Calibration parameters of the pendant drop tensiometer: assessment of accuracy

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science Vol. 265; no. 1; pp. 161 - 165
• Main Authors: Loglio, G, Pandolfini, P, Makievski, A.V, Miller, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01-09-2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Axisymmetric-drop-shape analysis; Calibration parameters; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Gas-liquid interface and liquid-liquid interface; General and physical chemistry; Profile analysis tensiometer; Surface physical chemistry; Surface tension; Surface tension; Axisymmetric-drop-shape analysis; Profile analysis tensiometer; Calibration parameters; Gas liquid interface; Calibration; Air water interface; Drop; Surface properties; Measurement accuracy; Aqueous solution; Air bubble; Pattern analysis
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9797(03)00138-3

A method is reported for verifying and controlling the accuracy of the calibration parameters, operating in image acquisition, for drop and bubble shape-analysis tensiometry. An error, impartially affecting the calibration parameters of both Cartesian axes, results in a squared error for the determined surface tension. Moreover, in the case where the calibration factors are affected by different errors, the determined value of surface tension is definitely unreliable, depending on the drop (or bubble) size and showing spurious in-phase or out-of-phase alterations. A procedure is illustrated for correcting the calibration parameters, on the basis of the observed results for a reference liquid. Method and procedure are validated by numerical examples.