NMISAWorld-class services in support of African Trade

Reliable measurements are vital not only to verify that products and services comply with the legislation that exists to protect the consumer and our environment but also to support trade and industry. Reliable measurements in analytical testing laboratories can only be achieved through the use of accurate measurement standards also known as reference materials (RMs).

The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) established its reference material production facility to provide laboratories with Africarelevant RMs. These RMs are used for quality control, method validation and to establish measurement traceability. The use of RMs and regular participation in proficiency testing allows laboratories to demonstrate continued analytical competence.

The Reference Material Production Facility is equipped with state-ofthe-art equipment that allows the Institute to process diverse materials according to the requirements of the international standard ISO 17034 for reference material producers. The various equipment available in the facility makes it possible for the Institute to mill, mix, sieve, freeze-dry and package different materials in suitable packaging for an extended shelf-life, and store them in temperature-monitored refrigeration facilities.

NMISA is a leading National Metrology Institute (NMI) in Africa.

We shorten the traceability chain for NMIs on the continent, by providing excellent and internationally recognised quality-certified RMs. Through this facility, the Institute aims to enable fair trade by ensuring labs that are involved in testing and calibration have access to our reference materials which are sustainable, affordable and easily accessible.

The showcase instrument in the reference material production facility is the patented Resodyn Resonant Acoustic Mixer ™ (RAM) 5, possessing multiple functional benefits over other traditional mixers. This production-scale state-of-the-art technology is designed to mix notoriously difficult substances without the need for impellers or agitators. The RAM uses sound energy to effectively and efficiently process powders, pastes, liquids, and combinations thereof with breakthrough speed,

The quality and repeatability. The RAM 5 is complemented by a laboratoryscale benchtop mixer, the LabRAM II unit, which is used for visualising the mixing behaviour of materials, during small-scale research and testing. The mix parameters can then be scaled up to the RAM 5 for pilot-scale production. Materials produced here, are analysed by the NMISA materials characterisation unit, where a host of analytical techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy and Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Particle Size Distribution (PSD) and Xray Diffraction (XRD) are applied.

(RAM) 5 uses sound energy to process powders, pastes, liquids, or combinations thereof effectively and efficiently with breakthrough speed, quality and repeatability.

One of the many benefits of the RAM 5 is that it uses less energy, making it a green technology. Fundamentally, this machinery uses low-frequency (sound) waves to achieve resonance and once this is achieved, it requires less energy to mix chemicals. It is built on flexible and universal processing options like vacuum, temperature control, and customised mixing vessels. The other benefit is that it does not, like other mixers, have blades. This means it does not have a lot of contact with the material whilst mixing. It, therefore, does not require a lot of cleaning, making it easy to maintain.

The applications of this technology are endless. This mixing technology can benefit, among others, the nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, mining and energy sectors. Its advantages extend to a myriad of uses and applications such as dental products, batteries, ceramics, lubricants, pigments, adhesives, sealants and advanced materials to list but a few.

The technology can contribute significantly to the cosmetics space, especially the essential oils market, making it easy for clients to blend their essential oils with other materials such as moisturisers and creams or blends with other oils. This is further supported by NMISA’s essential oils testing services offered through the Africa Reference Institute. The ARI provides supporting information about the material that has been tested and the content of the test certificates. In this instance, clients can benefit from more than just using the acoustic mixer. There are also services available to bottle and label these products, as the production facility label printer complies with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Various Industries are supported including:

• Additive Manufacturing

• Adhesives and Sealants

• Advanced Polymer Systems

• Batteries

• Biotechnology

• Ceramics

• Chemicals

• Cosmetics

• Dental Products

• Electronics Materials

Since the acquisition of the technology in 2017, NMISA has found great value in contributing to fields such as feed additives, predetonation mixes and biofuels. For the most part, the Institute has been using the technology which provides the best performance in terms of homogeneity and reproducibility for reference materials production.

NMISA prides itself on being a “one-stop shop” for metrology services in Africa. Not only can the Institute prepare and mix products for clients through the reference material production facility, but it can also meet clients’ additional needs for calibration and analysis through other services from the Physics and Electromagnetism (PEM) and Chemistry, Materials and Medical Metrology (CMM) divisions. Analysis and calibration training is provided through our recently established Training Centre.

• Energetics: Explosives

• Energetics: Propellants

• Energetics: Pyrotechnics

• Lubricants

• Nano-Materials

• Pharmaceuticals

• Pigments

• Sintered Materials

As an entity funded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), NMISA recognises the importance of making these technologies available to all potential users that would otherwise not have access due to cost and infrastructure constraints. This enables NMISA to assist potential users to develop innovative products that they otherwise may not have been able to. Access to NMISA’s technology also means access to the Institute’s skills and expertise, providing a boost to entrepreneurs and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa and on the continent. African countries no longer need to turn to international partners when these measurement solutions are available in South Africa

NMISA remains dedicated to supporting trade and industry, enabling new product development and manufacturing, supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, creating employment and enhancing the African economy. Contact us at ReferenceMaterials@nmisa.org to find out how our measurement solutions can benefit you.

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