New data confirm Mastersizer 3000 is breaking new ground in dry powder particle sizing

Phil Black - PII Editor 22/08/2012

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New experimental data published by Malvern Instruments illustrate the real-world capability and flexibility of the Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction system for the particle size measurement of dry powders. Equipped with the unique Aero S dry dispersion unit, the Mastersizer 3000 breaks new ground in dry powder particle sizing and experimental results are described in “Extending the boundaries of laser diffraction measurements: Enhanced dry dispersion with the Aero S” , a new publication on the Malvern website. This summarizes a series of studies that demonstrate how the Mastersizer 3000 deals equally efficiently with materials ranging from pigments to milk powder and coffee, delivering effective dispersion without particle damage, even for fragile materials. Compared with other laser diffraction systems it significantly broadens the range of materials and applications to which this convenient measurement technique can be applied. Visit www.malvern.com/dry-powder-particle-sizing

Dry particle size measurement is efficient, is especially useful for moisture sensitive materials, and since it requires no dispersants it is environmentally friendly. However, it relies on efficient dry dispersion of the sample, requiring sufficient dispersive energy to completely deagglomerate the sample but without inflicting particle damage.

The modular design of the Mastersizer 3000’s Aero S dispersion unit provides options for controlling dispersion that include an adjustable hopper, different feed tray designs and a choice of two different venturis. The standard venturi has no impaction surfaces and uses shear forces to disperse the sample, while the high energy venturi uses impaction to achieve more aggressive dispersion.

The new data illustrate the suitability of different configurations of the Aero S for widely differing materials and shows how the flexibility of the system enables the user to develop a robust method for each and every type of sample. All modular components are automatically recognized by the system software so an optimized test set-up is readily locked into a Standard Operating Procedure that automates all subsequent measurements.

To find out more about the Mastersizer 3000 or the design and performance of the Aero S go to: www.malvern.com

Alison Vines, Malvern Instruments Ltd
Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1XZ UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456; Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789 salesinfo@malvern.com

USA contact:
Marisa Fraser, Malvern Instruments Inc.
117 Flanders Road, Westborough, MA 01581-1042 USA
Tel: +1 508 768 6400 Fax: +1 508 768 6403 marisa.fraser@malvern.com