Reference pattern zeta potential measurement apparatus and method therefor

摘要

The zeta potential of a fluid sample is determined by adjusting the horizontal scan rate of a reference pattern superimposed over an image of the fluid particle movement displayed on a monitor. The scan rate is adjusted by a potentiometer and is compensated in accordance with a function related to the temperature of the sample and the voltage gradient of the electrophoresis cell. The sample within the electrophoresis cell is irradiated with cold light through a plane substantially perpendicular to the field of gravity and the irradiated chamber may be magnified in a plane substantially parallel to the field of gravity before being displayed. The electrophoresis cell is a transparent elongated chamber having a section with flat surfaces and transparent windows bonded to the flat surfaces and means bonded to one of the windows to form a confined optical path for viewing a selected area of the section. Each end of the elongated chamber includes passages for the introduction and egress of fluid as well as an electrode for application of a voltage gradient to cause particle movement.