QCM-D Instruments qCell series

Smart QCM-D Devices

qCell

qCell is the entry level sensor platform for the full range of QCM-D experiments. In comparison to the full-fledged sensor system qCell T, qCell has no Peltier system for thermal control and no automatic pump control. The software qGraph manages sensor data collecting and processing. Alterations in mass adsorptions, layer thickness and sample viscosity are obtained with high accuracy, controlled against blank, in a time resolved manner.

Features of qCell:

  • Single Sensor Channel
  • Dissipation/Damping & Frequency Monitoring
  • Smart System
  • Optional Fully Automated Pump Operation
  • User Friendly Software Interface
  • Plug and Play USB Connection

Optional Fluidic Control

qCell series offers also optional fluid control with high accuracy and repeatability. Flow rate can be precisely adjusted from 9 µl/min to 5600 µl/min.

The minimum flow rate reaches down to 9 µl/min and the 12 roller peristaltic pump provides high accuracy and repeatability even under low flow rate. Along with the minimum sample volume requirement of 80 µl, the fluid system makes  qCell series the optimal instrument for laboratory and industrial applications using high cost fluid sample.

Flow Cell

With only 30 µl internal volume, the flow cell is designed for easy access, fast sensor replacement and to maintain a good seal in its closed working condition. All surfaces in contact with liquid samples are made of high chemical resistant materials, e.g. Teflon.

The flow cell head (top) is positioned over the sensor placed in the cell socket and locked with a quarter turn in a bayonet style. A tight seal is maintained by a thin O-ring which rests on the sheet - and not on the sensor - virtually eliminating any tension and ensuring high signal integrity.
After priming, the quartz sensor is exposed to the liquid and the measurement can begin.
The flow cell head can be equipped with a fully transparent plug allowing a  user to visually follow the experiment over its time course.

Software qGraph

The qCell series comes with a complete software suite for instrument control, signal acquisition, real time display, processing and data storage. The software is preinstalled and delivered with an All-in-one PC.

Individual panels display frequency, damping (dissipation), temperature and pump flow profiles. Online protocol commenting, coordinate display by pick point  function, scripts for programming flow rates, patterns and repetitive cycles can be added and edited by the operator. Data export to qGraph Viewer, Excel™, Origin™ and other processing software is supported.