The GeoPyc automatically determines the volume and density of a solid object by displacement of Dry Flo, a solid medium. The medium is a narrow distribution of small, rigid spheres that have a high degree of flow ability and achieve close packing around the object under investigation. The particles are sufficiently small that during consolidation they conform closely to the surface of the object, yet do not invade pore space.

Repeatability and reproducibility are achieved by a controlled method of compaction. The sample cell in which the dry medium is placed is a precision cylinder. A plunger compresses the powder as the cell vibrates; the force of compression is selectable and, therefore repeatable from test to test. A preliminary compaction with only the displacement medium in the cell establishes a zero-volume baseline.

The sample is then placed in the cylinder with the dry medium and the compaction process is repeated. The difference in the distance ht the piston penetrates the cylinder during the test and the distance h0 it penetrates during the baseline procedure (h=h0– ht ) is used to calculate the displacement volume of the medium using the formula for the volume of a cylinder of height h, V =π r2h

The GeoPyc is operated from an intelligent touch screen. Data acquisition and reporting are fully automated for convenient incorporation in LIMS or other data concentrating systems. A variety of sample chambers is available to accommodate a wide range of sample sizes. After the analysis, a light shaking or dusting completely removes the Dry Flo so the samples can be reused or retested.

The GeoPyc has multiple operating modes including full blank, computed blank, and reference solid calibration with variance, which allows you to optimize speed and accuracy for your individual needs. During analysis, indications of progress and preliminary results make it possible to track what is occurring.