John Morris

Overview

The ANALYSETTE 22 NanoTec is the top model of the FRITSCH laser particle sizer series.

A lower measurement limit of 0.01 µm was achieved through utilisation of back-scattering light. The total measurement range of 0.01 to 1000 µm can be shifted to 15-2000 µm through use of the beam expansion. The zoom function resolves the particle size distribution of the sample in up to 520 measurement channels.

For particle characterisation, both the size distribution as well as the shape parameters can be identified. The ANALYSETTE 22 is the only instrument in the world with which particle size distribution and the particle shape can be analysed in a single measurement.

This model of the ANALYSETTE 22 NanoTec contains the module for wet dispersion and can be expanded with the module for dry dispersion or small volume wet dispersion.
Features

• Software for particle shape analysis included in the price
• Compact design
• High-quality components "Made in Germany"
• Auto-alignment for both laser beams
• Integrated measurement data collection without additional hardware
• Use of decentralised 16-bit Flash processors
• Complete calculation of the Mie theory
• Lower measurement limit at 0.01µm - measurement time <2 minutes
• Zoom function for adaptation of the measurement range to your sample
• Size and shape analysis in a single step
• Integration into test equipment monitoring according to ISO 9001:2000
• Laser standard ISO 13320-1 is exceeded

Benefits

The technology
The optical bench is constructed of high quality components in a vertical design to save space.
The fibre-coupled, robust 7 mW double laser diodes with polarisation-preserving fibre, good temperature stability, high beam quality and long service life radiate in the visible range. A newly developed diffracted light detector on a ceramic base "made in Germany" according to state-of-the-art manufacturing methods offers the best mechanical and thermal stability.
With the expansion for measurement of the back-scattered light, the ANALYSETTE 22 NanoTec covers a unique scattered light angle range from 0° to approximately 180°. It has a double laser diode for scattered light measurements in the forward and backward directions. To expand the measurement in the nanometre range, the forward laser is blocked off and a laser in the reverse direction is freed up. This generates light diffraction in the measuring cell that can be captured by the detector as polarisation-selective backward diffraction in the angle range 60° - 180°. The extinction of the backward laser is captured by a photodiode swivelled to a position in front of the forward laser. This "nano" option cannot be activated with dry dispersion.

Wet dispersing unit
In the wet dispersing module, the fully automatic rinsing of the suspension takes place efficiently and without deadspace through the use of a motor-driven 4/2-way valve. With the integrated ultra-sound bath (approx. 500 ml volume, 50 Watts output), even difficult to disperse samples can be measured without the need for additional instruments. The digital ultra-sound generator keeps the specified output optimal and constant.
The powerful centrifugal pump with an output of 20 litres per minute also moves heavy particles that otherwise tend toward sedimentation. This allows the entire liquid volume to be pumped through once completely within three seconds. The pump speed can be adapted to the properties of the sample. The technology ensures precise and reproducible measurement results.
All parts in contact with the liquid are of stainless steel and Viton. All functions can be controlled by computer.

The equipment
This instrument includes the module for wet dispersion, however, it can be expanded at any time with the module for dry dispersion or small volume wet dispersion.
The instrument can be connected to a typical, standard WINDOWS PC of the customer as well as a printer for outputting the results. Computers and printers can be ordered as accessories.
The laser particle sizer ANALYSETTE 22 NanoTec with wet dispersion includes the software LaPaSS as a standard component. This software is based on a relational database, in which all user entries, parameters and results are saved for later inspection.

Applications

The typical areas of application
The laser particle sizer ANALYSETTE 22 NanoTec with wet dispersing unit is an instrument with universal applications for the determination of particle size distributions and particle shape detection of solids, dry or in suspension, and of emulsions. It is used in research and development as well as in quality control and process control.