MALVERN PARTICLE SIZE ANALYZER

It is a laser diffraction based analyzer.The

technique of laser diffraction is based on the principle that particles passing
through a laser beam will scatter light at an angle that is directly related to
their size: large particles scatter at low angles, whereas small particles
scatter at high angles. The laser diffraction is accurately described by the
Fraunhofer Approximation and the Mie theory, with the assumption of
spherical particle morphology. The measurable size ranges from 50 [nm] to
1000 [m]. Concentrated suspensions, on the order of 1.0 [wt%], are
prepared, using suitable wetting and/or dispersing agents. A small ultrasonic
treatment is sometimes useful in breaking up loosely-held agglomerates. A
few [mL] of suspension are required to carry out the measurements. This
method is very attractive because only a few minutes are required for the
sample analysis. Suspensions are mostly prepared with water, but other
solvents can also be used (ethanol, isopropanol, or octane). It is possible to
carry out the measurement on dry powders by adapting a specific
equipment. The limitations of this method appear for small sizes (< 1 [m],
Mie theory), for non-spherical particles, and for materials with a low
refractive index with respect to the dispersive medium.
Particle Size Analysis is an analytical
technique by which the distribution of sizes in a sample of particulate
material is measured. Particle size analyzers range from the historical sieve
to modern automated light scattering instruments. The most appropriate
selection for a particular application depends on a number of factors
including the size range of interest, nature of the sample, the information
required from the analysis, sample throughput, and price. Modern light
scattering instruments are becoming the particle analysis method of choice
in most industries due to their analysis speed (approximately 30 seconds),
wide size range, ease of use, flexibility, and reproducibility.

Schematics of the laser diffraction

measurement

Laser Particle Size Analysis consists in

measuring the size of particles (powders, suspensions and emulsions) using
the diffraction and diffusion of a laser beam. During the laser diffraction
measurement, particles are passed through a focused laser beam. These
particles scatter light at an angle that is inversely proportional to their size.
The angular intensity of the scattered light is then measured by a series of
photosensitive detectors. The map of scattering intensity versus angle is the
primary source of information used to calculate the particle size. The Mie
scattering model accurately predicts the scattering of particles.

Malvern Particle Size Analyzer

The stability, chemical reactivity, opacity,

flowability and material strength of many materials are affected by the size
and characteristics of the particles within them. Getting things right at every
stage of production, from R & D through to manufacture (e.g. food and
pharmaceuticals) and quality control of the finished product is vital.

Size Dependence of the Observed Scattering Signals