Partica: Laser diffraction particle analyzer

The Partica Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Image Analysis Particle Size and Shape Analyzer combines laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis to provide faster, more comprehensive particle analysis.

Partica integrates both complementary methodologies into a single instrument, recording particle size distribution and shape simultaneously. This reduces measurement time, streamlines R&D and QC procedures, and saves lab space.

Key features

Image Credit: HORIBA

• The comprehensive system combines laser diffraction and scattering techniques to measure particle size distribution, as well as dynamic image analysis to analyze particle shape.
• The dual-camera configuration enables particle imaging across a wide range of sizes.
• It supports the examination of particle size and shape for different sample categories, such as liquids, slurries, and powders.
• This platform is exceptionally customizable and scalable, engineered to enhance expandability.

Features

Laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis particle size and shape analyzer

• By combining both techniques into a unified system, Partica significantly reduces the total measurement time, improves efficiency in research and development, as well as quality control, all while occupying a considerably smaller space.
• It enables the examination of particle size and shape across a diverse range of sample types and concentrations, spanning from water-soluble materials such as pharmaceuticals and food items to dry powders and high-solids samples, including those used in batteries.

Image Credit: HORIBA

Particle size and shape analysis for a wide range of sample forms, including liquids, slurries, and powders

• In the field of laser diffraction, Partica delivers top-tier measurement accuracy, achieving a precision of ±0.6% relative to certified reference particle standards, and offers a broad measurement range from 10 nm to 5 mm. Furthermore, improvements to the optical system enhance sensitivity.
• For dynamic image analysis, high-resolution optics are leveraged to capture detailed features of particle shapes, which range from approximately 1 µm to the millimeter scale
• In terms of shape analysis, the system can extract more than 30 parameters associated with particle shape, including equivalent diameter, minimum and maximum (Feret) diameter, circularity, and aspect ratio.

Silica slurry quality analysis

Particle size and distribution analysis are improved by combining technologies, resulting in a more powerful overview of material testing.  Here's an example of how static light scattering and imaging technologies work together to enhance one approach.

This silica slurry study, which compares both methods, reveals relatively few large contaminants or agglomerated particles while also giving extensive characterization data that can aid in the identification and resolution of possible issues throughout the production quality control process.

Partica's simultaneous dual-mode analysis provides complementary results in a single test by combining particle imaging with laser diffraction measurement.

Image Credit: HORIBA

Two-camera system captures particle images across a wide size range

• The system enables comprehensive measurements, spanning from approximately 1 µm to several millimeters, by employing two cameras with different resolutions.
• It can capture as many as 300 frames per second at maximum capacity, allowing for the analysis of tens of thousands of particles in a short timeframe.
• This method eliminates the need for extensive hardware alterations, such as replacing microscope objectives or changing apertures, which are usually necessary in techniques that rely on Coulter counters.

Image Credit: HORIBA

Specifications

Source: HORIBA

^* Depends on particle shapes
^** Dimensions and weight exclude pipework and other protrusions, and optional accessories. 

Optional accessories

Source: HORIBA

.	.	.
MiniFlow (Circulation system)		Small-volume circulation with organic solvents. Measurement needs as little as 35 mL of solvent (180 mL with conventional circulation systems) Dispersion is possible with the built-in ultrasonic probe
Dry Powder Feeder		Measure samples in a powder state Supports both non-dispersed measurement by free fall and forced-dispersion measurement using compressed air
High Concentration Cell*		The High Concentration Cell is able to measure close to the original concentration with low dilution or without dilution. Measure inks, paints, pigments, and emulsions without dilution Positive and negative electrode materials of secondary batteries, etc Observe changes in the agglomeration state based on concentration, etc An agglomerated state was found when a battery was measured near the original concentration
Paste Cell*		The Paste Cell can measure undiluted samples or samples dispersed in a viscous medium. Microparticles dispersed in high-viscosity samples or polymers Measure magnetic powder by dispersing it in viscous oil to prevent re-agglomeration
Fraction Cell		The Fraction Cell can take measurements with samples as small as only 5 mL, minimizing the amount of dispersant. The Fraction Cell is ideal when the sample is extremely small, or when the entire sample must be recovered. Measurement range: 0.01–1000 µm, suits organic solvents Cell volumes: 5 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL Rare samples Measurements with highly volatile solvent

^*These optional accessories are available for laser diffraction analysis.