Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB)
VFTB is a sensitive and versatile instrument for measurement of magnetic properties of materials. Due to its high sensitivity, it is an ideal instrument for research in Rock Magnetism and Environmental Magnetism and can measure weakly magnetic materials, such as sandstone, limestone, soil etc. It can also be used for magnetic analysis in the field of material science e.g. analysis of synthetic materials, thermal behavior of permanent magnets etc.
It is the only instrument on the market that can simultaneously measure the reversible and irreversible components of magnetization and their temperature dependence. This makes it an instrument that is particularly suited for discrimination of different magnetic phases in the sample. We offer VFTB in two versions: SOLENOID – in which the main magnetizing unit is a solenoid capable of producing 300mT field. This version can perform measurements in the temperature ranging from the room temperature to 800°C. Due to the special design of the measurement unit with a much bigger sample chamber, it is more sensitive than the electromagnet version. This version is especially suitable for environmental studies. ELECTROMAGNET – in which the main magnetizing unit is a 1T electromagnet (see the image). This more powerful version can perform measurements in a full temperature range (-180 – 800°C). |
Brochure
vftb-20220810.pdf | |
File Size: | 7682 kb |
File Type: |
Features
- The only existing instrument on the market that can simultaneously measure magnetization and susceptibility
- The most affordable device on the market with this range of capabilities
- Large sample size and simple sample mount allow for quick preparation and mounting of samples
- Due to operation principle, the system is not susceptible to the magnetic noise of the surrounding environment and does not need any shielding for proper operation
- Heating is inbuilt in the system and does not need any adjustments to use it
Measurement Types
- Magnetization and susceptibility
- Thermomagnetic curves at -180°C to 800°C (simultaneous measurement of magnetization and susceptibility)
- IRM (full temperature range)
- Backfield (full temperature range)
- Hysteresis loops (full temperature range)
- FORC diagrams
Specifications
|
Examples of Measurements
Here you can see examples of measurements performed with the instrument. If you are interested in purchasing the device and would like to make sure that it can measure your materials, you can always send us your samples and we send you back the results.
Below you can find three graphs of thermomagnetic measurements and one of the hysteresis performed at various temperatures. In thermomagnetic curve measurements all the samples were given a remanent magnetization prior to heating. Sample 1 is cooled in 0 field and the samples 2-3 are cooled in the 10 Oe field. Green and magenta are the susceptibility curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Red and blue are the magnetization curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Simultaneous measurement of reversible (susceptibility) and irreversible (remanent) magnetization provides improved discrimination of different magnetic phases in the samples.
Below you can find three graphs of thermomagnetic measurements and one of the hysteresis performed at various temperatures. In thermomagnetic curve measurements all the samples were given a remanent magnetization prior to heating. Sample 1 is cooled in 0 field and the samples 2-3 are cooled in the 10 Oe field. Green and magenta are the susceptibility curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Red and blue are the magnetization curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Simultaneous measurement of reversible (susceptibility) and irreversible (remanent) magnetization provides improved discrimination of different magnetic phases in the samples.
VFTB upgrade (FORC, sensitivity and speed)
This upgrade will improve the control electronics of your device and give you free access to our new software and all its future updates. During the on-site installation of the upgrade we perform an overhaul of the device, so it is also a way to give a second breath to your VFTB. After completing the installation and maintenance we will train your staff to make sure that you get the most out of your device.
Major Improvements
On-site Refurbishing
|
Susceptibility Unit
It is a totally new measurement unit, which is based on the further development of principles described by Petersen & Petersen [1]. It provides possibility to measure simultaneously the reversible and irreversible part of the magnetization.
The unit contains an oven chamber, cooling, gradient (forcer) and susceptibility coils. It replaces your old measurement unit (yellow box that you can find between the electromagnet pole pieces). The susceptibility coils together with the new control electronics and software allow for simultaneous measurement of sample’s total and reversible magnetization (susceptibility). Please find below a brief description of its advantages:
Result examples: Below we present three results of thermomagnetic curve acquisition. All the samples were given a remanent magnetization prior to heating. Sample 1 is cooled in 0 field and the samples 2-3 are cooled in the 10 Oe field. Green and magenta are the susceptibility curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Red and blue are the magnetization curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Simultaneous measurement of reversible (susceptibility) and irreversible (remanent) magnetization provides improved discrimination of different magnetic phases in the samples. |
VFTB Services & Accessories
We provide full maintenance and support for existing VFTB devices. Our services include systematic maintenance and device calibration, assistance in moving your device to other premises[1], and customized software development[2]. We also offer a series of accessories. Please contact us should you need any other accessories or have any individual request.
SAMPLE HOLDERS: Quartz-made sample holders for all existing versions of VFTB.
DRILL BITS: Hollowed diamond drill bits for extracting samples from solid rock. Using cylindrical samples provides highest density of the measured material that fits inside the sample holder and thus ensures best sensitivity of the device.
QUARTZ WOOL: High temperature resistant quartz wool used to fix sample inside the sample holder.
SAMPLE HOLDERS: Quartz-made sample holders for all existing versions of VFTB.
DRILL BITS: Hollowed diamond drill bits for extracting samples from solid rock. Using cylindrical samples provides highest density of the measured material that fits inside the sample holder and thus ensures best sensitivity of the device.
QUARTZ WOOL: High temperature resistant quartz wool used to fix sample inside the sample holder.
[1] Please make sure that you don’t move your VFTB without our assistance, as the device is equipped with very sensitive components which can easily be broken during moving if not handled properly. Fixing broken VFTB may involve much higher expenses than reaching for our assistance.
[2] Customized software development is possible only for customers using our new software versions after VFTB upgrade or customers who purchased VFTB device after March 2014.
[2] Customized software development is possible only for customers using our new software versions after VFTB upgrade or customers who purchased VFTB device after March 2014.