Application note

TURBISCAN

Sample preparation for

Turbiscan analysis
Application
All domains

Objective
Give tips for the best sample
preparation

INTRODUCTION
Analyses with the Turbiscan do not require any dilution or specific sample
preparation. However, it is recommended to take great care during sampling in order
to have good stability measurements. Things to be avoided are:
Air bubbles inside the sample, as these tend to break during the analysis, leading to
artefacts in the results and noisy profiles.
Bad quality meniscus, as it can prevent from analysing the top of the sample, hence
migration phenomena occurring in this area cannot be followed.
Evaporation during analysis, especially if the sample is stored at high temperature.
Another important aspect, when comparing various formulations, is to fill the cells to
the same level, so the comparison is relevant and to make sure the samples are
analysed at the right temperature.

Device
TURBISCAN LAB and
TURBISCAN Classic

Different tips are given in the following document to help you preparing good
samples for good quality analyses.

SAMPLE PREPARATION
The stopper should be fitted with a bottle liner (darker side on the outside) in order to
prevent evaporation of the product, especially when the sample is stored at high
temperature.
The glass cell should be clean and dry. Use a non-abrasive tissue to wipe it.
A tube holder is provided in order to fill the cell to the same level for an easier
comparison of the samples for the Turbiscan LAB range.

Shake well the sample before sampling.

If the product to analyse is not too viscous it may be sampled using a pipette. Great
care should be taken in avoiding air bubbles at the meniscus and drops of liquid on
the glass cell above the meniscus. These would modify the level of the meniscus
during analysis, leading to artefacts in the data processing.
If the samples are to be stored in an oven and analysed periodically, great care
should be taken when moving the samples in order to avoid movements of the
meniscus. If it was to happen, the cells should be left on the bench or inside the
Turbiscan whilst the meniscus flattens back.

Formulaction 2009 - 10 impasse borde basse 31240 L'Union France - Application Note - www.formulaction.com

Application note

TURBISCAN

1.

Analysis at different temperatures

If the samples are stored at low temperature, and unless the Cooler is fitted
to the Turbiscan, it is recommended to leave the sample to equilibrate at
room temperature for at least 30 minutes in order to avoid condensation.
Wipe the cell with a tissue.
If the samples are stored outside the Turbiscan at a different temperature
than ambient, it is important to make sure the temperature of the sample is
properly equilibrated. Therefore, one can either:
Do the measurements in the Turbiscan at room temperature
and allow the samples to equilibrate at this temperature for
at least 30 minutes (depending on the storage temperature)
before analysis.
Do the measurements in the Turbiscan at the storage
temperature. Take the samples out of the oven by a
maximum of 5 at a time and to perform the analysis straight
away to prevent them from cooling down before the
measurement.
It is important to bare in mind that the temperature can have a major effect
of the refractive indices of the dispersions, hence variations of the
temperature during analysis can lead to variations in the level measured.
2.

Sampling viscous products

When dealing with viscous products, it can be difficult to avoid air bubbles
and have a flat meniscus. It can even be impossible to use a pipette.
If the product is not too viscous a pipette controller (left photo) may be used.
It should be inserted to the bottom of the glass cell to avoid air bubble
formation in the middle of the sample. The meniscus can be flattened by
hitting the cell gently on the tube holder.
In case of air bubbles inside the sample, it is possible to put it in an
ultrasound bath for a couple of minutes or to centrifuge gently in order to
eliminate them.

Pipette controller for relatively

viscous products.

Coring cells for highly viscous products.

If the product is too viscous to use a pipette, coring cells (right photo) may be used.
These enable coring of highly viscous products or mousses. The product is cored
and a special stopper is fitted at the bottom of the cell.
If the meniscus cannot be flattened by hitting the cell gently on the tube holder, it is
possible to centrifuge the samples for a maximum of 5 minutes at low rotation speed
(maximum 1000G), depending on the viscosity of the product. Turbiscan cells can all
be centrifuged up to 2000G.

Formulaction 2009 - 10 impasse borde basse 31240 L'Union France - Application Note - www.formulaction.com