Quality Assurance-Physical
Detergent Testing (Tergotometer)
The testing of detergents and associated products can be extremely time-consuming necessitating extended testing to generate the statistical data required to justify any claims as to the efficacy of the product by the formulator.
The ability of a detergent product to remove stains or affect colour changes within a fabric is dependent on a number of factors: the fabric under test, the degree and type of soiling or staining, the temperature and sometimes pH and hardness of the water used in the test, the stirrer speed and the wash and rinse times employed.
The Tergotometer combines eight miniature washing machine simulators within a single bench top instrument allowing eight samples to be processed simultaneously under identical conditions of speed, time and temperature.
Once processed, the samples can be analysed by comparison with a grey scale or by measuring the reflectance of the samples concerned using a suitable colorimeter. Whiteness and yellowness indices can also be employed.
The “Tergotometer” is a versatile laboratory-scale multiple washing machine which simulates the action of eight miniature domestic washing machines within a single bench top instrument allowing eight samples to be processed simultaneously under identical conditions of speed, time and temperature.
Any number of variables can be tested in this manner: not only the temperature, agitation speed and test period but also composition of the wash solution, degree of water hardness, pH, bleach, etc.
Typical applications include:
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of soap, detergents, etc.
- Washability and colour fastness of fabrics and other materials
- Optimisation of temperature, speed and water hardness parameters
- Routine screening for dirt removal, brightening, softening, foaming, etc.
