amounts of gas from the system in steps, one
generates desorption isotherms.
The resulting hysteresis leads to isotherm
shapes that can be related to those
expected from particular pore‑shapes.

• Eliminate the need for helium with patented NO Void Analysis™

Coal ash

NOVA®e SERIES OVERVIEW

Quantachrome’s patented NOVA e series offers a full line of high‑quality, high‑
performance Surface Area and Pore Size Analyzers, with eight fully automatic
models to meet the needs of any research or quality assurance laboratory.

Applications for Quality Control
and Research

The NOVAe Series—designed for today’s laboratory.

• Affordably‑priced—perfect for any laboratory.

• Space saving—each unit takes up less bench space than an open

3‑ring binder.

and porous materials.

• Versatile—a wide range of characterization techniques for powdered

• PC option—use Windows‑based software or run stand‑alone.

NOVA 2200e—rapid two‑sample surface area and pore size analyzer.

• Perform fully automated multi‑point B.E.T. analysis in as little as eight

minutes (per sample).

(NOVA) technology.

desorption points).

• Analyze up to 200 data points (100 adsorption points and 100

• Prepare two samples by vacuum or flow methods simultaneously

with sample analysis—at different temperatures if required.

• Access degasser during analysis to start/stop flow or vacuum

degassing with Analysis Interrupt.

• Get data “on the fly” by uploading data to a PC from current analysis.

• Eliminate cell calibration with classical helium‑void‑volume mode.

• Transfer data via RS232 or printer port.

• Enhance performance with Windows®‑compatible software.

• Verify performance with rapid calibration check.

• Usable with most non‑corrosive adsorbate gases such as argon,
CO2 and light hydrocarbons over a wide range of temperatures.

• Provides higher laboratory efficiency and productivity.

• Flexible operation—analysis type independent for each station

(BET and /or pore size measurement).

NOVA 4200e—measures up to four samples simultaneously.

Po measurement.

• Save space with four on‑board sample preparation ports.

• Plus all the capabilities of the NOVA 2200e.

Carbon for rubber,
adsorbents (gas separation
and water purification), gas
masks, inks, laser printers
and copiers.

Catalysts for the automotive,
fertilizer, fuel cell and
petrochemical industries.

Organic materials for
adhesives, chromatography,
cosmetics, foodstuffs,
detergents, explosives,
ion exchange resins,
pharma ceuticals and
plastics.

Minerals such as alumina,
clays, hydroxyapatite,
pigments, phosphates,
silicas, zirconia, etc., used
for abrasives, adsorbents,
biomaterials, ceramics,
cements, desiccants, fillers,
papers and paints.

Powdered metals and
ferrites for batteries, pressure
formed/ sintered products,
electronics, magnets and
magnetic tape.

Other applications related to
bone, composite materials,
fibers, rigid foams, soil,
sludge, slurries, suspensions
and well cores.

• Analyze up to four samples at one time or three plus continuous

Carbon black

Natural zeolite

NOVA®e SERIES

QUALITY CONTROL • RESEARCH

The NOVA Series produces the results
you need…
• Single and multi‑point B.E.T. surface area
with y‑intercept, “C” constant, slope and
correlation coefficient.

• Up to 100 adsorption and 100 desorption

isotherm points.

• B.J.H. pore size distribution calculated from

the adsorption or desorption isotherm.

Heating
mantles

Vacuum or flow
degassing

• Total pore volume.

• Average pore radius.

…and with included NovaWin
software

• Dubinin‑Radushkevich micropore area,

average micropore width and adsorption
energy.

• Langmuir surface area with slope, intercept,

constant and correlation coefficient.

• Plot of single‑point B.E.T. surface area as a

function of relative pressure.

• t‑method for micropore area and volume

(Halsey, deBoer and carbon black methods).

• Density Functional Theory calculations for
unified micropore and mesopore size distri‑
butions.

Critical components of highest
quality to ensure reliable results
• High‑sensitivity pressure transducer with

excellent stability.

• Robust dewar elevator for years of

trouble‑free operation.

• Filter gaskets to prevent vacuum system
contamination by powdered samples.

• Reliable solenoid valves and leak‑free

(10‑9 cc/sec) dosing manifold.

• Sensitive HCLS coolant level sensor

Accurate results require
proper sample preparation

• Each station provides sample

preparation under vacuum or flow condi‑
tions.

• Backfill after vacuum degas with helium or

adsorptive.

• Temperature range from ambient to 450ºC*

with independent selection.

• Flow rate selection for each station.

• Optional, multi‑station degassing units for
busy laboratories: MasterPrep, FloVac
and XeriPrep Degassers.

* 350ºC standard with mantles supplied;

450ºC with optional quartz heating mantles

System Status
Display

Coolant
Level
Sensor

2 or 4
samples

RS232 port
for optional
PC control
via NOVAWin
software

Automated
dewar elevator

Degas
temperature
controls

Status and data
display

Analysis selection
keypad

Feature highlights of the NOVAe Series

Functional Capability by Model

Surface area analysis

Mesopore size distribution

Standard micropore methods

Analysis stations

“Any Gas” capability

NOVA
2200e

NOVA
4200e








2









4


ACCESSORIES

Gas Regulator Assembly
Proper Nova functioning is assured when high‑quality gas regulators are used. Quantachrome
supplies complete assemblies which include two‑stage regulators with dual gauges, cylinder
connector, isolation valve and 1/8″ gas line connector. The regulators feature stainless steel, non‑
venting diaphragms and the appropriate CGA fitting for specific gases. Different assemblies are
available for nitrogen (and other inerts including helium), hydrogen, carbon monoxide, oxidizing
gases etc.

Rotary Micro Riffler
Like most powder and porous materials characterization, surface area and pore size studies
generally require sub‑samples much smaller than the original samples. The Rotary Micro Riffler
uses the most accurate way of splitting a powder sample into smaller fractions‑ spin riffling. The
vibrating hopper features adjustable feed rate and the variable‑speed collector uses standard or
micro test tubes.

NOVA®e SERIES BENEFITS

Operational conveniences

• Simultaneous analysis of up to four samples with NOVA 4200e for

dramatic increase in productivity.

• Degas up to four samples while analysis is in progress for maximum

throughput.

run initialization.

• Automatic analysis, computation, display and printing of results.

• Keyboard selection from unlimited number of analysis types offers fast

• Wide variety of sample cells to accommodate any sample.

• Compact, benchtop design to conserve valuable lab space.

• Protective doors for safety.

Meets technical demands

• Full equilibration technology with choice of pressure

tolerance, equilibration time and relative pressure (P/Po) points.

• Multiple Po options for speed and accuracy: user entered, calculated from
ambient, measured once, or continuously updated throughout analysis

• Built‑in microprocessor guided calibration for optimum performance

consistent with ISO‑9000 requirements.

• Manual mode diagnostics for performance verification and maintenance.

• Real‑time display of analysis status for instant user update of analysis

progress.

• Calibration verification is fast. Calibration performed in just a few minutes.

Revolutionary ease‑of‑use,
speed, and accuracy

• Patented NO Void Analysis™ (NOVA) technology eliminates helium,

reducing analysis costs.

• Alternatively, use classical helium‑void‑volume mode to match your

existing SOPs.

coolant evaporates.

accuracy.

cell walls.

• Coolant level sensor for constant void volume and high accuracy as

• MaxiDose™ algorithm reduces analysis time without compromising

• Low surface area capabilities with compensation for adsorption on

• Access degasser during an analysis to start/stop flow or vacuum

degassing with Analysis Interrupt.

• Get data “on the fly” by uploading data to a PC from the current analysis

with Nova Software.

Output capabilities

• Front panel display of results upon completion of analysis.

• Automatic report generation on optional printer.

• Communication with PC for analysis set up, data acquisition and reporting.

Analysis Presets

System Manager

• Allows the user to establish predefined analysis protocols.

• Speed up operation by reducing entries needed to start each run.

• Exclusive control of key settings such as RS232 settings, critical operation

parameters, isotherm measurement, or operation restrictions.

NOVAWin™ ‑ Windows® Based Software for
Operation from PC
NOVAWin™ is a PC based
program for operation of the
NOVA series of instruments
utilizing the familiar features
of the Microsoft® Windows®
operating system. NOVA
operators will find this to be
a user‑friendly, graphical
environment to work in.

• PC based initialization and
control of NOVA analysis.

• Compatible with virtually any

• Store analysis configurations

• View isotherms in “real‑time”

during analysis.

for fast recall.

printer via Windows® operating
system.

• Zoom into any part of a graph
and perform a linear best fit for
any set of data points.

NOVAWin™ incorporates
Quantachrome Instruments’
many years of experience in
particle analysis through the
inclusion of our extensive
methods of data reduction
and report generation in this
versatile software package.

21 CFR Part 11 compliant version available.

Choose from many methods of data reduction.

• Adsorption and desorption

• Mesopore size distribution

isotherms (linear and
logarithmic scales)

• BET surface area

by BJH method

• Mesopore size distribution

by DH method

• Langmuir surface area

• Micropore size distribution

• Micropore volume and surface
area by t‑plot method (Halsey,
deBoer or carbon STSA
equations)

• Dubinin Radushkevich
micropore surface area

• Dubinin Astakhov micropore
area and size distribution

by MP method

• Density functional theory for
unified micropore and meso‑
pore size distribution includ‑
ing library of adsorbates and
adsorbent pairs, eg. argon on
zeolite, nitrogen on silica, CO2
on carbon, etc.

• Fractal dimension by NK and

FHH methods.

NOVAe® SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

Nova 2200e®

Nova 4200e®

Measurement types:

B.E.T., STSA, adsorption isotherm, desorption isotherm

Performance

Analysis stations:

Surface area range:

Pore size range:

Minimum pore volume:

Minimum pore volume:

Adsorbates

Nitrogen:

Other non‑corrosive gases
(Ar, CO2, H2, C4H10, etc.):

Degassing

Preparation Ports:

Methods:

Temperature Range:

Accuracy:

Pressure Transducers

Accuracy (% of span):

Pressure (mm Hg) Resolution:

Relative Pressure P/P0 (N2)
Resolution:

Physical

Dimensions ( WxDxH):

Weight:

Electrical:

*450 ºC with optional quartz heating mantles

4

4

2

2

0.01 m2/g to no known upper limit

0.35 to >500nm (3.5 to >5000 Å)

(liquid) 2.2 x 10‑6 ml/g

(STP) 0.0001 cc/g

Vacuum and Flow

ambient ‑ 450 ºC*, 1º C intervals

±5ºC

±0.1

0.016

2 x 10‑5

51 cm x 51 cm x 79 cm

36.29 kg ( 80 lbs )

100‑240 V, 50/60 Hz

ADDITIONAL DEGASSING OPTIONS

Gas Regulator Assembly

Proper Nova functioning is assured when high‑quality gas regulators are
used. Quantachrome supplies complete assemblies which include two‑stage
regulators with dual gauges, cylinder connector, isolation valve and 1/8″ gas
line connector. The regulators feature stainless steel, nonventing diaphragms
and the appropriate CGA fitting for specific gases. Different assemblies are
available for nitrogen (and other inerts including helium), hydrogen, carbon
monoxide, oxidizing gases, etc.

Sample Preparation

Consistent and reliable surface area results depend upon proper sample
preparation procedures. In terms of B.E.T. analysis, the limiting step in rate of
throughput is often sample preparation. The complete degassing of samples
may often require several hours, while surface measurements may require as
little as 8 minutes. The NOVAe Series features built‑in vacuum or flow sample
preparation ports that permit the simultaneous degassing of samples while
measurements are in progress.

Rotary Micro Riffler

Like most powder and porous materials characterization, surface area and pore
size studies generally require sub samples much smaller than the original
samples. The Rotary Micro Riffler uses the most accurate way of splitting a
powder sample into smaller fractions: spin riffling. The vibrating hopper
features adjustable feed rate and the variable‑speed collector uses standard
or micro test tubes.

Rotary Micro Riffler

MasterPrep Degasser

Fully featured preparation unit. Individually heated stations with programmable
heating profiles for R&D, commercial labs and multi‑user laboratories. Dual modes
(vacuum or flow) for further flexibility and optimization. Temperature control and
logging via PC software (included). Integral cooling stations provide additional
convenience.

Vacuum pump not included.

Masterprep

FloVac Degasser

The FloVac provides cost effective vacuum degassing. Complete with single‑zone heater
(to 400°C), digital temperature controller and built‑in digital vacuum gauge. Each sample
station has its own adjustable evacuation/backfill rate control. Flow degassing is also
possible and can be advantageous in removing large quantities of moisture prior to
vacuum degassing. Individual cooling stations.

Vacuum pump not included.

FloVac Degasser

Renowned innovator for today’s porous materials community.
The quality of Quantachrome’s after sales service support is the reason we
are proud to maintain life time relationships with our customers.

Our global service staff assure you that Quantachrome Instruments will continue
to be the reliable engines of material characterization laboratories. We offer you
the flexibility of choosing from service contracts tailored to provide you with the
response time, service package, and spare parts discounts that best fit your needs.

Field Service

Spare Parts

Quantachrome spare parts are certified to work with our instruments. We provide
rapid response spare parts orders, and keep large inventories of replacement parts
and hardware available.

Application Lab

Our fully equipped, state‑of‑the‑art powder characterization laboratory
(email: application.qt@anton‑paar.com), provides the option of contracting for
expert testing services. Laboratory services are also available to validate the
applicability of our products prior to your purchase using your actual samples.

Lifetime Application Support

We view the field support of our instruments as an essential component of our
business strategy. Our expert scientists are always available to answer questions
on applications, or the use of our instruments. We do this as a standard service
regardless of whether you have a service contract with us or not.

Partners in Science

Quantachrome has a scientific research department consisting of world renowned
experts in material characterization. Our staff, led by team conducts collaborative
research projects with leading material research labs around the world. They
regularly publish articles in leading peer reviewed journals, and speak at technical
symposiums around the world.

For almost half a century Quantachrome’s
scientists and engineers have revolution‑
ized measurement techniques and
designed instrumentation to enable the
accurate, precise, and reliable character‑
ization of powdered and porous
materials. We have an unwavering
commitment to providing state of the art
technology, along with superior and
unparalleled customer service and
support.

Our commitment to customers is to
support you before, during, and after
the sale throughout the lifetime of our
instruments. This is a big commitment
because our products are so robust and
reliable that we regularly find many still
in use for decades.

Corporate Headquarters‑USA
Quantachrome Instruments
a brand of Anton-Paar
1900 Corporate Drive
Boynton Beach, FL 33426

w w w. q u a n t a c h ro m e. c o m

Serving Porous
Materials and Powder
Characterization Needs
Since 1968

Trademarks and registered trade mark are the
property of their respective owners.

© 2018 Quantachrome Corporation E84IP017EN‑B

Our policy of continuous development may cause the information and specifications contained herein to change without notice or liability.