FAQ - LMT Low Viscosity Heavy Liquid

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does LMT (Lithium Metatungstate) cost less than LST or SPT?

The costs to manufacture all of these heavy liquids are similar. LMT Liquid, llc has focused on keeping overhead low to provide a lower cost product. Low prices have resulted in higher sales volumes. LMT is not an inferior product.

What are the differences between LMT and SPT?

LMT costs much less to purchase and use than SPT. LMT is a Lithium based Tungstate and SPT is a Sodium based Tungstate. The viscosity of LMT and SPT are very similar. LMT has higher thermal stability than SPT. LMT is sold as a liquid while LST is generally sold as a powder. LMT and SPT can both be reused and recovered by evaporing water after washing to raise density. In most cases LMT and SPT can be used interchangebly.

What are the differences between LMT and LST?

LMT costs much less to purchase and use than LST. LMT and LST are both Lithium based Tungstates. The viscosity of LMT is higher than LST at high densities, in most cases the difference in viscosity is not a factor. LMT and LST are both sold in liquid form. LST has higher thermal stability than LMT, LMT is thermally stable to 105 degrees C to allow quick and efficient reconcentration through the evaporation of water, in most cases the difference in thermal stabilty is not a factor. LMT and LST can both be reused and recovered by evaporing water after washing to raise density. In most cases LMT and LST can be used interchangebly.

Do many facilities use LMT?

LMT has been in use since about 1994. LMT high density solution has been used successfully by thousands of companies and universities for hundreds of thousands of density separations. LMT is currently in use at facilities in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Africa.

Is LMT thermally stable?

LMT is thermally stable. While some other inorganic heavy liquids may have higher thermally stability, the thermal stability of LMT is not an issue during normal use. LMT is always used in a liquid form, during manufacturing and recycling, LMT is heated to boiling to evaporate (remove) water.

What is the Viscosity of LMT?

Viscosity and Density at 23 degrees C.

Viscosity = 1.10 cSt     at    1.47 g/ml density

Viscosity = 1.30 cSt     at    1.74 g/ml density

Viscosity = 1.90 cSt     at    2.09 g/ml density

Viscosity = 3.30 cSt     at    2.42 g/ml density

Viscosity = 9.60 cSt     at    2.78 g/ml density

Viscosity = 12.5 cSt     at    2.85 g/ml density

The viscosity of LMT is similar to SPT and higher than LST. The viscosity of LMT is not an issue for most separations. Contact us to discuss your application.

Will LMT react with any minerals?

The pH of LMT is approximately 4.0 and may react with some minerals such as limestone and sulfides if left in contact for extended periods of time. This is usually not an issue during the normal use of LMT.

What type of containers and utensils should I use with LMT?

Only plastic or glass should be used while working with or storing LMT.

Will the density of LMT be affected by changes in room temperature?

Normal changes in room temperature will not change the density of LMT enough to impact most density separations. Water from an LMT solution will evaporate at room temperature and the density may be impacted. It is advised that LMT solutions are kept covered to prevent evaporation.

Is LMT safe to use?

LMT is safe to use when standard laboratory procedures are followed. No Fume hood is required. As with any work in the laboratory, rubber gloves and safety glasses should be worn.