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Micromeritics Analytical Services offers a variety of techniques to measure particle size of materials. Specifically, we offer the following techniques:
Laser Light Scattering [ Example Report]
X-Ray Sedimentation [ Example Report]
Electrical Sensing Zone [ Example Report]
Particle Shape Analysis
Nano Particle Size
Dynamic Image Analysis
Sieve Analysis
Aerodynamic Particle Size
Light Obscuration
Laser Light Scattering Technique utilizes Mie and Fraunhofer Theories to determine particle size distribution from a light scattering pattern. We have available both the Saturn Digisizer 5200 and the Mastersizer 2000 for this technique. The Saturn Digisizer 5200 is the highest resolution instrument available, capable of distinguishing small differences in your sample. The Mastersizer 2000 is capable of performing particle size distribution using either the dry dispersion module or wet dispersion module. The particle size range is 0.02 um to 2000 um.
Example Report
Mastersizer Example Report
The X-Ray Sedimentation Technique takes advantage of the natural tendency of particles to separate by size as they settle through a liquid medium. The mass fraction in each size class is determined by the adsorption of soft X-rays. We utilize the Sedigraph III 5120 which has a particle size measurement range is 0.1 um to 300 um.
Example Report
Electrical Sensing Zone, commonly known as the Coulter principle, employs an electrical circuit created between two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte on opposite sides of a small orifice. An electrical signal proportional to the volume of the particle is produced as particles are swept through the orifice by a flow of the electrolyte. The technique is used both to count particles and to determine particle concentration in a solution. Currently we use the Elzone 5380 particle size analyzer and the recently acquired MultiSizer 3 Coulter Counter for this technique. The particle diameter measurement range is 0.5 um to 1000 um.
Example Report
Particle shape effects often have a significant influence on final product performance parameters such as flowability and spray patterns for inks and toners, abrasive efficiency, and bio-availability to name just a few. There are several techniques used to determine particle shape and an almost endless variety of ways to evaluate the data. Micromeritics Analytical Services uses optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic image analysis to determine particle shape parameters.
Nanoparticle sizing and Zeta Potential determination using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) or Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) with a Malvern Zetasizer Nano. This technique is primarily used to measure the particle size of nanoparticles in suspensions, inks, and emulsions. The zeta potential provides information as to the stability of the dispersion or emulsion.
Dynamic Image Analysis uses an automated device which presents a falling sample to a CCD camera which takes digital images of the particles as they fall. Once this image has been captured we can determine the size of the particle by assuming either a spherical or cubical shaped geometry. We use a product called the Optisizer 5400 for this measurement and the particle measurement range is 100 micrometers to 5 millimeters.
Sieves - We offer particle size analysis using three different sieve techniques; a sieve shaker apparatus, sonic sifter, and alpine airjet. The particle diameter measurement range is 50 um to 10 mm.
Aerodynamic particle size using a TSI Aerosizer or BAHCO instrument. Aerodynamic particle size has many applications such as inhalation and drug delivery studies. Another major use is environmental and clean-room air quality applications.
Particle counting and concentration using Photozone or Light Obscuration with an AccuSizer Model 770. This technique is specifically useful in USP methods <788> and <789> for detecting particulates in injectable solutions.
DATA INTERPRETATION
To assist customers with interpretation of their results we offer the following technical documents and articles. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Micromeritics Analytical Services at 770-662-3630.
A Primer on Particle Sizing by Static Laser Light Scattering
The Perseverance of the Sedigraph Method of Particle Sizing
Particle Size Brochure
Interpretation of Particle Size Reported by Different Analytical Techniques
The Perseverance of the SediGraph Method of Particle Sizing
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