A particle size analyzer is an analytical instrument that provides key insight into particle size, shape, and count. This requires technology that measures, visualizes, and reports a particle size distribution for a given particle or droplet population.
There are two types of particle size analyzers—inline and offline. In QC labs, offline particle size analyzers are used to check the specification of particles at the end of a process to identify deviations from the required particle properties. In process development and R&D settings, inline particle size analyzers play an important role to develop efficient processes and achieve high final product quality.
Our particle size analyzers cover a size range from .5 µm - 2mm.
Analyze particles in various states (opaques and viscous liquids, emulsions, slurries, and more). Our particle size characterization tools are also used in a variety of industries including pharma, food and beverages, cosmetics, and more.
Since acquiring Lasentec in 2001, METTLER TOLEDO has continued to advance the development of FBRM and PVM technology. With thousands of in-situ particle size analyzers installed worldwide, from the R&D laboratory to the manufacturing plant, our probe-based technologies are acknowledged as the gold standard for particle size distribution analysis. Our technology measures and visualizes the rate and degree of change in particle and droplet systems as they naturally exist in process.
The selection of journal articles below utilize particle size analyzers to address measuring solubility and metastable zone, crystallization design, seeding crystallization processes, optimizing crystal shape, monitoring supersaturation, polymorphic crystallization, phase separation (oiling out), managing impurities, crystallization scale-up, and continuous crystallization.
Different particles can have very different physical properties and a certain particle size and shape will be optimal for a specific purpose.
Particle size analysis is important for process optimization and quality control to ensure and document optimal particle properties. The wrong particle size, in the worst case, can mean that a particle product will not be fit-for-purpose and a downstream process might experience an unplanned shutdown.
A particle size analyzer operates according to a specific method of measurement (for example, image analysis, laser back-scattering, or laser diffraction) with individual and method-specific boundary conditions. There are a variety of particle size analyzers available. All particle size analyzers provide different values for the same particle, depending on their specific method of measurement.
Macroscopic particles can, for example, be measured with a ruler or caliper. Microscopic crystals usually need more sophisticated analytical devices due to the reduced particle size. Typical particle size measurement techniques are image analysis, laser back-scattering, laser diffraction, or sieve fraction analysis.
