LA-950V2

• Overview
• Specifications

The Partica LA-950V2 Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analysis System is the second generation of the revolutionary LA-950 system, retaining the unparalleled measurement performance of the previous version with a number of usability and sampling system upgrades.

The result is a truly unparalleled system for particle size analysis for a wide range of user requirements.

A thorough redesign of a number of components has enhanced the class-leading capabilities in speed, dynamic range, accuracy, and precision. At the same time, a number of customer requests have been incorporated into the system design to make the sample system change even faster, improve sampling system accessibility, and broaden the range of accessories available.

The Partica LA-950V2 particle size analyzer is available in a number of different versions to optimize the system for specific user requirements.

The Partica LA-950V2 provides a number of unparalleled features:

Widest Measurement Range Available: HORIBA’s revolutionary optical system design provides the widest dynamic range (0.01-3000µm), while still offering the lowest detection limit and best small-size performance of any laser diffraction instrument. The long focal length also makes possible the best large-particle performance available.

Unequaled Accuracy, Precision, and Reproducibility - Guaranteed: The highly refined optical system, combined with improved components and an optimized algorithm, provide provide unmatched accuracy, precision and resolution.

• Accuracy guaranteed to within 0.6%
• Precision guaranteed to within 0.1%
• Stability and reproducibility from unit to unit ensured with rigid optics and detector calibration

Software Features

Customizable setting of data displays, graphics, sizing, client logos, print and onscreen report formats available to user.

Database data storage with batch operation and multiple search criteria. Searchable database included that is easy to use and on which any saved sample criteria or identification may be used as a search algorithm.

Software wizard to build easy to use macros and save them as product specific files. All operations of both sample and condition files can be incorporated into a macro for repeated use. User has available an unlimited number of macros that can be saved.

Self-maintenance and automatic system checking software

Fastest Sample-To-Sample Measurement Time - 60 Seconds: Automation built into the hardware and software ensures speed, reproducibility and ease of use. Complete sample analysis sequence is completed in 60 seconds, including fill, alignment, blank, measurement, drain and rinse cycles.

Watch the video to see it for yourself!

Most Powerful Sampling Systems Available: The modular design allows for a range of sample dispersion systems to be offered to optimize the analyzer system for the end user's requirements. Each system has been improved over successive generations to include the features required in modern particle size analysis.

The standard high-output centrifugal pump, capable of suspending even the largest dense particles includes a powerful inline ultrasonic probe for dispersion of agglomerates and a standard fill pump to automate the analysis sequence. This allows the complete sample dispersion and analysis sequence to be handled without the need for external sample preparation.

Alternative sample systems are available in different volumes, for organic solvents, and with different pump types for specific applications.

Fastest Sampling System Change: The unique measurement cell system allows up to three sample dispersion systems to be mounted simultaneously on a cell tray. Changing between sampling systems only requires the tray to be moved from one position to another, in as little as ten seconds, without removing or replacing any hardware.

Alternative designs require removal of one sampling systems and replacement with the next, requiring extra storage space and need to remove cell, connect tubing, electronic changes, add dry system, align components, etc.

Watch the video to see it for yourself!

The LA-950V2 family of analyzers can be configured for a variety of sample analysis types with a range of sample handling systems and options. A full range of wet and dry sampling systems are available to optimize the system for specific user requirements.

AquaFlow: The standard high-output centrifugal pump suspends and circulates even the largest dense particles without crushing particles or wearing tubes. The in-stream, adjustable-power, 130 watt ultrasonic probe has offers the highest dispersing efficiency and the built-in fill pump and ultrasonic level sensor completely automated the sampling sequence.

SolvoFlow: All the features of the AquaFlow pump, with resistance to organic solvents.

PowderJet Dry Feeder: For powdered materials, the PowderJet Dry Feeder system provides a simple, yet effective, method for analyzing both free-flowing and cohesive dry powders.

Automatic control of sample feed rate provides optimum dispersion, stability and ease of use. The adjustable power dispersion nozzle allows for measurements of all sample types from friable crystals to highly cohesive agglomerates.

See our PowderJet page for more details.

MiniFlow small volume: The MiniFlow is a small volume circulation system; minimizing sample and dispersant volume requirements with all the convenience of a fully automated circulation system. It features a variable 35 to 55 ml volume requirement, resistance to organic solvents, a built-in ultrasonic probe for dispersing highly agglomerated materials, automatic fill pump with level sensors, and automatic fill pump with level sensors, and automatic drain system.

The MiniFlow is ideal for measuring very precious samples, samples that are toxic or hazardous, where the waste volume wants to be minimized, for pharmaceutical or food applications requiring organic solvent dispersants, or oil dispersions for pigments, polymers and resin products.

Fraction Cell / Holder: The cuvette-type Fraction Cell allows liquid suspensions as small as 10 ml to be measured, making it perfect for measuring very valuable, extremely small, or hazardous samples.

Automation Options: Adding automation accessories provides all the advantages of continuous, unattended operation including reduced labor costs, elimination of human error, and exceptionally reliable, repeatable measurements. See our Automation page for more details.

Principle of Operation

The Partica LA-950 uses Mie Scattering Theory (laser diffraction) to measure particle size over the range of 0.01-3000µm. The optical design of the Partica is optimized for light-scattering measurements, with an 87element logarithmic detector system and automatic alignment, together with the shortest wavelength light sources available to provide full-range measurements and the ultimate in sub-micron accuracy and resolution. The advanced design avoids the long optical bench previously required to measure larger particles, without combining multiple analysis methods in one measurement or giving up capabilities in the sub-micron range. For information on laser diffraction, visit our technique page.

LA-300

• Overview
• Specifications

HORIBA's LA-300 Laser Diffraction Particle Size Distribution Analyzer is the ideal combination of performance, price, and packaging. Based on the advanced optical design of previous LA-series analyzers, the LA-300 strikes a harmonious balance between high-functionality, easy operation, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. The optimized design allows for a compact optical bench, resulting in an efficient use of bench space, while preserving the accuracy, precision and resolution that HORIBA's analyzers are famous for.

• Range: 0.1 - 600µm Matching the widest range of applications with a performance equivalent to most competitors' full range systems.
• Compact Size: The compact size and low weight make this a convenient analyzer for today´s crowded laboratories. It also makes it possible to transport easily to different locations within a facility or ship to remote locations for on-site testing where it is not practical to purchase an analyzer.
• Fast Analysis: The highly-refined optical design and algorithm provides measurement results in 20 seconds, with class-leading accuracy and precision.
• Powerful Software: The LA-300 uses the same fully featured software package as our other LA-series analyzers, providing a wide range of statistical measures, data analysis, and presentation tools.
• Ease of Use: With automatic alignment, built-in ultrasonic system for sample dispersion, and powerful pumping system, combined with the automation features of the software, sample analysis on the LA-300 is extremely easy and straightforward. Combined with the automation options, sample analysis can be a one-button operation.

• Size range: 0.1-600µm
• Measurement time: Adjustable in one second increments. Sample measurement time is less than 2 minutes from the introduction of sample to data presentation
• Sample requirement:10mg to 1g per measurement with 300ml flow cell, depending on sample type.
• Ultrasonic working time: 0-30 minutes with 1.0 second measurement increments (15W, 28KHz).
• Circulation rate: 0-5,500 ml/min (in case of distilled water), and a 15 step selection.

The LA-300 uses Mie Scattering Theory (laser diffraction) to measure particle size over the range of 0.1-600µm. A 650nm solid-state, diode laser is focused by an automatic alignment system through the measurement cell. Light is scattered by the particles to a 42-element detector system, including high-angle and back-scatter detectors for a full angular light intensity distribution. The thick, cast-aluminum optical bench provides stable, high-precision results. For more information on laser diffraction, visit our Laser Diffraction Technique page.

Automation: For complete automation of the sample analysis sequence, the Slurry Sampler can accommodate up to 60 samples. Set up the samples and walk away. An AutoFill pump is available to automate the dispersant fluid filling, dilution, and rinsing steps. Adding automation accessories provides all the advantages of continuous, non-stop, unattended operation. These include reduced labor costs, elimination of human error, and exceptionally reliable, repeatable measurements. Visit our Automation Page for more information.

Fraction Cell/Holder: The cuvette-type Fraction Cell allows liquid suspensions as small as 5 ml to be measured, making it is perfect for measuring very valuable or extremely small or hazardous samples.

Pharmaceutical Regulation Compliance: A 21CFR Part 11 compliant software package is available, as well as a full instrument validation package.

LB-550

• Overview
• Specifications

The LB-550 measures particle size from 1nm to 6µm and a concentration range from ppm up to 40% solids, all in as little as 30 seconds, making it ideally suited to a wide range of applications. Unlike traditional PCS-type instruments, most samples can be measured without dilution which can affect dispersion conditions and cause agglomeration.

With a standard analysis time of on to two minutes, the LB-550 is the fastest and most flexible particle size analyzer for the nanometer range of sizes. The Fourier-Transform/Iterative Deconvolution technique provides accurate results not only for average particle size, but also for distribution shape and identification of multiple modes, all without operator selections, a feature not found in most Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) instruments. Elimination of the need to select from alternative models and evaluating fitting errors provides confidence in the results and faster data analysis.

The temperature-controlled cell holder has a range of 5-70 degrees C for samples where size may change with temperature. Standard removable glass or disposable plastic curvettes are used to eliminate sample cross-contamination, ease cleaning and improve usability. Cells are available for sample volumes from 0.1-15ml. For high concentration samples where viscosity may affect results, a built-in viscometer option is available to provide accurate measurements at the time of analysis.

• Wide Size Range: Accurate particle size measurements from 0.001-6µm.
• Fast Analysis: The highly-refined optical design and algorithm provides measurement results in as little as 30 seconds, with class-leading accuracy and precision.
• Wide Concentration Range: From 1ppm to 40wt%, depending on the sample.
• Powerful Software: The LB-550 software package combines a number of useful data handling tools, and easy-to-use operator interface, and informative instrument control features. A Real-Time Display, batch operations, database searching, three-dimensional display of up to 300 measurement results, and summary reports allow for full control and analysis of the data. The user interface, print layout, and export functions are fully user-configured to provide the specific information required by each user.
• Temperature Control System: Temperature Control System : The temperature-controlled cell holder has a range of 5-70 degrees C for samples where size may change with temperature. Temperature sensors in the cell holder and in the cell cap monitor and control the temperature to avoid fluctuations.
• Ease of Use: With the built-in automation of the sampling systems and software, particle size analysis can be reduced to a single-button operation.

The LB-550 uses Dynamic Light Scattering measurements to measure particle size over the range of 0.001-6µm. The Brownian motion of the particles causes a Doppler shift in the incident light frequency. The amount of frequency shift is related to the frequency of the Brownian motion, wich is related to the size of the particles.

The LB-550's optical design uses a highly sensitive photo multiplier tube to be able to measure the lower concentrations. The optical arrangement which captures only the 180-degree scattered light, allows the light beam to be focused a short distance inside the cell, limiting the maximum amount of scattered light. This allows the measurement of high concentration samples without overloading the detector For more information on dynamic light scattering, visit our technique page.

Integrated Viscometer Version: For unknown samples, an integrated viscometer version is available to directly measure and compensate for variations in viscosity which can significantly affect the measurement results.

Pharmaceutical Regulation Compliance: A 21CFR part 11 compliant software package is available, as well as a full instrument validation package.