Introduction of the central laboratory - Hamadan University of Technology - پرتال دانشگاه صنعتی همدان

Central Laboratory

Introduction of the central laboratory
Principal of Central Laboratory of the Hamedan University of Technology: Instrumentation and setting up central laboratories and creating an infrastructure for applied basic research is one of the strategic goals of Hamedan University of Technology. According to the report of the university's public relations office, the central laboratory of Hamedan University of Technology has been set up in two levels A and B instruments since 2015. As an important center, this collection aims to meet the research needs of researchers at the university and provincial levels and at the national level.
Dr. Yousefi Seyf added: The central laboratory of Hamedan University of Technology in 2015 in line with the realization of the strategic document of the university approved on April 04, 2016, with the aim of providing research services not only to faculty members, researchers, and graduate students of the university but also to the researchers, industrialists, and institutions outside the university.
Among the other tasks of this laboratory, the objective is to concentrate and organize the advanced facilities and instruments needed by different majors, optimal efficiency of the existing facilities, saving the cost of projects, etc, Dr. Yousefi Seyf stated.
The central laboratory is divided into two levels of instruments, including A and B. Level A includes Hi-Tech instruments and Level B includes general laboratory instruments.
The central laboratory provides services to all universities, scientific and research institutions, various industries, and private sectors. Therefore, all public and legal persons can benefit from its services. Among the goals of this laboratory, the following can be mentioned: Establishing communication between laboratories inside and outside the university in order to provide mutual services, optimal use of the research capacity of faculty members, improving the educational and research quality of graduate students, improving the quality and variety of services to customers, and increasing compliance with the principles of safety, workplace health, and environmental regulations according to standards.
To download the manual of the central laboratory of the university, refer to this link.

Manager: Dr. Jaber Yousefi Seyf
Tel: +98 (81) 38411453
Email: Centrallab@hut.ac.ir
Education: Ph.D. in chemical engineering
Records: Director of the central laboratory

The central laboratory is divided into two levels of instruments, including A and B. Level A includes Hi-Tech instruments and Level B includes general laboratory instruments.

Level A instruments:

Gas chromatography (GC)

Gas chromatography is a physical analytical method that is used to identify and measure the volatile components of a mixture and their quantitative analysis. This instrument consists of two main parts: a chromatography column and a detector. In this method, the carrier gas carries the sample mixture inside the column, and the components of the mixture are distributed between two phases in balance with each other (gas-liquid). The components of the sample are separated from each other and leave the column together with the carrier gas at retention time. This technique is considered a destructive method and it can be used to measure very small amounts of liquid and gas samples.
Device features:
The two detectors used in this device are a flame ionization detector (FID) and a thermal conductivity detector (TCD), which are used to measure the concentration of organic compounds.
Specifications of acceptable samples:
This technique can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic and volatile compounds in liquid and gaseous solutions. To detect and identify the type of compounds, the analyte chromatogram is compared with the standard chromatogram. To quantitatively determine the amount of analyte, the area under the peak or the peak height of the desired compound is compared with the standard sample.
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

Atomic absorption spectroscopy is an efficient, fast, and economical method for measuring more than 60 chemical elements and has a high potential in the analysis of dissolved samples. In atomic absorption spectroscopy, a monochromatic beam is first produced by cathode lamps. The desired sample must be dissolved for analysis, and it is important to choose the appropriate dissolution method for each sample and element. After dissolution, the sample is sprayed into the flame by the atomizer, where it becomes an ion. After passing the monochromatic beam, some of it is absorbed by ions and its intensity is reduced. Then, by calculating the amount of radiation absorbed by the detector and with the help of calibration curves, the concentration of the unknown element in the solution can be calculated.
Device features:
Fast sequential capability, the capacity of 4 lamps, and low start-up time for measuring the concentration of metals and semi-metal elements: this device is equipped with a lamp for measuring the iron, copper, gold, chromium, nickel, cobalt, barium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, manganese, tungsten, mercury. , cadmium, lead, arsenic, molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, aluminum, silicon, sodium, and potassium.
Services:
Measurement of metal concentration by acetylene and nitrox oxide-acetylene flame according to the type of element in ppm (mg/l) range.
Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM)

These magnetometric systems are capable of measuring the magnetic properties of materials with a magnetization of at least 0.0001 emu to samples with a maximum of 50 electromagnetic units. This measurement range means that these magnetometric systems are capable of characterizing magnetic thin film samples, nanopowders, and magnetic bulk materials.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

In thermal analysis, the temperature of the tested sample is increased in a controlled manner in a certain atmosphere, and the properties of the material are measured as a function of temperature or time. Thermal tests that can be performed with this device include:
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
The thermal analysis device can perform DSC, TGA, and DTA methods at the same time, and with these methods mass change due to heating, the glass transition temperature of polymers, melting and crystallization temperature, phase change, and phase change or reaction enthalpy are measured.
Device features:
Temperature range: ambient temperature up to 1400°C
Heating rate: 10-100-°C/min (from ambient temperature to 1000°C) Heating rate: 0.1-25 °C/min (from ambient temperature to 1400°C)
The atmosphere inside the device: argon, nitrogen
Characteristics of acceptable samples: solid in the form of powder, film, tablets, and some liquids
Minimum sample amount required: 20 mg
Electrochemical Characterization Set (Potentiostat)

The electrochemical method is one of the practical methods for identifying the properties of different materials. One of the most useful devices in this field is the potentiostat. One of the most important advantages of the potentiostat/galvanostat device is the high speed of the test, very low noise, and its comprehensive and advanced software. By using this device, it is possible to perform various electrochemical characterizations. Also, this device can perform impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical noise.
Potential range: ±20 V
Current range: ±10 mA to ±10 nA
Frequency range: 10-µH to 10 MH
Maximum current: ± 250 mA
Flow accuracy: 0.2%
Potential accuracy: 2 mV
To make the tests repeatable, the surface of the samples should be prepared by sanding and polishing.
Connecting the working electrode (the part to be tested) such as the wire soldered to the part is required to connect to the device and perform the test. If the test is performed on a specific surface of the part, non-conductive materials such as varnish, mount, etc. should be used on other surfaces and then handed over to the operator.
Necessary arrangements must be made with the operator to conduct tests in different electrolytes.
Densitometer

Using this device, one can measure properties such as Brix, density, concentration, and specific weight of liquids such as petroleum, chemicals, drinks, pharmaceuticals, etc. One of the most important physical properties of substances and solutions is density. A densitometer is one of the laboratory instruments designed to measure density. There are several methods for measuring density, one of the newest and most accurate methods is the use of oscillation frequency, which is used in the densitometer DMA M 4500 by Anton Paar company. The above device is used in various industries due to its high accuracy and usability.
Device features:
The density measurement range is 0-3 g/cm3
Temperature range: 0-90 °C
Quick and accurate temperature adjustment by Peltier electrical temperature control system.
It has a filling check function to automatically detect air bubbles and minimize errors.
Specifications of acceptable samples: beverage industries, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, oil and gas, flavor and aroma essence manufacturers, chemical industries, research and development centers, calibration centers, and biofuels.
Viscometer

The Lovis 2000 M model viscometer, which is based on the rolling ball method, is suitable for determining the viscosity of liquid samples in various industries. This device is used to determine dynamic viscosity and kinematic viscosities. This device is used to work with all kinds of samples with a wide range of viscosity at a temperature of 5 to 100 degrees Celsius, and it is also used for samples with high corrosiveness and requires a low volume of the sample for measurement. Among other capabilities of this device, shear rate measurement can be mentioned. Therefore, this device can be used as a rolling ball rheometer for materials with low viscosity.
Device features:
Viscosity measurement range: 0.3 mPa.s to 10000 mPa.s
Temperature range: 5-100 °C
Viscosity measurement accuracy: up to 1%
Viscosity reproducibility: up to 0.5%
Time measurement accuracy: 0.05%
Accuracy of temperature measurement C: to 0.02%
Typical characteristics of acceptable samples: low viscosity solutions that are used in various industries such as beverage industries, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, oil and gas, chemical industries, research and development centers, water and wastewater, polymer industries, etc.
Tensiometer

The ring/plate method is an efficient method for measuring surface tension in liquids. Ring/plate tensiometer TD4 is used as a practical device to measure the surface tension of liquids.
Device features:
Surface tension resolution: 0.01 mN/m
Resolution of the weighing system: 0.1 mg
Measurement range: 300 mN/m -0.75 mN/m
Temperature range: 5-80 degrees Celsius
Density: up to 0.002 g/cm3
The wear test device is a device that is used to predict the tribological behavior of engineering materials and alloys in operational conditions. This device predicts the service life of parts by measuring and evaluating the wear resistance and calculating the friction coefficient of materials and alloys. This laboratory equipment is capable of Pin on disk wear test, it calculates and stores the wear and friction coefficient of the sample due to the rotational contact between the pin and the sample in dry environments. It is possible to place a wear sample as a pin and an abrasive object as a disc. According to the ASTM G99 standard, which is used for wear testing, the amount of wear in any system usually depends on the following factors, which are system variables: the amount of applied force, the characteristics of the test device, the speed of rotation, the distance of rotation, the environment, and the properties of the material.
Device features:
The device is of Pin on disk type.
The device works fully automatically and the parameters of temperature, wear path length, disk speed and the force on the pin are measured and observed by the computer.
The vertical force is applied mechanically, which will minimize the load changes during the test.
Automatic stop of the device if an additional load is applied to the dynamometer, the ability to move the location of the pin on the disk and adjust it
Wear path from 20 to 50 mm in diameter
Specifications of acceptable samples: Determination of abrasion resistance of various engineering materials, metals, ceramics, metal composites and engineering polymers.
Abrasion test

The abrasion test device is a device that is used to predict the tribological behavior of materials and alloys in operational conditions. This device predicts the service life of parts by measuring and evaluating the abrasion resistance and calculating the friction coefficient of materials and alloys. This laboratory instrument is capable of Pin on disk abrasion test, it calculates and stores the abrasion and friction coefficient of the sample due to the rotational contact between the pin and the sample in dry environments. It is possible to place an abrasion sample as a pin and an abrasive object as a disc. According to the ASTM G99 standard, which is used for abrasion testing, the amount of abrasion in any system usually depends on the following factors, which are system variables: the amount of applied force, the characteristics of the test device, the speed of rotation, the distance of rotation, the environment, and the properties of the material.
Device features:
The device is of Pin on disk type.
The device works fully automatically and the parameters of temperature, wear path length, disk speed, and the force on the pin are measured and observed by the computer.
The vertical force is applied mechanically, which will minimize the load changes during the test.
Automatic stop of the device if an additional load is applied to the dynamometer, the ability to move the location of the pin on the disk and adjust it. Wear path from 20 to 50 mm in diameter
Specifications of acceptable samples: Determination of abrasion resistance of various engineering materials, metals, ceramics, metal composites, and engineering polymers.
Wirecut

A type of machining that is performed through electric discharge between the machine wire and the workpiece is called wirecut. In this process, a 25-micron thin wire placed in a dielectric liquid (distilled water) creates a very precise cut on metal and non-metal parts. Wirecut parts usually include steel, titanium, alloys, brass, and many other metals. In wire cutting, metal is not cut, but melted or vaporized. This device creates a very precise cut line and leaves little debris. Since the basis of this method is electrical discharge, wirecut is a subset of electrical discharge machining (EDM) methods.
Vickers microhardness

Vickers microhardness test is one of the most common microhardness tests. The principles of the Vickers micro-hardness test method are the same as the standard Vickers test, with the difference that instead of the indentation force of several kilograms, the forces are in the gram limit. These tests are performed on metallurgical microscopes, which are designed for this purpose. A small pyramidal indenter (diamond) is embedded on the surface of a special objective lens. The surface of the test sample must be very shiny and polished and etched for micrographic studies to view, save and archive the results of the tests. The image sent from the CCD to the computer, and the diameter of the effect will be calculated.
Device features:
Force measurement with 0.1-gram accuracy - applying force by the system with 0.1-micron accuracy - equipped with a digital camera with a 1.3-megapixel resolution
The ability to connect eyepieces and standard microscope objects up to a total magnification of X 1600.
Characteristics of acceptable samples: measuring the hardness of the phases in a structure, the hardness of metal coatings, the hardness of different points on the surface or the depth of the sample, and the hardness of thin sheets.
It should be noted that to obtain a suitable result, the surface of the sample has been prepared with sandpaper, etc., and the surface of the sample is completely smooth.
To perform the test for samples that have only one flat surface and when placed on the flat surface of the sample, it is tilted (often small samples and below 1 cm), it is necessary to mount the sample.
Universal testing machine (STM-250)

One of the most important tests in characterizing the mechanical properties of materials is the tensile and compressive tests. With the help of this device, it is possible to obtain the resistance, the amount of deformation, and the behavior of the material due to the application of force. Generally, a pressure test can be considered as the opposite of a tensile test. STM series material testing device is designed for easy and accurate testing of materials at low cost. Advanced technology and high-quality engineering enable the user to test materials with high speed and reliability. Also, this device is equipped with a furnace for high-temperature testing.
Device features:
The ability to stretch metal materials up to 25 tons of force, adjustable stretching rate between 0.1 and 10 mm/min.
Presentation of tensile, bending, and strain diagrams of uniaxial tension with electromechanical force by STM-Controller software
Specifications of acceptable samples: This device can test the mechanical properties of a wide range of materials such as high-strength metals, casting samples, sheet and foil, welding samples, wire and cable, rod and belt, glue, tube and pipe, and composites.
UV-Visible spectrophotometer

Using the UV-Visible device, samples that absorb in the wavelength range of 1100-190 nm can be quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. For quantitative analysis, a calibration curve is first drawn using standard samples, and then the concentration of the unknown sample is determined, and the kinetics of the reaction can also be determined.
Device features:
Wavelength range: 190-1100 nm
Modes: Photometric, Spectrum, Quantitation, Kinetics, Time Scan, Multi-Component Quantitation, Biomethod