Consultancy
Expert modelling with PoreXpert, and bespoke experimental measurements.

Why use us?

We offer use of our own PoreXpert software for companies who have a problem to solve, and porous material characterisation measurements for input to PoreXpert or stand-alone. We have been continuously involved in consultancy projects over the last 5 years, both minor and major, in Europe and across the world. Much of our work is confidential and commercially sensitive.

Typical problems

  • trial-and-error optimization of a product has got as far as it can go – where do we go from here?
  • why are these samples ‘good’ with respect to our desired properties, and these ones ‘bad’?
  • only the surface of my product can be characterized by electron microscopy – what is the void network like inside it?
  • how does the void structure vary in this series of samples of different ages?
  • I am trying to make a sample with maximum void tortuosity and minimum internal diffusion of pore fluids – which of these samples are on the right track to do that?

Past consultancy work includes:

  • Density, surface area and pore size analysis for a major mineral company
  • Helium pycnometry for the National Physical Laboratory
  • Mercury porosimetry analysis for Delta T devices, a major paper company, and a major drug company.
  • Mercury porosimetry, density analysis, porosity, permeability and diffusion measurements, and modeling for a major energy company.
Modelling

We offer consultancy for those who do not have the time or resources to learn how to use the software themselves, but have a problem that we can address.

The software is under continual development, and we will always use the latest version.  Sometimes projects involve the development of bespoke version, supplied to the customer.

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Experimental

As input to the PoreXpert model, or as stand-alone measurements, by arrangement with the University of Plymouth, UK, we offer

  • mercury porosimetry (using Thermo Fisher Pascal instruments)
  • helium pycnometry (using AccuPyc analyser)
  • bespoke micropycnometry (pictured)
  • adsorption of nitrogen, argon or n-butane to give surface area via GCMC or BJH approximations (using a BELSORP-max analyser)
  • powder pycnometry (using Geopyc analyser) which, with helium pycnometry, gives the exact porosity of irregularly shaped samples
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To quote from customer feedback:

“Providing a service in a complex measurement area is a difficult challenge. The service provided was exemplary.”

We can offer real benefits where samples are tricky to analyse, as a result of complications such as compressibility. Note that if you request modelling of your own experimental data, the data must be of very high quality – for example , mercury intrusion must be carried out slowly (at least 60 seconds equilibration time at each pressure), preferably in a temperature controlled laboratory, and with an appropriate blank run at the same temperature and pressures. Standard ISO procedures and instructions from manufacturers do not require this, but can give un-modellable results.

All our experimental work is carried out to ISO 9001:2008.

Pricing

Prices are available on application – to obtain an informal quotation please fill out as many details as you are able to reveal on the Contact Us form.

Terms and Conditions

Please check out our Terms and Conditions.