Overview

Most suitable when

  • You are striving to explore real-life high pressure and high temperature conditions
    For the standard configuration the pressure and temperature can be set to a maximum of 200 Bar and 150 °C respectively, but the instrument can also be configured after your specific needs
  • You want to expand your possibilities
    The system is built upon the versatile and modular QSense Explorer providing plenty of add-ons if you want to widen your view 

3 reasons to invest

Make smarter decisions

Whether you are struggling to increase oil yield, to prevent fouling of pipes or to find an optimal lubricant for engines, it is valuable to understand your processes better. With QSense High Pressure you can make smarter decisions based on information about the surface interaction processes that are key to your outcome.
 

Explore real-life conditions

We are providing standard and custom made sensors to fit your needs. Study what happens in real-time to draw conclusions and optimize your process based on QCM-D results. Analyzing under relevant conditions can make the whole difference. That is why we created the QSense High Pressure. 
 

Add a highly sensitive tool 

Recording the changes of frequency and dissipation of a quartz crystal sensor, the technology offers you a new set of eyes in the studies of surface events such as adsorption and desorption at the nanoscale. 

Specifications

A closer look

Let's dive into the specifications for QSense High Pressure. 

Sensors and sample handling system

Working temperature* 4 to 150 °C, controlled via the software, stability ± 0.02 °C
Working pressure 90 to 200 bar (with the alternative peristaltic pump measurements can also be performed at ambient pressure)
Samples Up to 3 liquid samples (buffer included)
Number of sensors 1
Volume above the sensor ~40 µl
Sensor materials Over 50 standard materials including metals, oxides, carbides and polymers (e.g. Gold, SiO2, SS2343 and SS2348 stainless steel, Iron oxide, Kaolinite) Additional materials, including steels and minerals, can be customized upon request


Measurement characteristics

Maximum time resolution, 1 frequency > 100 data points per second
Maximum mass sensitivity in liquid** < 1 ng/cm2 (10 pg/mm2)
Normal mass sensitivity in liquid*** < 3.6 ng/cm2 (36 pg/mm2)
Maximum dissipation sensitivity in
liquid****		 < 0.08 x 10-6
Normal dissipation sensitivity in liquid*** < 0.02 x 10-6
Max load**** ~0.1 mg/cm2


Electrical data QE401

Power supply and frequency 100 / 115-120 / 220 / 230-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
The power supply should be properly grounded


Software and computer requirements

Acquisition Software (QSoft) USB 2.0, Windows XP or newer
Analysis Software (QSense Dfind) PC with 64-bit Windows 7 SP1, 8, 8.1 or 10 > 1366×768 px screen resolution > 4 GB RAM
Import/export Excel, BMP, JPG, WMF, GIF, PCX, PNG, TXT


Materials

Materials exposed to sample liquid Titanium grade 2 (flow cell body), Kalrez® (o-rings), Stainless steel (pressure fittings, tubing), PEEK (seals and bleeding screw)
Materials exposed to system liquid Titanium grade 2 (flow cell body), Kalrez® (o-rings), Stainless steel (pressure fittings, tubing), PEEK (seals and bleeding screw), gold (electrical contacts), brass (contact screws)


Dimensions

Electronics unit (HxWxL in cm and weight in kg) 18x36x21 9
Measurement chamber (HxWxL in cm and weight in kg) 8x9x11 2
Valve and cylinder panel (HxWxL in cm and weight in kg) 68x50x50 ~30
HPLC pump (HxWxL in cm and weight in kg) 14x26x42 10

* The temperature stability depends on variations in how the ambient affects the warming or cooling of the chamber. The specified temperature stability may not be reached if the room temperature changes more than ± 1° C, if there is a draft or a heat source nearby. ** Data has been collected for standard QSense flow module (data from single frequency mode, one data point is collected every 5 seconds, the Sauerbrey relation is assumed to be valid). The stated sensitivity for the QSense High Pressure system states a worst case scenario for how much the liquid on the back side of the sensor can reduce the sensitivity. *** Data has been collected for standard QSense flow module (data from multiple frequency mode [all harmonics], 4 data points are collected within 1 second, the Sauerbrey relation is assumed to be valid). The stated sensitivity for the QSense High Pressure system states a worst case scenario for how much the liquid on the back side of the sensor can reduce the sensitivity. **** Depends on the resonant frequency of the sensor, and the density and the viscoelastic properties of the deposited film. Values given here are only approximate and applicable for a 5 MHz sensor with a polystyrene adlayer. The specifications above are valid for this configuration. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Sensors

Sensors to match your needs

The choice of sensor is crucial for your experiment. To match your needs we have the widest range of quality sensors on the market, and we can customize both materials and coatings based on your wishes. 

Our sensors are developed and produced to provide you with stable, reliable and reproducible data. Full performance is ensured through extensive quality controls and guaranteed for one-time use according to the recommendations. Browse the list below to find your choice or contact us for a query on customized sensors.

Sensor description  Model system examples  Application examples
Aluminium (Al)  Electrodes  Electrochemistry, lithium insertion, energy
Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) Water treatment plant, nanoparticles  Environmental
AlSiO  Kaolinite mimic  Energy, mining
Amine Coupling Biological, biochemical interactions  Antibody optimization, protein-protein interactions and probing of conformational changes
Amorphous Fluoropolymer AF1600 from DuPont Teflon, non-stick surfaces, inert surfaces  Protein surfaces, cleaning and detergent analysis, petroleum
Barium Titanate (BaTiO3)   Dielectric ceramic used for capacitors  
Biotin (on gold)  Biological, biochemical interaction  Molecular biology, protein interactions, antigens
Borosilicate glass  Labware, syringes, cookware  Pharmaceuticals, cleaning and detergent anlysis
Cellulose (on SiO2)  Fabric, filter, fiber  Enzyme interactions, cleaning and detergent analysis, electrochemistry, biofuels
Chromium (Cr)  Coating  Corrosion, electronics
Chromium Oxide (Cr2O3)  Used as pigment and occurs in nature as the mineral eskolaite  
Cobalt (Co)  Orthopedic implant, battery, pigment, porcelain  Medical device, energy, electroplating
Copper (Cu)  Wire, cables, coating  Corrosion, antifouling
Gold (Au)  Universal surface  Thiols, anything – everything sticks to gold
Gold (Au) without front electrode  Allows for own electrode material  
Gold (Ti Adhesion)  Universal surface  Fundamental electrochemistry
His-tag Capturing  Biological, biochemical interactions  Antibody studies, protein-protein, probing of conformational changes
Hydroxyapatite  Bone, teeth, bioinspired material, mineral  Biomaterials, medical device
Iron (Fe)  Combustion engine, nano particles  Corrosion, environmental transport, energy
Iron Oxide (Fe2O3)   Hematite mimic, nanoparticles, pipelines  Solar energy, photocatalyst, energy, environmental
Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) Magnetite mimic, pipelines, nanoparticles Pigment catalyst, corrosion, biofilm formation, environmental transport, energy
Indium Tin Oxide (ITO on Au) Solar panel Energy, solar cells
Magnesium (Mg) Mineral Energy, mining, also used in cars, bikes, cell phones
Molybdenum (Mo) Mineral Energy, mining (also replaces Tungsten in some applications and used as fertilizer)
Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2)  Mineral  Mining
NHS-Amine Coupling Biological, biochemical interaction Protein interactions, molecular biology, antigens
Nylon “6,6”  Nylon fabric Cleaning and detergent analysis
Palladium (Pd)  Catalyst  Catalysis
Polyethylenimine (PEI) Additive, flocculating agent  Detergents, adhesives, water treatment agents, cosmetics, wet-strength agent in the paper-making process.
Platinum (Pt) Electrodes Fuel cells, catalytic converters, energy
Polystyrene (PS) Hydrophobic surface, filters Cell studies, inert surfaces, filter interaction, medical device
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Plexiglass, microfluidic material, biomaterial, bonecement, dentalfilling, lenses Biomedical, aquariums, car headlights
Polyvinylidene Fluoride(PVDF) Plastic, pharmaceutical filter and falcon tube Container interactions, harmaceutical industry
Silicon (Si) Semiconductor Energy, etching
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Rare mineral moissanite, carbone supporters, electrodes Energy, catalysts, electronics
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) Glass Etching processes, silanization, cleaning and detergent analysis
Silicon Nitride (SiN) Biomaterials, integrated circuits Electronics, medical device
Silicon Oxycarbide (SiOC) Carbon supports, electrodes Catalysts, LEDs, brakes, graphene production, energy
Silver (Ag) Nano particles, antimicrobial coating Environmental transport, coatings, materials
Soda-lime glass Household glass (bottles, jars) labware Cleaning products, surface interactions
Stainless Steel (SS2343, US 316) Acid resistant steel Environmental, polluted industrial or city environments
Stainless Steel (L605) Stents Medical device, biomaterials, blood coagulation
Tantalum (Ta) Electrodes, reactors Alloys, electronics, energy
Tantalum Nitride (TaN) Electrodes Electronics
Titanium (Ti) Medical implants Medical device, biomaterials
Tungsten (W) Electrodes Etching processes
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Minerals Mining, energy, rubber manufacture, ceramic industry, calamine lotion
Zinc Sulfide (ZnS)  Mineral Energy, mining, luminiscent and optical material, pigment
Zirconium Oxide (ZrO) Ceramics, fuel cell, membrane Alloys sintering, energy

Standardized soils*

    
Standardized used cooking oil    
Mixed starch, colored (CFT DM 77)  
Egg Yolk, double (CFT DM 22)  
Coffee with milk (CFT DM 83)  

* Deposited on SiO2
Sensors come in packs of 5.

Software

QSoft and Dfind software

QSense softwares are designed for you to make the most out of your QCM-D measurements. QSoft is collecting your data whereas Dfind makes your analysis easier. 

Dfind features

  • A complete analysis toolbox 
    One software for all your needs 
  • Intuitive interface 
    Dfind supports you all the way through your analysis process - from data preparation to final reporting
  • Guided modelling
    To take you through your analysis step by step 
  • Material library
    Configuring your modelling setup is easy, just select your sample material from the list
  • Autoplotting
    Visualizes your results throughout the whole analysis
  • Smart tools
    Dfind offers several analysis methods including shifts, rates and slopes to help you extract the information you need
  • Analyze all data in one go
    To save your time, Dfind allows you to review, model and analyze multiple data sets in one go
Would you like to know more about the details of Dfind and learn how the subscription works?

Learn more about Dfind!

Computer requirements

Required
  • PC with 64-bit Windows 7 SP1, 8, 8.1 or 10
  • At least 1366×768 px screen resolution
  • At least 4 GB RAM


Recommended
  • 1920×1080 Full HD screen resolution.
  • At least 8 GB RAM
  • At least 50 GB HD space
  • Core i5 5th generation Intel (or comparable) processor or better

Accessories

Add more possibilities

QSense High Pressure is based on our most versatile QCM-D instrument QSense Explorer. If you want to perform measurements in ambient pressure, you can always expand your possibilities with our Explorer chamber. We have selected a few add-ons you might be interested in.  

qsense-electrochemistry-module

Electrochemistry Module

For simultaneous QCM-D and electrochemistry measurements on the same surface. Enables cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance measurements to explore polymer behaviour, electrostatic interactions, corrosion etc. 

qsense-ellipsometry-module

Ellipsometry Module

Enables simultanoeus QCM-D and ellipsometry measurements on the same surface, which allows for quantification of solvent content in the film. It also gives a refined analysis of the morphological chenges of the adsorbed film. 

qsense-window-module

Window Module

The Window Module allows optical access to the sensor surface through a sapphire window. It enables experiments with UV-induced reactions and when used in the QSense Explorer chamber, the compact design also enables microscopy studies of reactions on the sensor. 

Testimonials

What others say

Our instruments are present at many prestigious universities and research facilities world wide. Take a minute to find out what others say about QSense. 

citat8

Malkiat Johal on QSense

"I have found QSense to be one of the best techniques for an undergraduate lab because it’s turnkey and it requires very little maintenance."

Johal Malkiat-1

Malkiat Johal, Professor of Chemistry, Pomona College

"The operating principles are straightforward and the students can focus on the science. And so, that’s something that we have been really happy with, it really works in this kind of setting. It’s an ideal method for an undergraduate surface science lab."

citat8

Jodie Lutkenhaus on QSense

"We can monitor the mass change of our system in real-time. I can tell you that for every electron moved, this amount of mass changed. That’s powerful. You can’t really get that with any other system."

Jodie Lutkenhaus

Jodie Lutkenhaus, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

"We use the QSense high temperature model that allows us to investigate polyelectrolyte complexes and their response to temperature. We’re also using the electrochemistry module so we can run our standard electrochemical measurements at the same time as we run the QCM-D."

citat8

Kenichi Sakai on QSense

"We regard QCM-D as a valuable measuring tool due to its high sensitivity and stability and find it applicable for versatile studies because of its availabilities of sensors with various different types of surfaces. In this context I would say QCM-D is the best suitable solution for simulating a variety of nanoscale interaction behaviors both real-time & in-situ.

Jodie Lutkenhaus-1

Kenichi Sakai, Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Science

"We are working on academic research in the field of colloid and interface chemistry and our main work is synthesis of novel surfactants and characterization of their properties. We use QCM-D as a must-tool to comprehend molecular adsorption/desorption behaviors specifically observed at a solid-liquid interface."

citat8

Marité Cárdena on QSense

"QSense instruments are a great tool for our biophysical research. They enable rapid screening for biomolecular interaction at lipid bilayers and also allow optimising the parameters for deposition of thin films."

malmö universitet

Professor Dr. Marité Cárdenas, Health and Society, Malmö University

"The instrument is easy to use, and has a long working life as long as you follow the maintenance instructions! The technical staff at Biolin Scientific are a pleasure to work with: They are nice and always give quick feedback and support."

Knowledge

Learn more

We have gathered all our in-depth knowledge associated with QSense High Pressure. Browse around amongst guides, overviews and white papers to find a topic of interest. 

  • QSense
Guide

How to read a QCM Specification

There are key parameters to keep an eye on when investing in a new QCM instrument. Learn what they mean, and why they are important.

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  • QSense
Overview

Information Obtained with QSense QCM-D

We have summarized the parameters and processes that can be studied with QCM-D for you.

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  • QSense
White Paper

QCM-D vs other QCMs

We sort out the the differences between QCM methods to answer the question - does it matter which one I use?

Download
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Overview

The Sauerbrey Relation

Time to learn how the Sauerbrey relation is derived and what the parameters mean.

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  • QSense
Guide

QCM-D Data Analysis

We put together guidelines for you on how to evaluate which method to use, and what happens if you choose the wrong approach.

Download
  • QSense
Overview

QCM-D Studies of Engineered Nanoparticles

In this overview we explore three examples of nanoparticle analysis with QCM-D.

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Guide

QSense Etching Guide

Learn how to use QSense technology for assessment of detergent etching properties.

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  • QSense
Overview

The Working Principles of QCM and QCM-D

Learn the fundamentals of how the technologies work, and what is the difference between them.

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  • QSense
Overview

What is Dissipation?

This is your chance to find out what it is, why it is important, and how it can be measured.

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  • QSense
Overview

Temperature Stability in QCM Measurements

Achieve reliable and reproducible QCM measurements by controlling the temperature.

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  • QSense
Guide

How to Generate Quality QCM-D Data

Follow our checklist for high-quality data and reproducible measurements.

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  • QSense
Overview

How QCM Results are Influenced by Layer Distribution

The distribution of the measured layer is key to your results. Discover why and how to handle it.

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  • QSense
Overview

What is Piezoelectricity?

Bone, wood and quartz are all piezoelectric materials. Learn about piezoelectricity and how it works

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  • QSense
Overview

QCM-D vs other QCMs

Let this brief overview guide you to your most suitable choice of QCM.

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  • QSense
Guide

How to Optimize the QCM-D Baseline Stability

9 steps to eliminate error sources and optimize reproducibility

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  • QSense
Overview

Characterization of Polymer-based Systems

Analyze layer build-up, conformation and molecular interaction with QSense QCM-D

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  • QSense
Case Study

Analysis of Surfactant-Surface Interactions with QSense

Find out how to analyze surfactant interaction with surfaces at the nanoscale.

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  • QSense
Overview

What is Viscoelasticity?

Ice, wood and a disks in the human spine are all viscoelastic materials. What does it really mean?

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  • QSense
Overview

Characterization of Biomolecular Interactions

Learn how biomolecular interactions can be analyzed using QSense® QCM-D technology and what information you can get.

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  • QSense
Webinar

Dfind Basic Training Course

Learn the basics of Dfind, get a walk-through of the software and watch two live demo examples.

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  • QSense
Webinar

Basics of QCM-D

Learn the fundamentals of the technology, its possibilities and limitations and get a deeper understanding of nanometer layers.

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Webinar

Biomaterials – Man-made Materials for Regenerative Medicine

Learn from Prof. Bengt Kasemo in this webinar on Biomaterials – man-made materials for regenerative medicine.

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Webinar

QCM-D as a Tool to Study the Binding of Viruses

Hear researcher Gustaf Rydell, on how they used QCM-D to study interactions between virus particles and membrane associated glycolipids.

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Webinar

QCM-D for Bacterial Adhesion Studies

Listen to Adam Olsson, McGill University, about how they use QCM-D for bacterial adhesion studies.

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Webinar

Nanocellulose Research with QCM-D

Watch our webinar on Nanocellulose Research with QCM-D where we will discuss thin films of cellulose nanofibrils development, and their characterization. 

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Webinar

Using QCM-D in the Food Industry

Learn more about QCM-D in food industry with studies of shelf life from Cornell University.

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