Good Sample Preparation

To Achieve Highly Accurate Measurement Results

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Good sample preparation is crucial to achieve highly accurate dropping point and softening point measurements. With the sample preparation tool, which is part of the METTLER TOLEDO dropping point accessories box, this crucial step is perfectly supported. The dropping point accessories box is included in the standard delivery of the instrument. It provides useful accessories for reliable sample preparation:

(5 + 11) The dropping point sample preparation tool enables efficient and clean filling of up to 4 dropping and softening point cups with liquid or solid substances, including a handle to place or remove the tool's plate into an oven or a refrigerator
(9) Two tamping rods to press ground solid samples into a dropping or softening point cup
(2) 2 softening and 2 dropping point cups made of chromium-plated brass
(4) 2 stainless steel balls according to ASTM D6090
(1) 2 cup lids with a vent hole to close the sample-containing cup
(10) 6 glass cups for collection of liquefied or softened samples during the respective test
(6) Sample carrier that accommodates two dropping or softening point cups with glass collectors and cup lids
(7) A stand that holds two sample carriers
(3) A spatula to transfer the sample into a cup or to remove an excessive sample from the cup
(3) A rod to remove excessive lubricant grease from a dropping point cup according to the procedure specified in ASTM D566
(8) Benzoic acid reference substance for the calibration of an instrument

Conduct efficient sample preparation using METTLER TOLEDO's sample preparation tool, which features four cups that can be prepared and used at one time.
Standardized sample preparation procedures minimize handling errors and maximize operational security, increasing the reliability of the results.

The sample preparation tool consists of four pieces:

A double-sided base plate that holds four dropping point cups on one side and four softening point cups on the other side
A support disk with four holes
A disk-like funnel for powdered samples
A handle to carry the whole tool

For dropping and softening point determinations, standard-compliant dropping and softening point cups are used. METTLER TOLEDO offers cups made of chromium-plated brass or aluminum. The experimental setup required for an automatic dropping and softening point test consists of the sample cup, closed with a cup lid, and a collection glass underneath to collect the liquefied sample.

Softening point cups

Dropping point cups

Dropping point sample holder and stand

Step 1: The dropping point cups are positioned on the side of the base plate with the deepest indentations.

Step 2: A support disk is used to fix the cups in place and to bring the upper rim of the cups to the same level as the surface. The support disk serves a threefold purpose: first it prevents the sample from contaminating the outer surface of the cups, secondly it facilitates the removal of the excessive sample, and thirdly it facilitates the complete filling of the sample cup with powdered samples.

Step 3: For powdered samples, a disk-like funnel, which guides the powder into the sample cup underneath, is mounted on top of the support disk.

Step 4: The sample-containing cup is then closed with a lid and a collection glass is placed underneath to collect the liquefied sample.

Step 5: This whole assembly is then mounted into the sample carrier, which allows for the simultaneous measurement of two samples.

Step 6: The samples are placed together with the sample carrier into the furnace of the METTLER TOLEDO Dropping Point device. After test completion, the sample carrier is removed from the furnace and securely placed on the stand to cool down to ambient temperature. It is then quickly disassembled and the collection glasses and the aluminum cups are put into the waste.