Particle Size Analyzer
The Gradex 2000 is a patented PC-controlled device that fully automates the sieve analysis of dry granular materials. By fully automating the entire sieve analysis process, it frees up technicians to perform other work and provides analysis on a more frequent and timely basis, allowing for closer control of raw material receipts, materials in process, and finished product. Using standard ASTM-approved 8-in. round test sieves—either full- or half-size height—the unit can analyze individually loaded samples or multiple samples staged for continuous testing. The standard round test sieves can easily be inserted and changed to suit specific test requirements. Using preset test configurations, the unit shakes and taps the samples using the same stroke and frequency as typical manual shakers, automatically classifies and weighs each sieve fraction, calculates and stores weight values, and reports the data to a PC in a format compatible with most Windows-based quality control and statistical process control software.
Rotex Inc., Cincinnati, OH 800-453-2321 www.rotex.com

Particle Size and Shape Analyzer
The Sysmex FPIA-3000 automated particle size and shape analyzer is now used in the print toner industry to provide valuable data essential for optimizing both production and the products themselves. Conventionally, toners have been produced using a pulverization process. Particle size can be controlled to within ±0.3 to 0.5 µm for material with an average size of 8 µm, while size distribution can also be controlled. Newer processes based on suspension or emulsion polymerization have introduced a requirement for much closer control of particle shape and material properties, as well as particle size. This fully automated analyzer can measure particles in the range 0.8 to 300 µm and delivers both particle size and shape information. Using a CCD camera, the system produces images of each particle and provides a scattergram of shape index versus particle size in just 2.5 minutes.
Malvern Instruments Inc., Southborough, MA 508-480-0200 www.malvern.com

Particle Size Analysis
The SDC sample delivery controller coupled with the Turbotrac dry-powder feeder makes moving from wet-particle size applications to dry-powder size applications a simple one-minute conversion. The Turbotrac replaces vibratory delivery systems that tend to pack and segregate dry materials and uses high shear and vacuum to pull and separate the particles before they are analyzed. The SDC recirculator is designed to homo­geneously disperse wet slurries even at high densities.
Microtrac Inc., Montgomeryville, PA 727-507-9770 www.microtrac.com

Particle Size Analyzer
The SediGraph III 5120 particle size analyzer combines the proven SediGraph analytical technique with advanced instrumentation features to provide repeatability, accuracy, and reproducibility in the size range of 0.1 to 300 µm. Complete particle accountability ensures that the entire introduced sample is accounted for, including any fraction above 300 µm and below 0.1 µm. The unit measures mass by x-ray absorption and particle size by sedimentation with no modeling necessary. A versatile and interactive reporting system includes grain size in phi units and particle settling velocity. Statistical process control reporting and regression analyses are also available.
Micromeritics Instrument Corp., Norcross, GA 770-662-3688 www.micromeritics.com

Particle Size Analyzer Software
A new version of Size Expert software for laser particle size analyzers is now available. Software version 9.08 features enhanced capabilities for running samples in dry dispersion mode. The software is compatible with the 21 CFR Part 11 data management standard and allows users to view particle shape along with particle size data. It works with all Cilas laser particle size analyzers, including the state-of-the-art 1180 system, which uses three lasers for ultra-high-resolution measurements and has a measurement range of 0.04 to 2500 µm. The patented short-optical-bench design ensures that the system is aligned at all times.
Cilas Particle Size, Madison, WI 608-274-7719 www.particle-size.us