Zeta-Meter System 4.0

Our Zeta-Meter 4.0 is a microprocessor based instrument. It measures electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential and can be used with both aqueous and organic suspending liquids. A single tracking takes seconds, and a complete run takes only minutes.  

Zeta-Meter System 4.0                                           

         Microscope Module       Type GT-2 Cell               Monitor       

Zeta potential measurements are made using a technique called microelectrophoresis. A high quality stereoscopic microscope is used to comfortably observe colloidal particles inside a chamber called an electrophoresis cell. Electrodes placed in each end of the chamber are connected to the Zeta Meter 4.0 unit which creates an electric field across the chamber. Charged colloids move in the field and their velocity and direction are related to their zeta potential.

Just fill the cell with your sample, insert electrodes, place it under the microscope, and connect them to the Zeta-Meter 4.0 unit. Our instrument determines the specific conductance of your sample and helps select the appropriate voltage to apply. Energize the electrodes and watch the colloids move across a grid in our microscope eyepiece. Or, for even easier viewing, connect our optional video display. Track one by simply pressing a "track" button and holding it down while the colloid you are watching traverses the grid. When you release the "track" button, the Zeta-Meter 4.0 instantly calculates and displays the colloid's zeta potential (or electrophoretic mobility).

The Zeta-Meter 4.0 unit constantly maintains a record of your measurements, which you can review at any time. Just press the status button to see how many colloids you have tracked, their average zeta potential, and the statistical standard deviation of your values.

You can connect a parallel-type printer to our Zeta-Meter 4.0 unit and make a hard copy of your data. The serial port allows data to be imported directly to an IBM PC or compatible. Our free serial port software handles the data exchange and formats it for analysis using Lotus 1-2-3. In addition, we supply free templates that completely automate graphing and review of your data.

Understanding zeta potential can help you to understand and control colloidal suspensions. Examples include complex biological systems such as blood and functional ones like paint. Water, milk, wine, clay, inks, dyes, paper, and pharmaceuticals are good examples of useful colloidal systems. In many cases, the performance of a suspension can be improved by understanding the effects of colloidal behavior on such properties as viscosity, settling, and effective particle size.