Optimelt MPA100

The MPA100 OptiMelt provides a fast and accurate means of automatically determining the melting points and melting ranges of chemical substances. With microprocessor-controlled temerature ramping, a built-in digital camera, and a selling price that is half that of competing models, OptiMelt offers the best value of any commercially available melting point apparatus.

Automated Measurements
OptiMelt is specifically designed for unattended operation. It has a built-in digital camera that continuously captures real-time images of the samples, and it uses digital image processing to determine results. The melting points and melting ranges are prominently displayed on the front panel and automatically recorded into memory for later review.

Simple Operation
OptiMelt has an intuitive front panel and is very easy to use. Simply select a start temperature, ramp rate, stop temperature, and hit start. Results can be easily seen from across the lab on the large LCD display.

Samples can be viewed on the front panel through a removable magnification lens. During a measurment, you can flag relevant events by pressing dedicated front-panel buttons. Up to six individual temperatures can be tagged for each sample.

Interactive help is available for all functions and parameters of the instrument. Text and numerical entry keypads are built into the touchscreen interface so that no external keyboard is required.

Distinct beeps and bright, front-panel LEDs announce important events like temperature stabilization or end of melt. Two separate glass holders, located on top of the instrument, are available to store empty or discarded capillary tubes.

Fast Measurements
The small, aluminum oven design, along with microprocessor-controlled temperature ramping, provides fast and repeatable warm-up and cool-down cycling. Programmable ramp rates from 0.1 ºC/min to 20 ºC/min, in 0.1 ºC/min increments, provide measurement flexibility.

The ability to rapidly preheat the oven to a start temperature slightly below an expected melting point minimizes analysis time.

Accurate Results
OptiMelt uses a platinum RTD sensor and makes temperature measurements to 400 °C with 0.1°C resolution. It is easily calibrated in the field against certified reference standards and complies with modern Pharmacopeia protocols. The instrument remembers the date of the last calibration which is included in all reports.

Data Logging
OptiMelt meets modern GLP requirements for melting point determination. Up to 24 different analysis methods can be stored in memory. Eight complete melting point reports can also be saved. Records can be displayed on the front panel, printed, or transferred to a host PC via USB. Printouts include technician identification and space for a signature.

Digital Image Processing
The OptiMelt system is unique among melting point analyzers. It has a built-in, high-resolution digital camera to capture real-time images of the samples. It then uses digital image processing to determine phase transitions in the samples.

Unattended melting points, and melting point ranges determined by OptiMelt, closely match visual results. OptiMelt’s digital image processing algorithm provides a dramatic improvement over optical absorption or reflection techniques.

MeltView Software
The MeltView Windows software displays live, high-resolution images of each sample during analysis.

The three screen-captured images to the right were collected during a typical melt. Figure 1 shows the unmelted solid samples, figure 2 reveals the meniscus point, and figure 3 corresponds to the end of the melt (clear point). Stored images may be recalled at any time, and can be played back frame-by-frame or as a movie.

Thermometer Input and Timers
OptiMelt is the only melting point apparatus that can also be used as a general-purpose digital thermometer and timer. In between melting point determinations, OptiMelt may be used with a Pt RTD to measure and log temperatures around the lab. Three built-in timers are also available to keep track of timed events during experiments.