Unlocking the Science of Coffee: Particle Size Analysis
Have you ever wondered why your coffee sometimes tastes like a dreamy, flavorful escape, and other times like a disappointing, bitter gulp? The secret lies in the grind.
The size of coffee powders directly impacts your brew's extraction, taste, and overall flavor. When grinding beans, the coarseness or fineness must align with your brewing method. For longer brew times, a coarser grind prevents over-extraction; for shorter brew times, a finer grind ensures full extraction.
Let's delve into the science behind coffee grinding and discover how a particle size analyzer can reveal how ground particle size influences the flavor and extraction of your cup of joe.
Read more: Unlocking the Science of Coffee: Particle Size Analysis
Refractometry: A Journey Through Light and Measurement
Introduction
Refractometry is a scientific technique that measures the way light bends (refracts) as it passes through a substance. This property, known as the refractive index, provides valuable information about the composition and properties of the material.
Historical Development
The concept of refraction has a long and fascinating history:
Early Observations: The first documented observation related to refraction is attributed to the Greek philosopher Plato (428-348 BC). He noticed that oars appear bent when partially submerged in water.
Medieval Discoveries: In the 10th century AD, the Persian scholar Ibn Sahl (940-1000 AD) conducted pioneering research on refraction and is considered the discoverer of the refraction law. His work, however, remained largely unknown for centuries.
The Refraction Law Rediscovered: In 1621, Dutch physicist Willebrord Snellius (1580-1626) independently formulated the law of refraction, paving the way for the development of the refractometer.
Birth of the Refractometer
The credit for inventing the refractometer goes to German physicist Ernst Abbe (1840-1905). In 1872, he introduced his instrument, built at Carl Zeiss in Jena. Abbe used the refractometer to analyze balsams and resins used in microscope production.
Modern Refractometer from German Company A Krüss Optronic GmbH
Modern Refractometers
Today, digital refractometers are widely used. These instruments:
Utilize LED light sources, prisms, and CCD sensors for precise measurements. Offer multi-wavelength capabilities, allowing for analysis across different light spectrums.
Applications of Refractometry
Refractometers have a broad range of applications across various sectors:
Education: Used in laboratories for teaching scientific principles.
Research: Employed in various scientific fields to analyze materials.
Industry: Plays a vital role in quality control processes for a variety of products.
Pharmacy: Used to determine the concentration of solutions and ensure drug quality.
Conclusion
Refractometry has evolved from ancient observations to a sophisticated scientific tool. Digital refractometers offer a versatile and efficient method for analyzing the properties of various materials.
Principle of Zeta Potential and Its Importance
Principle of Zeta Potential
Zeta Potential is used to describe the potential of nano-level colloidal particles on its slipping plane, with the unit millivolts (mV) in general. Since the slipping plane of particles is the boundary separating itself and bulk fluid, by measuring the zeta potential, one can have the distance from the surface of particle to slipping plane. This distance constitutes the thickness of the electric double layer, which is the thickness of the positive and negative layers of ions on the interface between the particles and the fluid. The thickness can be used to determine the characteristics and stability of the colloid.
Principle of Pressure / Vacuum Measurement & Units
Pressure and vacuum are used in many scientific instruments, they are typically the measurement results or the control factors. e.g. Fluid Sorption Tester, Thermogravimetric Analyzer, Gas Analyzer, High-pressure Diamond Anvils, etc. In addition to common pressure gauges and vacuum gauges in these test instruments, pressure pumps or vacuum pumps are also used to create the necessary pressure or vacuum conditions. There are various pressure unit in a pressure gauges show. Some of them indicate the unit with psi, some others indicate Pa, or kg/cm3, or other uncommon units. Users are often dizz by these pressure units and their conversions. In order to get a correct test result, one has to realize the basics of the principles of pressure and vacuum.
Read more: Principle of Pressure / Vacuum Measurement & Units