The versatility of a measuring systems is achieved by the capability to adapt an instrument to different requirements and tasks. The open measuring zone of HELOS and QICPIC allows the use of a variety of dispersion modules optimised for a specific application. Dispersion modules play the key role in particle size analysis by laser diffraction and the combination of modules ensures that the optimum treatment of the sample is always applied. 

Depending on the application there are dispersing systems for wet and dry dispersions as well as for sprays or aerosols for medical inhalation. Modules can be combined customer specific in one HELOS or QICPIC instrument. This modularity is the essence of "The Sympatec way of laser diffraction / image analysis". Of course every HELOS/QICPIC unit can be upgraded or extended by the latest dispersion modules even after years.

Symbol: Sympatec Cactus

Dry Dispersion for Dry Powders

The famous and up to date, unrivalled dry dispersing system RODOS and the automated versions RODOS/M or RODOS/L have made laser diffraction accessible for dry applications. The technique, equipped with numerous adapters, also covers the submicron range. Samples, from only a few milligrams up to more than 100 grams are investigated in seconds. The dispersed particles in the size range of 0.1 to 3500µm are blown through the laser beam as an aerosol.

The fall-shaft gravity dispersers GRADIS and GRADIS/L cover the field of dry coarse-grained particles and gentle dispersion. GRADIS is even suited for particles up to 8750µm. The intelligent, controlled feeders VIBRI and VIBRI/L supply a constant mass-flow of sample product to the dry disperser.

All HELOS systems can be upgraded by RODOS, RODOS/M and VIBRI, while RODOS/L, GRADIS/L and VIBRI/L are designed for the use with QICPIC or current HELOS versions.
symbol: wet dispersion for suspensions or emulsions

Wet Dispersion for Suspensions and Emulsions

For particles already in suspension or emulsions wet dispersing modules should be applied. Depending on the product and/or the dispersion liquid as well as the automation grade different modules are available. All modules are equipped with integrated variable sonication for complete dispersing.

For the analysis of suspensions and emulsions QUIXEL can be applied. This heatable (option) module uses a radial pump to transport the particles, suspended in up to 1 litre of liquid, through the laser beam via a cuvette. Since draining, filling and flushing is controlled by software, QUIXEL is best suited for automated applications or high throughput application labs and especially for particles of a high density. QUIXEL covers a particle size range from 0.1 - 3500µm.

Using the semi automatic SUCELL, the fully automated SUCELL/M, or SUCELL/L samples of a few milligrams up to several grams are suspended in a liquid volume of 400 ml for the analysis. A peristaltic pump drives the suspension through a cuvette located in the laser beam. SUCELL can be applied for particles from 0.1 - 875µm.

For extremely small quantities of valuable products and if pumping might destroy the particles or droplets the dispersing module CUVETTE is best suited. Sintered from optical glasses and equipped with a stirrer this dispersion module withstands nearly all chemical attacks. Two versions, 50ml and 6ml cover the particle size range from 0.1 - 3500µm.

For a most flexible adaptation to a specific application LIXELL is the preferred choice. It offers flow cells with different optical path lengths and auto-focus/alignment with connections to external dosing units, basins etc..

All HELOS systems can be upgraded by QUIXEL, SUCELL, SUCELL/M and CUVETTE, while SUCELL/L and LIXELL are designed for the use with QICPIC or current HELOS versions.

OASIS, Dry & Wet Dispersion using
one Multi-Functional Disperser

If not only dry applications but also wet analyses play a role in a lab, RODOS/M (RODOS/L) can be extended by SUCELL/M (SUCELL/L) into the multifunctional dry and wet dispersion module OASIS (OASIS/L).

OASIS combines the benefits of fast dry dispersion using the features of RODOS including automatic changing of the injector position as required for submicron particles and the advantages of the integrated  SUCELL module for suspension and emulsion analysis.

Even the earliest HELOS systems can be upgraded by OASIS, while OASIS/L is designed for the use with QICPIC or current HELOS versions.
Symbol: software

Nebulizers, Sprays and Inhalers

Quite often customers are interested in finding out the droplet size distribution of customer specific nebulizers. The HELOS measuring zone opens up all possibilities for customer nebulizers without the need of any additional dispersion unit at all. Typical applications are agrochemicals, blow-by gases of car engines or pharmaceutical products to name just a few.

Today the droplet size of various types of sprays have to be measured. The scope reaches from fluid metal sprays via personal care sprays to pharmaceutical sprays. The SPRAYER is designed for automated reproducible initiation of many kinds of pump sprays. The initiation can be as well power as motion controlled.

For inhaler application the new INHALER module has been developed together with experts in the field of inhalation (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherlands). The fully modular INHALER covers all kinds of today's dry powder inhalers (DPI) or metered dose inhalers (MDI).

Dispersion Modules for
Laser Diffraction and Image Analysis