Phi-TEC II: A Bench-Top, Low Phi-Factor, Adiabatic Calorimeter

ThePhi-TEC II is anadiabatic calorimeter, which supports the use of low Phi-factor test cells.This allows for manufacturing plant conditions to be fully replicated on a lab-scale thus allowingthermal runaway risks to be simulated and assessed. Utilizing low-Phi factor cells means that the runaway rate is not tempered by the test equipment, and subsequently, the measured rate of pressure increase and final temperature (Tend) – along with the calculated Time to Maximum Rate (TMRd) and adiabatic temperature rise (∆Tad,d) – are representative of what would be expected to occur during a production-scale incident

The impact of different operating scenarios can be explored using the Phi-TEC II, and the data generated can be utilized to determineappropriate safety controls for the manufacturing plant, such as:

• Emergency and evaporation cooling

• Quenching

• Controlled depressurization

• Vent sizing (in accordance with DIERS methodology)

  Thus, the Phi-TEC II enables hazards to be fully evaluated, enabling their mitigation prior to scale-up.

  Features and Options

  Test Cells Types and Volumes

  Thin-walled, 10ml to 110 ml, low Phi-factor test cells.

  Also compatible with standard ARC-typehigh Phi-factor test cells, up to 10 ml volume.

  Temperature Control

  Ambient to 500°C.

  High Pressure and Vacuum Systems

  Pressure range 1 to 137bar.

  Sampling Systems

  Optional: gas sampling.

  Reagent Addition

  Optional: High-pressure liquid feed pump for dosing of a critical ingredient at a controlled rate to the reaction vessel.

  Optional: High-pressure injector for rapid addition of a critical ingredient to the test cell, replicating plant-scale conditions.

  Stirring available

  Indirect agitation with magnetic stirrer bar as standard; fixed stirring rate of 300 rpm.

  Optional: Direct overhead stirring available for metal test cells for effective agitation of highly viscous samples.

  Intelligent Software Control and Analysis

  labCONSOL software control enables regular data logging, multi-step recipes, parameter control, and feedback loops. The software adds a responsive intelligence to the Phi-TECIIsystem and still delivers an intuitive interface that needs only minimal training to run quickly.

  Customizable standard plans allow for easy running of the system with automated heating, detection of gas generation,and safety steps

  Optional: High data rate acquisition available for characterizing extremely fast reactions (up to 10 000 Hz).

  Optional: Bespoke testing methods.

  Safety Features

  Automatic, user-configurable, event monitoring andshutdown procedures if a safety condition is exceeded to ensure user safety.

  Automatic hardware and software fail-safes are installed on every system.