Dimensionnement des particules avec des systèmes de mesure optique de pointe

So what are my particle sizing options?

To combat the issues that have been encountered for millennia by those who have historically relied on sieving solutions, engineering and laboratory equipment manufacturers have released new particle sizing solutions that they believe overcome the limitations of traditional sieving.

These alternative technologies include Laser Diffraction, Dynamic Image Analysis and Static Image Analysis. Let’s take a look at these three technologies in turn and see how they compare for those who are interested in particle sizing or characterization where particle size distribution of large granules, powders, suspended microparticles and nanoscale materials is more easily and more quickly determined with the advanced technologies they employ.

Diffraction laser

We begin with Laser Diffraction (LD) which has seen a significant global uptake from practitioners in both research and industrial environments. In fact, many would almost say that Laser Diffraction is the de-facto standard for those who require fast, accurate and repeatable particle sizing to the ISO 13320 (2009) standard.

LD solutions rely on laser beam(s) illuminating a well-dispersed (wet or dry) sample where size distribution is calculated from the resulting scattered light pattern. There is a high degree of automation as would be expected and powerful software solutions have simplified measurement runs over the years.

Analyse dynamique d'images

Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA) on the other hand offers a high-quality solution for true particle characterization (which includes both sizing and shape characterization of each particle).

Microtrac’s DIA solutions conform to ISO 13322-2 standards and are capable of analyzing hundreds of images per second in real-time and can therefore characterize millions of individual particles in a dynamic (flowing) sample continually as the minutes tick by.

The real differentiator and unique selling point (USP) of Dynamic Image Analysis over other techniques is the ability to measure the length and width of any particle. It can therefore provide size distribution based on parameters that include aspect ratio, symmetry, roundness, etc.

Microtrac has a unique product offering amongst the best known global providers of particle sizing solutions. The patented Microtrac Sync utilises tri-laser diffraction technology with integrated image analysis cameras to provide practitioners with a solution to make both a laser diffraction measurement to ISO 13320 and an image analysis measurement to ISO 13322-2 on a single sample. Particle sizes may range from 0.01 to 4000 microns and a typical measurement only takes 30 seconds.

Analyse statique des images

Finally, for the most precise characterization of powders and suspensions, Static Image Analysis sizing solutions complying to the ISO 13322-1 standard are available. The sample remains stationery ensuring every particle imaged in the selected view is pin-sharp. Particle sizing data can then be collected, and the overview image gives a clear indication of the overall sample quality.

Whether a practitioner chooses traditional sieving, Laser Diffraction or an Image Analysis solution for particle sizing will often depend on the available budget, staffing resource, the manufacturing / research process, the sector in question and whether what is required is particle sizing data or more in-depth characterization that includes information on both the particle size and shape.