Optical particle size analyzer PA-2000AI

digital image processingstatic image analysisfor the pharmaceutical industry

Description
PA-2000AI image analysis system comprises an optical microscope, digital CCD camera, image processing and analysis software, computer, printer and accessories. It visualizes particle size and morphology for powders and slurries, enabling more accurate control of product quality compared with laser diffraction for irregularly shaped particles.

Particle image test principle:
Particles are imaged on a sensor; each pixel has a defined size. By counting particles and the pixels per particle the system computes equivalent-area circle diameter and aspect ratio for each particle, then aggregates the results to produce size and shape distributions.

The main process of image analysis is:
The sample is enlarged and imaged by the microscope; high-resolution morphology images captured by the camera are transferred to the computer. Proprietary software calculates number, area, perimeter, diameter, volume, aspect ratio, roundness and related distribution data. Output includes distribution plots and images for metrics such as D10, D50, D90, D97, mean particle size and surface area.

Application area

• Diamond
• Silicon carbide
• Wollastonite
• Quartz powder
• Barium sulfate
• Graphite
• Lithium cobaltate
• Boron carbide
• White corundum
• Cerium oxide
• Mica powder
• Carbon powder
• Metal powder
• Other mineral powders
• Various powders or slurries such as glass beads, cement, pharmaceuticals, food, pigments, dust, pesticides, catalysts, etc.

Technical Parameters

• Model: PA-2000AI
• Analysis items: particle size distribution, aspect ratio distribution, circularity distribution
• Test range: 0.5 ~ 3000 μm
• Maximum magnification: 4000×
• Maximum resolution: 0.1 μm
• Microscope: transmitted microscope (options: domestic / metallographic / import)
• Digital Camera (CCD): 3MP / 5MP
• Eyepiece: 10X, 16X
• Objectives: 4X, 10X, 20X, 40X, 100X
• Ruler scale: 10 μm
• Interface: USB for high-speed and stable transmission

Report output
After processing images the software automatically provides particle counts and morphology data (area, perimeter, volume, diameter), distributions (circularity, aspect ratio, particle size) and characteristic values (D10, D50, D90, D97, mean size, surface area). Reports can include color sample thumbnails and headers with sample name, test unit and dispersion medium. Multiple report formats are available.

Notes
System can be used to verify results obtained by other granularity testing methods.