Surface analysis analyzer TriStar II Plus

benchtop

Overview
The TriStar II Plus (Micromeritics) is a fully automated BET surface area analyzer designed for rapid, high-throughput analysis with high accuracy. Its three independent analysis ports allow simultaneous measurements to increase laboratory throughput while preserving the accuracy and data reduction capabilities required for research and routine quality control.

Key features

• Three analysis ports operate simultaneously and independently; three BET surface area measurements can be completed in less than 20 minutes.
• Unique analysis manifold engineered for precise gas management.
• Dedicated continuous Po (saturation pressure) port standard; Po may be entered manually, measured continuously, or collected over the sample.
• Isothermal jackets maintain a constant thermal profile along sample and Po tubes.
• Dewar design provides up to 40 hours of continuous temperature control.
• Flexible adsorbate options: nitrogen, argon, CO2, light hydrocarbons; oxygen with appropriate pump.
• Micromeritics MicroActive software for interactive data reduction, instrument control and multiple modelling options (BET, t-Plot, Langmuir, DFT, NLDFT).

Applications

• Additive manufacturing: surface area and porosity analysis for sintering kinetics and product properties.
• Carbon black: surface area related to performance and wear characteristics.
• Adsorbents: surface area, total pore volume and pore size distribution for quality control and separation process development.
• Catalysts: active surface area and pore structure impacting rates and selectivity.
• Nanotubes: surface and microporosity for storage capacity estimates.
• Activated carbons: optimization for vapor/solvent recovery and pollution control.
• Ceramics: surface and porosity effects on curing, bonding and final properties.
• Paints and coatings: pigment/filler surface area effects on gloss, texture and adhesion.
• Batteries and fuel cells: surface and porosity optimization for storage and energy generation.
• Geoscience: porosity related to fluid storage and extractability.
• Pharmaceuticals: surface and porosity effects on purification, formulation, dissolution and bioavailability.

Software and advanced analysis
Micromeritics MicroActive software provides interactive data reduction, instrument control and modelling tools. Features include user-selectable data ranges, interactive isotherm plotting, BET, t-Plot, Langmuir and DFT calculations, NLDFT models for extended pore analysis, and overlay of adsorption with mercury porosimetry data.

Accessories and sample preparation

• Recommended sample preparation systems to optimize throughput (examples: FlowPrep, VacPrep, Smart VacPrep, LN2 transfer systems).
• Preparation systems with multiple independent stations ensure sample prep does not bottleneck analytical throughput.

Manuals and documentation

• TriStar II Quick Start Guide
• TriStar II Plus Operator Manual
• MicroActive Software Quick Start Guide
• Software and firmware updates (e.g., MicroActive versions)

Technical specifications

• Pressure measurement — Absolute: Range 0 to 950 mmHg; Resolution within 0.05 mmHg; Accuracy within 0.1% of full scale; Linearity < ±0.1% of span.
• Pressure measurement — Relative: P/P0 range 0 to 1.0; Resolution < 1×10⁻4.
• Analysis: Specific surface area from 0.01 m²/g (N2) and from 0.001 m²/g (Kr). Total surface area from 0.1 m² (N2) and from 0.01 m² (Kr). Pore volume from 4 × 10⁻6 cm³/g. Dewar duration up to 40 hours. Gas consumption up to 300 cm³ STP per port.
• Adsorptive gases: Nitrogen unit supports N2, Ar, CO2 and other non-corrosive gases and light hydrocarbon vapors; oxygen only with appropriate vacuum pump. Krypton unit supports same plus krypton analyses at lower pressures.
• Manifold temperature: Accuracy ±0.25 °C; Resolution within 0.1 °C.
• Vacuum system: Nitrogen unit requires ~20 × 10⁻3 mmHg or better (oil-based or oil-free pump); Krypton unit requires 1 × 10⁻3 mmHg (oil-free pump required).
• Operating environment: Operating temperature 10 to 35 °C; Storage 0 to 50 °C. Humidity 20 to 80% RH, non-condensing. Indoor use only; altitude up to 2000 m; pollution degree 2.
• Physical: Height 74 cm; Width 40 cm; Depth 51 cm; Weight 37 kg.
• Electrical: Supply voltage 100–240 V~; Power 150 VA max; Frequency 50/60 Hz; Overvoltage category II.
• Software: Micromeritics MicroActive for interactive data reduction and advanced modelling (NLDFT, overlays).