Malvern Instruments, SDTech Collaborate on Process Optimization

Malvern Instruments has entered into a collaborative agreement with industrial process optimization specialist SDTech of in Ales, France. SDTech works primarily in custom micronization and the analysis of fine and ultra-fine powders, delivering process expert services to a number of industries.

Under the terms of the agreement, Malvern’s Insitec Voyager mobile on-line particle-size analyzer will be used both in SDTech’s in-house test facility and also on customer sites as part of the company’s consultancy process. Malvern process specialists will supply technical and applications expertise, working closely with the SD Tech team. As a result, clients using these services will have full access not only to experts in milling but also experts in particle-size analysis.

As manufacturers face increasing pressure to optimize processes, Oliver Schmitt, business line manager for process systems at Malvern, expects the collaboration to offer significant benefits. “SDTech’s knowledge and experience in the micronization of powders fits perfectly with Malvern’s particle characterization capabilities and expertise,” says Schmitt. “Our process systems are used in those industries that SDTech serves and with the advent of the mobile Insitec Voyager, Malvern also offers a consultancy package for particle sizing. By incorporating the Voyager into appropriate SDTech projects, clients will receive a truly comprehensive service.”

Dr. Jalil Benabdillah, CEO of SDTech said, “Our partner, Malvern Instruments, is a leader in particle characterization and SDTech relies on Malvern’s expertise to complement the technical benefits of its own service, as well as for training and advice. SDTech is using the Insitec Voyager on its own production lines, working towards total quality control. For audits on customer sites we can now combine Malvern and SDTech advanced technology and expertise.”

Malvern’s Insitec Voyager is a laser diffraction-based particle-size analyzer for dry streams with particles in the size range 0.1-1000 microns, designed specifically for mobile particle-size analysis within the process environment. Its flexibility and mobility make it particularly suitable for production facilities with multiple lines and/or for commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting applications. Measuring particle size up to four times per second, Insitec Voyager provides a continuous stream of real-time data for optimal control and understanding.

For more information, visit www.malvern.com/processeng/services/consultancy.htm.