Particle characterisation with dynamic image analysis for dry powders from 0.9 µm to 4,000 µm and suspensions from 0.5 µm to 2,000 µm in a hybrid system
The configuration of the image analysis sensor QICPIC with the OASIS/L dry and wet dispersion, combined in a hybrid system, delivers fast and repeatable analyses for particle size and particle shape. Both, dry powders, fibres or granules from 0.9 µm to over 4.000 µm and suspensions with fine to coarse grained particles from 0.5 µm to 2,000 µm are reliably dispersed and characterised. OASIS/L combines the unique dry dispersion unit RODOS/L with the proven SUCELL/L wet dispersion unit. When required, the switch between dry and wet dispersion is performed at the push of a button within just a few seconds. All measurement and dispersion parameters are software-controlled and can be saved as retrievable measuring methods (Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)). In this way, measurements are reliable and independent of the operator, even if the product and application are changed frequently.
In dry measurements with the RODOS injection disperser, the energy input for dispersion is fine-tuned for the product with precisely adjustable pressure conditions. The dosing of the powder sample is performed by means of the precision vibratory feeder VIBRI/L, which guarantees optimum particle concentration in the measuring zone with a consistent, controlled product supply. Dispersing lines with a cross-section of 4 mm, 6 mm or 10 mm ensure that the shape and focusing of the free aerosol jet are adapted to the product. The perfectly separated particles are frozen in their movement with an exposure time of less than a nanosecond and captured with a frequency of up to 500 frames per second. No other dispersion method gets even close to this level of performance. The speed, reproducibility, comparability and the high statistical confidence with large sample volumes are particularly prominent.
When switching to wet measurement the SUCELL/L flow cuvette extends into the measuring zone at the push of a button. Equipped with a stainless steel basin with a nominal volume of 500 ml and a peristaltic pump, SUCELL/L is a proven solution for closed-loop measurement tasks. For smaller sample volumes, a small volume adapter allows the analysis volume to be reduced to 50 ml. The powerful ultrasonic input is capable of dispersing even highly agglomerated suspensions directly in the basin. Two stirrers immerse and reliably homogenise the sample. The pump ensures a consistent flow through the measurement cuvette, which is adapted for the sample with layer thicknesses of 0.2 mm to 4 mm. Rinsing, filling, degassing, addition of additives, pump and stirrer speeds, ultrasonic treatment and the trigger for the measurement can be controlled with the operating display or the software. In order to tailor the chemical resistance to the dispersing fluid, different materials are available for gaskets and tubes (e.g. PTFE, Marprene®, FKM (Viton®), FFKM, EPDM, NBR, CHEM-SURE®).
The evaluation returns all relevant size and shape characteristics, and the results can be presented both as a distribution and individually for every single particle.
The modular concept of the QICPIC image analysis sensors allows this configuration to be systematically expanded with numerous dispersion units and dosing options, thereby opening it up to many more product-appropriate measuring applications.
- Particle size, particle shape and their distributions
- For dry powders, fibres, granules | Suspensions
- For alternating dry and wet measurements in the laboratory
- 4 high-resolution measuring ranges from 0.5 µm to 4,000 µm | XS to L
- High-speed camera with up to 500 frames per second
- Automatic changeover between dry and wet measurements
- RODOS/L | For dry, also cohesive powders from 0.9 µm to 4,000 µm (even longer for fibres) | Sample amount < 1 g to 1,000 g
- SUCELL/L | For suspensions from 0.5 µm to 2,000 µm | Analysis volume 500 ml (50 ml with the small volume adapter) | Closed-loop | Peristaltic pump | Double stirrer unit | Integrated ultrasonic generator
