Rame-Hart Accesories – Available Options

Please take a look for various optional accessories available for Rame-Hart contact angle and surface tension meters.

Options

Overhead Optical Imaging Kit (100-31)

The ramé-hart Overhead Optical Imaging Kit is designed to be added to any instrument that currently is running DROPimage Advanced v2.x. The kit permits an existing goniometer to measure contact angle using a novel and powerful overhead method. The advantage to this method over the traditional profile view method is that hydrophilic surfaces can be more easily characterized. Low contact angles (under 10°) are traditionally difficult using traditional methods. The overhead method involves capturing an image of the three-phase line from above and then calculating the contact angle based on its diameter and the drop volume. The Automated Dispensing System 100-22 is recommended. Another advantage to the overhead method is that it works well even where surrounding topology prevents a direct line of sight required for the conventional profile view method. The Measure distance command can also be used to precisely measure linear distances. An alternate Illuminator Fixture as well as an Optical Reflector Fixture and all parts (software and hardware) necessary to measure contact angle and distances from overhead on an existing goniometer are included in the kit. The Overhead Optical Imaging Kit works only on the standard ramé-hart specimen leveling stage. For use inside a chamber or for another applications, please contact us for customization.

Film Clamps (100-15)

The Film Clamps are furnished as a pair and mount directly to the working surface of the leveling stage of any ramé-hart goniometer. Their function is to maintain flatness of film-type substrates and they can also be utilized to secure specimens to the stage when using the tilting base to evaluate advancing and receding contact angles.

Environmental Fixture (100-14)

This accessory is designed for liquid/liquid studies including captive bubble, inverted and hanging pendant drops as well as regular and inverted sessile drops. Our standard Quartz Cell (p/n 100-07-50) is included to provide distortion-free viewing. Outfitted with a suspension stage for solid substrate fixturing and/or immersion in bulk liquid in the quartz vessel. The stage height is externally adjustable and the entire fixture can be easily disassembled for cleaning. All metal parts are stainless steel or anodized aluminum.

Peltier Environmental Chamber (100-30)

The Peltier Environmental Chamber leverages the power and flexibility of the Peltier effect. Using a multistage thermoelectric module, the chamber is able to be precisely regulated from –50° C to 150° C. A temperature controller is included for regulating the DC current through the module in order to achieve and hold any chilled or elevated temperature within the range to within 0.1° C. The Peltier module is rated for 100,000 hours offering a long and reliable life. Nitrogen gas is used for chilled temperatures to prevent frozen condensation. A tank and regulator kit is available if your lab does not already have nitrogen service. Ice water is circulated through the base of the chamber during chilling cycles to draw away the heat produced by the multistage module. Add a Quartz Cell for liquid/liquid studies. The Peltier Environmental Chamber is supported on every ramé-hart instrument. However, note that the temperature logging features requires DROPimage v2.7 or higher.

Environmental Chamber (100-07)

The Environmental Chamber, in conjunction with any Model 100-00, 260, 500, 590, or 790 ramé-hart goniometer, permits controlled conditions for the study of contact angle, surface energy, and surface tension. Controlled elevated temperatures to 300° C are produced by the integral electrical heaters, while sub-ambient temperatures can be produced by circulating a suitable coolant through the base of the chamber. Fittings for this purpose, and others for atmosphere control, are furnished. The chamber is suitable for vacuum use and pressures to 0.6 Atmospheres. Custom designed environmental chambers are available by special request. This option requires a Proportional Temperature Controller (p/n 100-50) if regulated elevated temperature is desired. Order p/n 100-07-KIT if you require both the Environmental Chamber 100-07 and Proportional Temperature Controller 100-50.
Additionally, a quartz cell (p/n 100-07-50) is available for liquid/liquid, inverted sessile drop, and captive bubble studies. A Cover with Stage assembly (p/n 100-09-10, shown below) is also available to facilitate advanced studies requiring a submerged adjustable stage.

Chamber Cover with Stage (100-09)

The Cover with Stage accessory replaces the standard cover supplied with Environmental Chamber p/n 100-07 and contains an externally adjustable substrate stage which permits studies of sessile drops on either side of substrate (normal and inverted), or captive bubbles on the underside. Substrate clamping will also accommodate films. Cover is equipped with an O-ring seal to interface with Elevated Temperature Syringe 100-11.

Elevated Temperature Syringe (100-11)

The Elevated Temperature Syringe permits forming drops of materials which have melting points as high as 230° C. May be used with Chamber 100-07 and Cover 100-09 for controlled environment studies. Test materials contact only glass and stainless steel. A Temperature Controller p/n 100-50 is included. This accessory is ideal for liquids with high melting points such as solder and polymers. One replaceable syringe assembly and one needle are included.

Quartz Cell (100-07-50)

This Quartz Cell option is included with the Environmental Fixture p/n 100-14 and can be ordered as a replacement part for that option. The quartz cell also is designed to work inside of the Environmental Chamber p/n 100-07 and Advanced Chamber p/n 100-26 and Peltier Environmental Chamber p/n 100-30. It can also be used stand-alone for liquid/liquid and liquid/gas studies when no stage is required. The internal volume is 45mL.

Advanced Chamber with Temperature and Humidity Control (100-26-TH)

The Advanced Chamber with Temperature and Humidity Control p/n 100-26-TH provides a controlled environment for up to 6″ diameter samples. The chamber features rotating support, quartz windows for viewing, inlets for humid and dry air, outlets for exhaust and pressure relief. The temperature can be controlled up to 230° C or up to 85° C with humidity. The humidity level can be regulated between 0 and 100%. Gas parts are included as well as cooling ports to circulate water or a refrigerant through the base of the chamber to speed up cooling or to bring the chamber temperature to below ambient. The system ships complete with a temperature and humidity controller, an ultrasonic humidification system for cool mist, and a dry air pump and desiccant-based drying unit. Additional customization is also possible with this versatile modular design. The Advanced Chamber is supported on Models 500, and 590 with or without the optional Automated Tilting Base. A temperature only version of this chamber is also available, p/n 100-25-T. It includes all of the same features as 100-26-TH except humidity control. The chamber temperature can be controlled up to 230° C and humidity can be added later with an available upgrade kit (p/n 100-26-H-KIT).

Manual Tilting Base (100-25-M)

This tilting base is the same as 100-25-A except instead of being software-driven, it’s manually driven with a hand crank. The 100-25-M can be upgraded to the Automated version with the upgrade kit p/n 100-25-U. This option is supported on every current-generation ramé-hart instrument and is an excellent choice for measuring advancing and receding contact angles as well as determining contact angle hysteresis and roll-off angle.

Automated Tilting Base (100-25-A)

Advancing and receding contact angles are readily determined by inclining the substrate and allowing the drop to deform as a function of gravity. By mounting a ramé-hart goniometer on the optional Automated Tilting Base, it is possible to incline not only the substrate but the entire instrument, preserving perfectly the optics-to-specimen alignment. This technique greatly expedites such measurements. The Automated Tilting Base is fully software driven and is supported by DROPimage Advanced v2.3 and above. This option requires DROPimage Advanced.

Microsyringe Fixture (100-10)

The microsyringe fixture facilitates rapid and precise formation of pendant and sessile drops. Following placement of a sessile drop, the syringe is easily swung from the field of view. It will return to its exact working location for placement of the subsequent drop. Alternatively, it can remain at the working location, allowing the user to continuously add or withdraw fluid from a sessile drop for the purpose of forming advancing or receding contact angles. This attachment is now included with all ramé-hart goniometer systems but is available as an option for users of our legacy instruments that did not include this accessory. Note that the Microsyringe Fixture supports both the manual Microsyringe Assembly (p/n 100-10-20) as well as any adapter for the Automated Dispensing System (p/n 100-22).

Automated Dispensing System (100-22)

The ramé-hart Automated Dispensing System is a software-driven tool for producing precise pendant and sessile drops and is particularly useful for dynamic studies. For more information, click here. This option is supported on Models 200 and up or older systems that have been sufficiently upgraded. Models 290 and 590 include the Automated Dispensing System. Stand alone software is also available for use with other instruments. For more information on the Automated Dispensing System click here.

Oscillator (100-28)

The ramé-hart Oscillator, when used in conjunction with the ramé-hart Automated Dispensing System, provides precision-controlled periodic oscillatory deformation of pendant and sessile drops and bubbles in order to measure surface dilatational elasticity and viscosity using DROPimage Advanced v2.4 or above. The Oscillator supports speeds between 0 and 25Hz and is ideally suited for many dynamic surface tension and surface rheology studies. For more information on the Oscillator click here.

High Speed Upgrade Kit (100-12-G1)

The 100-12-G1 High Speed Upgrade Kit can be added to any new system with DROPimage Advanced (i.e., Models 250, 260, 290, 500, and 590). This kit includes a 210 fps high speed digital camera with high throughput Gigabit Ethernet interface. This kit also includes an upgrade to a powerful workstation with sufficient processing power and additional memory to handle the demanding tasks of high-speed video capture. The DROPimage Advanced software v2.5 includes tools for capturing and saving high-speed videos to AVI files. And video replay and recalculate features allows individual frames or series of frames to be analyzed in real-time or after data collection. This kit is designed to be added to any new system.

Rotating Wafer Support (100-21-xx)

The rotating wafer support maintains flatness and position of 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, and 13.625″ diameter wafers in order to achieve contamination-free contact angle readings while preserving flatness. Each wafer support is hand lapped to a high-tolerance. The support incorporates a rotating stage plate which is graduated in 1° increments with displacement holes for creating the appropriate suction. The wafer support mounts directly to the leveling stage of the Contact Angle Goniometer. Model 400 supports and includes an 8″ wafer support (and other sizes can be added). Models 190, 200, 250, and 290 support the 4″ wafer support only. Larger supports may require an upgrade kit which will extend the working distance of the camera and extend the microsyringe fixture. We offer kits which include all of the necessary parts.

Vacuum Chuck Support (100-21-VCx)

The 6″ or 8″ diameter rotating Vacuum Chuck Support holds down large films and other flexible substrates while surface studies are performed. Supported on Models 100-00, 300, 400 and 500. Vacuum source is required.

Hot Plate (100-33-HP)

The Hot Plate option can be added to any ramé-hart instrument to provide a heated specimen stage that is temperature controlled up to 300° C. This option includes the Temperature Controller (100-50) to provide 0.1° C precision. Cooling ports are included for cycling chilled water or a coolant to bring the temperature down quickly or to below ambient temperatures. Optional temperature logging is possible with DROPimage Advanced v 2.7 or higher.

Heated Environmental Cell (100-33)

The Heated Environmental Cell can be added to any ramé-hart instrument (current or legacy model). This cell provides temperature control to 300° C. The Temperature Controller (100-50) is included. Cooling ports are included for cycling chilled water or a coolant to bring the temperature down quickly or to below ambient temperatures. Optional temperature logging is possible with DROPimage Advanced v 2.7 or higher.