Hiden Isochema’s IMI Series: For the Analysis of Chemisorption, Physisorption, and Gas Absorption by Materials

Hiden Isochema’s IMI series are multifunctional instruments for the analysis of chemisorption, physisorption, and gas absorption by materials, from basic level manometric analyzers to advanced multistream dynamic flow units with integrated mass spectrometry.

These flexible instruments can also be adapted for varied applications - from gas storage and separation to high pressure catalysis, and from surface area determination to high pressure studies.

The IMI systems all come with Hiden Isochema’s analysis software. Time-dependent measurements make it possible for sorption kinetics to be observed, while equilibrium uptake determination at diverse temperatures can be applied for the calculation of sorption enthalpies.

The IMI-HTP includes an optimized reactor with integral heating and cooling, an extended pressure range, and a turbo molecular pump which allows high precision measurements between vacuum and 200 bar. The modular design enables easy upgrading at any time using Hiden Isochema’s broad range of accessories to expand the measurement range. These comprise of thermostats (ranging from -77 K to 770 K), a 10 cc reactor, enhanced pressure ranges, and removable reactor and expansion volumes.

Insights into the Product

Darren Broom, Product Manager at Hiden Isochema Ltd, speaks to AZoM.com about the IMI series:

What can the IMI series be used for?

The IMI series of gas sorption analysers can be used to determine the uptake of gases by materials at a range of pressures from vacuum up to 200 bar. Adsorption measurements in the low pressure regime are widely used to characterise the properties of porous materials, while high pressure measurements are essential for the assessment of materials for a range of practical applications such as gas storage and separation.

How will the IMI series help users to achieve their aims and objectives?

High accuracy gas sorption measurements can be performed automatically with full computer control of all aspects of the instrument operation, including the programming of different gases and isotherm temperatures. A range of species including H₂, N₂, CO₂ and CH₄ can be studied so any user interested in the sorption behaviour of these gases, and others, will benefit.

What do you feel are the main benefits and advantages of IMI series compared to other available alternatives?

There are at least three main points that are worth emphasising. The first is accuracy. For example, every IMI has a minimised dead volume which is critical for maximising the sensitivity of manometric gas sorption measurements. The second is versatility. The IMI software is fully programmable and is not limited, for instance, to set routines and functions. And, thirdly, the IMI can be operated in a unique flowing mode for gas mixture experiments with an integrated mass spectrometer manufactured by our sister company Hiden Analytical. Therefore, in addition to the measurement of gas sorption isotherms, the IMI series can also be used for more complex studies for gas separation and purification applications.

Key Features

The main features of the IMI series are listed below:

Fully upgradable modular design

Metal construction with ultralow dead volume

Adaptive analysis software

Static and dynamic operational mode options

Automatic switching between static and multistream flowing operation

Multi-gas control capable of programmable sorbate selection

Versatile instrument control, from basic techniques to total user-defined experiments

Adaptive analysis software with end point detection for reaction kinetics, sorption processes and sample pre-treatment

Full integration of mass spectrometers from Hiden's quadrupole range enabling synchronized instrument control and data acquisition

Large capacity reactor for scale up applications (optional)

Full integration of mass spectrometers from Hiden’s quadrupole range

Applications

The IMI range is optimized to suit specific areas of application, such as:

Hydrogen storage materials

Metal and complex hydrides

Energy and environmental science

Dynamic flow and thermal desorption

Sorption analysis for nanoporous media

Gas separation and purification

Specific surface area (BET) determination

Shale gas and coal bed methane