Demonstration video

Benefits

• Outstanding value with upgrade path
  The Mastersizer 3000+ Lab delivers precise, robust wet and dry particle size measurements tailored to the operator’s application needs. If requirements change it can be upgraded to the Mastersizer 3000+ Pro or Ultra.
• So easy to use
  The software guides users through every stage of a measurement, from method development to result reporting, reducing training requirements and making particle size measurement fast and routine.

Applications

Characterisation of Battery Materials
An important aspect in the design of the battery material is the particle size and particle size distribution of the materials used within the electrodes. Small particle size electrodes increase the rate of electrochemical reactions while large larger particle sizes increase energy storage capacity. Using a mixture of coarse and fine battery materials is one way to meet the requirements for power and storage capacity.

Optimising Powder Properties used in Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D-printing
Particle size distribution is critical for powder bed AM processes since it affects powder bed packing and flowability which in-turn impacts on build quality and final component properties. Powder flow is a critical consideration in the manufacture of sintered products using AM. Poor flow during powder bed deposition may lead to variations in powder bed density, resulting in defects that reduce the strength of the finished part. Packing density or the way that particles pack together is a function of both their size and size distribution. Minimising voidage is also crucial to producing a flaw-free sintered component.  

Particle size analysis in the Cement Industry
In a cement laboratory, traditional Blaine measurement can be a time-consuming and prone to operator variability. The Mastersizer 3000 offers highly automated particle size analysis with extremely high reproducibility and repeatability. Complete size distributions can further understanding of how certain size fractions correlate with performance which makes it possible to control and optimise milling and minimise both energy consumption and operating costs.

Measuring the particle size of foods such as dairy, margarine, chocolate, coffee, sugar etc.
Particle size measurement is essential in the development of new products, during manufacture and for final QC. Particle size distribution can affect taste, appearance, texture, processability, functionality and/or the stability of the final product.

Investigating the dispersion of Pharma dry powders and APIs
Control of particle size is critical during the formulation and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Particle size can influence dissolution, solubility, bioavailability and stability. The unique design of the Aero S dry powder disperser avoids particle-to- wall collisions leads to gentle but effective dispersion, extending dry measurement to more fragile powders.

Importance of particle sizing of powder coatings, paint, inks and pigments
Powder coatings are dry powder polymers that contain pigments and are usually applied electrostatically as a free flowing dry powder and then heated to flow into a hard finish. Close packing of particles enables efficient melting at lower temperatures, giving more time for cross-linking reactions between polymer particles for a better finish. To produce a consistent coating the powder must be free-flowing and have a controlled particle size distribution which can be measured simply and rapidly by laser diffraction, using a dry dispersion method.

Classify soil texture using laser diffraction particle size analysis
The Mastersizer 3000 can be used in soil analysis to rapidly determine clay, silt and sand fractions to classify soil texture which as a result guides their use and efficient management.

Optimise reaction rates of catalysts
Reaction rates in solid systems are often a function of the specific surface area of the particles involved. The finer the particles, the larger their surface area to volume ratio, which promotes higher reaction rates. This is important in industries such as catalyst production, where particle size must be tailored to optimise reaction rates or ensure the effective scavenging of pollutants. 

Accessories

Liquid (wet) Dispersion Units

The Hydro SV is a small volume wet sample dispersion unit. It is useful where the amount of sample is very limited, or where there are safety issues associated with the dispersant required.

• 5.6ml – 7ml dispersant volume
• High chemical compatibility
• Software controlled magnetic stirrer and wash station
• Sample retained for recovery

The Hydro EV is a unique wet sample dispersion unit with a dip-in pump and stirrer for dispersion in standard laboratory beakers. Suitable for a wide variety of dispersant volumes and particle size ranges.

• Uses 250mL, 600 mL or 1000 mL beakers.
• In-line sonication for rapid agglomerate dispersion.
• Sample recovered following analysis.
• High chemical compatibility.
• Software control of pump / stirrer and sonication.

The Hydro SM is a manual wet sample dispersion unit. Designed for measuring samples in non-aqueous dispersants where solvent usage needs to be minimised. The pump and stirrer are manually controlled. Software driven SOPs with user guidance ensures GLP and reproducible measurements.

• Small sample volume from 50ml -120ml.
• Variable pump and stirrer with digital readout.
• Manual fill, drain and cleaning.
• High chemical compatibility

The Aero M manual dry powder disperser enables bulk dry powder samples to be measured. It is easy to use and maintain, delivering reproducible particle size distribution measurements.

The Aero funnel sample feeder enables bulk samples of up to 15g to be loaded directly into the Aero S and Aero M dispersion units. This enables quick and consistent measurements of bulk powders.

• Simple sample preparation for bulk powder samples
• Analysis of large sample masses for reproducible measurements
• Measurement of free flowing materials such as coffee, as well as
  cohesive samples such as calcium carbonate.

The Chocosizer kit optimises the workflow for the particle size measurement of chocolate cocoa and milk solids. It provides all the components required for chocolate QC methods.

• Develop a simple measurement workflow for QC operations
• Easily detect oversized particles which impact product perception
• Track particle size changes during chocolate processing

Performance Verification
Analysts can easily check the performance of the Mastersizer 3000+ dispersion units, with a low cost Quality Audit Standard (QAS). This comprises glass spheres polydispersed between 10 and 120 microns, packaged in ‘one-shot’ vials. These standards completely fulfil the recommendations of ISO 13320.

Hydro Insight – Capture images of the dispersion in real time

The Hydro Insight sits alongside the Mastersizer 3000+ series and is a dynamic imaging accessory providing real time visualisation and analysis of liquid particle dispersions. The images/videos allow an understanding of how stirring, sonication, and surfactants affect the dispersion.

• Visualise individual particle size and shape to better understand material behaviour and build confidence in product quality.
• See your dispersion as you develop your laser diffraction methods, for e.g. switching from sieving.
• Quickly troubleshoot unexpected results that may indicate the presence of contaminants or agglomerates.