Particle Insight
Shape Module
Particle Shape Analyser
- Adds comprehensive particle shape analysis capability to laser diffraction
- Up to 127 frames per second
- Over 30 shape parameters
- Unique and powerful software
The Particle Insight Shape Module (PiSM) adds comprehensive particle shape analysis capability to laser diffraction and other size-only wet suspension technologies. Rather than determining only particle size information, the PiSM will report up to 30 different shape-related measures, including size, as well as images of each sample measured.
The PiSM was developed to be an add-one component to size-only measurement techniques. The PiSM is able to plumb into your existing system enabling the measurement of same aliquot of sample for both systems. Being that most techniques in the market assume that particles are spherical in nature when reporting results, having additional shape information as well as particles images in addition to results from current techniques enables the user to gain a better understanding of the particles and how they would perform in their final use.
Configuration
The PiSM is configured in a way that it inserts easily into the fluidics line of your existing instrumentation. A separate Windows based computer is supplied for dedicated control of the PiSM, which also provides a real-time display of particle images. Once the analysis is done the user can compare particle size results from their traditional size-only instrument and the shape module.
PI shape module with air driveIn certain situations it is important that the sample be fully enclosed and contained, as with hazardous materials, or “rare event detection”, where particle concentrations are very low and the sample needs to be protected from outside contamination. In these cases, you can use bottles designed for this purpose connected to the Shape Module, with positive pressure air as the fluid drive mechanism. View a short demo video of this method.
It is important to note that this is not a low resolution simplified shape analysis module. This is a fully functional high resolution dynamic image analysis system with high-end optics and robust software. In addition, the PiSM is configurable to match the specific size range and quality of your sample. Lens power is chosen based on the known size range.
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Key Features
As a new generation of the traditional Particle Insight instrument, the new features are:
- Improved optics. All components related to image capture (camera and Lens) have been noticeably improved, including easier magnification configuration. Higher speed data transfer rate improves real-time analysis.
- Improved images. Higher resolution and image capture for better edge definition.
- Improved accuracy. Better accuracy and ability to differentiate minor differences in particle shape down to one micron.
- Improved resolution. USB 3 high resolution digital camera with up to 5 MPs resolution and higher speed data transfer rate and capable of taking up to 127 frames per second rated, captures live images of thousands of particles.
- Improved fluidics. The oscillating pumps have been replaced with stronger peristaltic pumps that use a chemical resistant tubing. Also, the peristaltic pumps are less prone to maintenance issues.
- Improved plumbing.Pi Sentinel PRO has a Chemical resistant tubing to maintain compatibility for organic solvents.
- Improved Sample Cell assembly. The Quartz sample cell has been implemented with quick connectors (body and insert) to facilitate easy removal for cleaning purposes, replacement or just change the size of the cell for another size.
- Improved thumbnail features. When viewing particle thumbnails, the left-mouse button will display all the shape measurement values for that selected thumbnail, the right-mouse button will allow the user to eliminate that specific particle from the database and statistics. Useful when, for example, a single air bubble is not wanted in the database.
- Improved correlation plot features. Correlation Plot now, able to view thumbnails directly from correlation plot area of interest.
- New perimeter measure. A second Circularity measure was developed called “Perimeter Circularity” to assist customers with existing FPIA systems who have data using this different Circularity measure.
- New 3 digits resolution. Circularity and ALL other fraction measures have data reported with 3-decimal place accuracy. A requirement for transition from FPIA data to Pi Sentinel PRO data.
- New instrument Certification program. IO / OQ Certification and Validation program using NIST traceable standards.
- New Data Integrity compliance. The Certification program complies to new Data Integrity FDA Guidance document.
- New computing platform. Included with every system is an All-in-One computer with touch screen, allowing the customer more interaction with the software features.
- New software interface. The software user interface has been changed to reduce the clutter of options presented to the user. The user still has all the options of the old Pi, they are just accessed differently.
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Technical Specs
DimensionsH. 38.1 x W 25.4 x D 63.5
Weight13.2 kg
System volumePI SENTINEL Shape Module allows for different sample volumes
Voltage100 – 240 VAC
Frequency50 – 60 Hz
Temperature10 to 45 °C for operation.
-10 to 55 °C for storing or shippingHumidity20 to 80% relative, without condensation.
Computer Processor2 GHz CPU speed or superior
Memory1 GB of RAM (minimum).
Hard Disk Space60 GB hard drive
Monitor24” LED Touchscreen
Media DriveWritable CD or DVD drive
USB interface2 USB, 3 connectors
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Operation
Particles are suspended homogeneously in a carrier liquid. They pass through a thin flow cell in the optical path. Light is transmitted through the flow cell, thus projecting silhouettes of the particles onto a high-resolution camera sensor. The high frame rate and high resolution of the camera combined with a high-speed host computer enables the characterization of thousands of particles per second in real-time. This technique is ideal for applications where shape, not just diameter, is critical information for predicting raw material performance.
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Benefits
As a result of the improvements, the benefits are:
- Higher speed data transfer rate, up to 127 frames per second rated digital camera with up to 5 MPs resolution, captures live images of thousands of particles.
- Over 30 shape parameters are recorded, including circularity, ellipticity, opacity, mean diameter, smoothness, aspect ratio, fiber length and many more.
- All analysed particles have thumbnail images saved for post-run viewing and shape analysis, both in grey scale and binary views.
- Ability to compare different analyses via histogram overlays for all analysed shape parameters.
- Scatter plot correlates two shape measurements and can be utilized as a process quality control criterion as an at-line application within unit operations.
- Unique and powerful software permits the use to simplify data processing to a pass/fail reporting or choose to extend data analysis to a full suite of post processing image and shape analysis reports.
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Applications
Fibre Particles
Suspended Particles
Packing Materials
Drug Delivery
Stem Cells
Coal Powder
Glass Fibre
Ocean Floor Sediment
Toner Powder
Portland Cement
Pollen
Abrasive Powders
Diamond Abrasives
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Compliments Laser Diffraction
Not all particles are round. In fact, very few are in real life. particle with ECA circleLaser diffraction performs an indirect measurements of size. What this means is that what is being measured in laser diffraction is NOT the actual size of the particle but rather the diffracted angular light intensity that is scattered as a function of size. As a result, this method as well as many others used in industry, assume that particles are spherical in nature when reporting size information. The calculations rendered are based on what is known as Equivalent Spherical Diameter. If the particles being measured are, in fact, round in nature, this would be an accurate way of checking the size, however if they are not round, and most are not, then assuming they are round when looking at statistical results may lead the operator to believe that the particles will perform one way when in fact they will perform differently. For example, if a particle that is measured is assumed to be 100microns in diameter and this calculation is made assuming the particle is spherical, the operator may assume that the flow and mixing of these particles would be well dispersed and uniform in nature. However if the actual shape of the particle is far from being spherical in nature, then the performance of these particles would be drastically different. Particle sub-components may separate during transport and not blend well.
Image Analysis performs a direct measurement of the particle. Unlike Laser Diffraction and other indirect measurement techniques, Image Analysis will take measurements of images of the actual particle. By doing this, calculations can be made to render many different measures about a particle. In the similar case shown above, the 100micron diameter particle, assuming it is round in nature, would have up to 30 additional small particlesmeasurements calculated. This gives the user much more confidence to make correct assumptions of how their particles will perform.
Data can be compared using the Particle Insight instrument software or by comparing printed reports.
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They have a rapid response turnarounds and are very knowledgeable of the techniques and products they provide.LeanneB-375
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Good service, very helpful
We use Meritics for the PM service and installation of all our FlowCams . Megan has been coming to our site for a number of years. She is very efficient in her work, but most of all Megan is very helpful. We have had issues with one of instruments after the install and Megan did her utmost to try and solve it while on site, even though it wasn’t solved Megan has been in contact with the supplier of the instrument to try and solve this problem for us.
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I have used this company through the laboratory I work for frequently. We specialise in soil analysis, and Meritics were chosen as they have extensive knowledge of the instruments we use. We have several laser particle diffraction analysers with a service contract, and service is always very prompt and meticulous….
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Good experience over two years
Meritics have covered the annual servicing of our Multisizer 4e instrument since we purchased it from them just over two years ago. The application scientist who performed the servicing was friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful, happily answering a barrage of questions about how best to use and maintain the instrument. All my interactions with Meritics staff have been positive. I would happily recommend them.
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After owning one of our instruments for over 8 Years which was purchased from Meritics, it suffered its first breakdown. Upon contacting Meritics, I was instantly put through to an engineer who was very helpful. Upon inspection of the manual, it was decided that it would be more cost effective to have a Meritics engineer visit. The Meritics staff were very communicative and kept me up to date.
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Used Meritics to conduct particle size distribution by laser diffraction. Service as last time, is very quick, well priced and professional.
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