TSu
Thermal & pressure hazard screening platform
The Thermal Screening Unit (TSu) is a compact instrument for thermal and pressure hazard screening, using representative sample sizes to deliver realistic safety data. By measuring both temperature and pressure, it identifies decomposition behaviour, gas generation and over-pressurisation risk — a more complete alternative to traditional DSC/DTA methods.
Overview
Beyond Traditional Thermal Analysis
Unlike conventional techniques such as DSC or DTA, the TSu uses larger, more representative sample sizes (typically 0.5 ml to 5 ml) and directly measures both temperature and pressure. This allows detection of gas generation and pressure build-up during decomposition — critical factors in identifying runaway risks and over-pressurization hazards not captured by traditional thermal analysis alone.
Designed for Realistic Hazard Assessment
With the ability to operate across a wide temperature and pressure range, the TSu enables testing under conditions that closely reflect real process environments. This ensures the data generated is both relevant and actionable for process safety and scale-up decisions.
Efficient and Practical for Laboratory Use
The TSu is designed for ease of use and efficiency, with a compact footprint suitable for standard laboratory environments. Its rapid setup and flexible operation allow multiple tests to be conducted in a single day, supporting high-throughput hazard screening without compromising safety.
Key specifications
| Test-cell material | Glass, stainless steel or Hastelloy |
|---|---|
| Test-cell total volume | 10 mL |
| Sample size | 0.5 – 5 mL (representative) |
| Temperature range | Ambient to 500 °C |
| Pressure range | 0 to 200 bar |
| Screening modes | Ramped heating, isothermal, or combination |
| Safety control | Automatic, user-configurable hazard detection and shutdown; hardware & software fail-safes on every system |
Applications
Software, control & safety
The TSu runs on H.E.L’s WinISO software — a customizable interface with real-time sensor readings and user-defined experiment plans, shared across the H.E.L range to save time on training.
Automatic, user-configurable hazard-detection and shutdown procedures protect the operator, with hardware and software fail-safes on every system.
Frequently asked questions
What is the TSu used for?
How is it better than DSC/DTA?
What temperature and pressure can it screen?
What test methods does it run?
How many tests per day?
Is it customisable?
Selected publications
The TSu features in many peer-reviewed studies — these are just three. Subscription or purchase may be required for full access. View all publications →
Technical literature
Explore the process safety range
Related reading
Screen your thermal hazards early
Talk to a process-safety specialist about reaction hazard assessment and scale-up.
“The versatility of the automated lab reactors, the ease of use and the accuracy of the TSu and Simular systems… made my work much easier and accurate. This readiness to accommodate each customer’s specific needs gives H.E.L the edge over their competitors.” — Theravance Inc, USA
