Q Series Force Tensiometer (Q2000 / Q1000 / Q500) for Surface & Interfacial Tension Measurement

The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer (Q2000 / Q1000 / Q500) measures liquid surface tension and interfacial tension by quantifying the tensile force generated when a test body such as a Wilhelmy plate or a Du Noüy ring contacts the liquid surface. The high-precision load cell system converts force into measurable surface and interfacial tension values, enabling repeatable characterization of surfactants, coatings, pharmaceutical formulations, and industrial liquids.

The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer also supports interfacial tension measurement between two immiscible liquids without requiring optical transparency or refractive index contrast. Because tensimetry is based on force measurement rather than optical imaging, the AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer provides a robust alternative for surface and interfacial tension testing in complex samples where optical methods are limited.

⚙️ Design & Construction

The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer integrates a spacious measuring chamber with a transparent glass sliding door to minimize airflow disturbance during surface tension and interfacial tension measurement. The sample stage uses automatic lifting and lowering control for stable positioning of the Wilhelmy plate or Du Noüy ring test body. A built-in electronic level adjustment supports precise alignment for force tensiometry accuracy. The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer includes a 7-inch touchscreen for direct parameter control and measurement data display.

🔬 Working Principle / Testing Method

The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer uses force tensiometry to calculate surface tension and interfacial tension based on the vertical force acting on a standardized test body. In the Wilhelmy plate method, a thin plate is positioned at the liquid interface and the force exerted by the liquid surface is measured to determine surface tension according to the Wilhelmy equation. In the Du Noüy ring method, a ring test body is pulled through the liquid surface and the measured force is converted into surface or interfacial tension using standardized correction factors.

For wetting phenomenon studies, the AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer can determine advancing and receding wetting behavior by tracking buoyancy and sheet weight in real time while the sample is immersed and withdrawn. For surfactant CMC measurement, the AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer measures the decrease in surface tension as surfactant concentration increases until a stable plateau indicates the critical micelle concentration.

💡 Key Advantages

• The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer measures surface tension and interfacial tension using plate method and ring method for broad method compatibility
• Automatic sample stage lifting and lowering stabilizes the measurement process and reduces human interference for repeatable force tensiometry
• Surface tension accuracy reaches 0.001 mN/m on the AELAB Q500 Force Tensiometer for high-sensitivity surfactant and formulation testing
• Fast measurement cycles normally within 60 seconds improve throughput for QC laboratories and industrial process testing
• Electronic level adjustment enhances measurement reliability by maintaining consistent test body alignment
• Optional PT100 temperature sensor supports temperature measurement from -40 °C to 250 °C for temperature-dependent surface and interfacial tension studies
• ST Flash software supports chart-based reporting and CMC analysis while keeping measurement data traceable and organized

🔗 Connectivity & Integration

The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer supports structured measurement data management for GLP-style workflows. Data can be stored, viewed, and printed directly from the touchscreen interface. For external reporting and archiving, the AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer supports output through RS232 (printer) or transfer via U disk. The included ST Flash data software supports report generation, transparent data organization, and simultaneous comparison of up to 8 sets of results.

🧠 Model Insight

🧪 Testing Applications

The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer supports laboratory and industrial measurement of surface tension, interfacial tension, wetting behavior, and surfactant CMC. Typical applications include evaluation of surfactant effectiveness and efficiency by critical micelle concentration testing, wetting properties of tablets and pharmaceutical excipients, wetting of paints and coatings, oil aging degree detection, coating wetting and adhesion assessment, cosmetics formulation development, and wetting characterization of inks. The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer is suitable for environmental, pharmaceutical, food, biochemical, and materials testing laboratories requiring repeatable force-based surface and interfacial tension measurement.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

The AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer is designed for standardized surface tension and interfacial tension testing and supports international method alignment through plate and ring tensiometry. The measurement concept supports standardized laboratory reporting and traceable data handling through ST Flash software and structured export via RS232 or U disk. For controlled laboratory operation, the AELAB Q Series Force Tensiometer includes password-based data management to prevent unauthorized modification and accidental deletion of measurement files.

Note: Ring size specification: wire radius is 0.185 mm, ring radius is 9.55 mm, ring circumference is 60 mm. N/A means that this function is not included. The board/ring test method needs to be specified when ordering. The standard configuration of the printer is not included and can be purchased separately. Standard volume parts must be purchased separately for measuring liquid density.