FRITSCH Laser Particle Size Analyser - ANALYSETTE 22 NanoTec

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ANALYSETTE 22 NanoTec

ANALYSETTE 22 measuring range

Principle Of Laser Diffraction

FRITSCH have been manufacturing laser particle size analysers for over 25 years. In 1985, the concept of laser diffraction in a convergent laser beam with the patented FRITSCH measurement process was introduced. This measurement process has now become the international standard for fast, reliable and reproducible particle size analysis.

Laser diffraction / scattering is the most efficient way of determining the particle size distribution from 10 nanometres up to several millimetres. The sample is dispersed either as a dry powder in an air jet or as a liquid suspension. FRITSCH offer two laser particle size analysers to cover a wide range of particle size distributions.

The FRITSCH NanoTec covers a range from 0.01µm up to 2mm.

The FRITSCH MicroTec plus covers a range of 0.08µm up to 2mm.

For more information on the MicroTec plus - click here.

NanoTec Measuring System

The NanoTec laser particle size analyser contains the housing for two dispersion units, which can be configured independently of each other. It is possible to use either the wet or dry dispersion units separately or simultaneously with automated switching between the two. Alternatively, the small volume dispersion unit may be integrated as either a second dispersion unit or connected as a third external dispersion unit, depending upon the requirements for particle size analysis.

In order to extend the range of particle size determination down to the nano range it is necessary to detect the backward light scattering from the particles. In the NanoTec laser particle size analyser, the measuring cell is positioned directly in front of the detector; a second laser beam irradiates the sample through a micro hole in the centre of the detector and the backward light scattering is directly measured using high resolution.

Using this technology, it is possible to measure down to a lower limit of 0.01µm with an upper limit of 1000µm. Through the use of laser beam expansion the measurement range can be very easily shifted to 15-2000µm. As well as particle size analysis, the NanoTec can also perform particle shape analysis, in a single measurement.

Only in the FRITSCH NanoTec laser particle size analyser is the measurement cell is moved freely within the laser beam path during the measurement. Through the use of multiple cell positions during particle size analysis, over 500 detection channels are used, which leads to a correspondingly larger number of particle size classes being measured, giving high particle size resolution. The patented principle of moving the measurement cell using the ZOOM function means that the measurement cell can easily be moved between the lens and the detector.

If the measurement cell is positioned far away from the detector, weakly scattered light will cover the whole of the detector and use all the measurement channels. In this way, coarse-grained material can be measured optimally. If the measuring cell is located close to the detector, the strongly scattered light beams from the small particles are captured in the detector with the full resolution. If necessary, up to ten positions can be combined together, to measure the whole measurement range, using all of the 520 detector channels.

Wet Dispersion Unit

Good particle size analysis relies on good dispersion of the particles in the measuring cell. Optimal dispersion can be accomplished in the NanoTec integral wet dispersion unit by using a combination of a robust, variable speed centrifugal pump in combination with powerful ultrasonification. The software controls all of the functions of the NanoTec wet dispersion unit. The sample is simply added with a spatula in the open dispersion chamber on the top of the instrument. The sample is then diluted and dispersed in 500ml solvent volume. A variety of solvents may be used including water.

Small Volume Dispersion Unit

For small volumes of 150ml the small version dispersion unit is used. The small volume dispersion unit, may be integrated as either a second dispersion unit or connected as a third external dispersion unit, depending upon the requirements for particle size analysis.

The small volume dispersion unit is ideal for the measurement of expensive or precious materials with a measuring range of 0.01-2000µm.

Dry Dispersion Unit

The dry dispersion unit for dry samples uses a combination of pneumatic and mechanical forces, with the sample supplied to the measurement cell by an amplitude controlled vibratory feeder. The dispersion of the sample is a two-phase process, through aerodynamic air fins and then high speed through a nozzle. Compressed air at 5 bar and a volume of 8m³per hour is required for the operation of the dry dispersion unit. An external exhaust vacuum removes the sample. Both the compressor and vacuum can be ordered as accessories if required. 

Software

FRITSCH MaS control software is a database, which stores all entries, parameters and results securely. The layout of the particle size analysis reports can easily be defined to exact requirements using the report generator. Other networked computers can view freely definable reports easily.

FRITSCH MaS software includes the following features:

• Fraunhofer or Mie theory, alternatively selectable

• Measuring process control through SOPs

• Conversion to freely selectable user values

• Trend analysis and data export to Excel™

• Statistical evaluation

• Individual reports and layouts

• SQL database

• Determination of the particle shape (elongation ratio)

• Manual entry of comparison data

• Freely definable interfaces

ISO 13320

The accuracy and repeatability of all particle size analysis results, is very important. All FRITSCH laser particle size analysers are inspected and tested to ISO 13320 Particle Size Analysis – Laser Diffraction Methods. All FRITSCH laser particle size analysers greatly exceed the minimum standards laid down in ISO 13320.

ISO 13320 defines the following:

• The fundamental measuring principle.

• The optical arrangement of the laser particle analysers.

• The key instrument parameters for users to ensure ease of comparision with different instruments.

• Details on the use of the physical theories of light scattering, with particular reference to the Mie or Franhaufor theories.

• Inspection of the minimum requirements for repeatability and accuracy with the suitable standard materials.

Particle size measurement using laser diffraction particle size analysis, is based upon fundamental physical relationships. This means that the calibration of the instrument is not necessary. Instead the instrument should be regularly checked using a reference material, with a spherical shape to allow for the precise determination of the particle size with the help of laser diffraction.

Reference Materials

The refence materials supplied by FRITSCH, are supplied with precise dispersion and measurement instructions. The reference materials, are supplied with a NIST traceable certificate that states the upper and lower limits of the expected particle size.

For more information on Laser particle sizing applications - click here.

For more information on the FRITSCH ANALYSETTE 22 MicroTec plus - click here.

For more information on FRITSCH Standard sieve shaker ANALYSETTE 3 - click here.

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