Vision Analytical
Pi Sentinel PRO

Dynamic Image Analyser

  • Up to 127 frames per second
  • Over 30 shape parameters
  • Unique and powerful software

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Beckman Coulter LS 13 320 XR Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyser 21 CFR Part 11

The Pi Sentinel PRO, new generation of the traditional Particle Insight instrument, is a class-leading dynamic image analyser that is ideal for applications where particle shape, not just the particle size, may be critical information for predicting raw material quality and to maintain a high level of process control.

Particle morphology provides important information regarding the physical shape properties of your sample. It has been shown that shape can affect flowability, dispersion, packing density, segregation, aggregate formation, and microstructure character.

The fully automated Pi Sentinel PRO Dynamic Image Analyser, now controlled by an All-in-One computer, is a well-suited research grade instrument or for use in a production process where speed, accuracy, and ease of use with its Pass/Fail shape control limits feature can be utilised.

  • 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.

  • Technical Specs

    Dimensions

    H. 38.1 x W 25.4 x D 63.5
    Weight

    13.2 kg
    System volume

    PI SENTINEL Shape Module allows for different sample volumes
    Voltage

    100 – 240 VAC
    Frequency

    50 – 60 Hz
    Temperature

    10 to 45 °C for operation.
    -10 to 55 °C for storing or shipping
    Humidity

    20 to 80% relative, without condensation.
    Computer Processor

    2 GHz CPU speed or superior
    Memory

    1 GB of RAM (minimum).
    Hard Disk Space

    60 GB hard drive
    Monitor

    24” LED Touchscreen
    Media Drive

    Writable CD or DVD drive
    USB interface

    2 USB, 3 connectors

  • Operation

    Dynamic Image Analysis

    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.

  • 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

  • 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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  • Outstanding service

    I have been using Meritics for a number of years and they always provide outstanding service and support.
    They have a rapid response turnarounds and are very knowledgeable of the techniques and products they provide.

    LeanneB-375

  • 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.

    SophieH-2201

  • Job done in a friendly manner

    Booking engineer visits is always easy. David Lowe, Meritics engineer is always very friendly.

    ThierryN

  • Service/calibration visit

    Excellent service, arrived on time, polite, friendly and informative.

    NathamM-270

  • 5 Stars

    Excellent service from an excellent company. Would recommend them to anyone.

    BarryH-480

  • Good Service

    David, our service engineer as usual was good at communicating and setting up the recent service appointment, he arrived on time, did the service promptly and informed me of any problems. Friendly and helpful

    TomA-446

  • Superb and prompt service

    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….

    JamesG-2483

  • 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.

    RajG-62

  • Fully committed to customer service

    Service second to none, both units serviced and all questions answers by engineer while on site.

    RichardA-786

  • Highly recommend Meritics for equipment purchases and aftercare services

    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.

  • Excellent Service

    Lovely, friendly and extremely helpful. David and his team are always on call with advise and are very easy to work with and are always happy to help.

    NaomiT-64

  • Service of lab equipment

    Excellent service. Friendly and professional service was provided in a timely manner to the expected standard.

    NathanM-270

  • Excellent

    Excellent communication. Updates given well in advance. Very polite staff and engineers.

    NathanM-270

  • Multisizer 4e install at pharmaceutical company

    2 people helped with the install of a Multisizer 4e. They were both very professional and friendly, answering any questions that I had. The installation was quick and the attention to good documentation practice was exceptional.

    Chloel-9

  • Service of Beckman Coulter instruments

    Always a pleasure to welcome the Meritics service engineer, who is knowledgeable, personable and extremely competent.

    NeilT-394

  • Professional

    Friendly and collaborative staff, provided a very good service.

    SamK-403

  • Professional, Customer-oriented, fast service

    We had issues with one of the aperture tubes provided by Meritics on a Friday afternoon, while very pressed for a review deadline. Meritics handled our inquiries very fast and professionally and helped us out by shipping us their spare tube to use in the mean time free of charge, while we waited for our new tube to arrive. Communication was very pleasant.

    VeerleB

  • Very helpful and prompt

    I emailed for some technical help and also to get some spares and both the engineer (David) and purchasing (Sophie) were very prompt to respond and helpful. We do have a service contract but I appreciated being able to email the engineer directly.

    AlexH-474

  • Excellent Service

    Used Meritics to conduct particle size distribution by laser diffraction. Service as last time, is very quick, well priced and professional.

    I would highly recommend

    GavinR-101

  • Excellent and Friendly Service

    Always a pleasure to deal with the people at Meritics Ltd. They understand the importance of our work and the fact that our research projects have deadlines that need to be met. Consequently, problems are dealt with very quickly and professionally and they are willing to go that one step further to make sure their supply chain problems don’t become our problems. Thank you to the team for their support. It is greatly appreciated.

    JanetH-255