Nanotechnology Particle Size Measurement Solutions

Microtrac has been a pioneer in particle sizing technology for over 35 years! In 1990 Microtrac released the Ultrafine Particle Analyzer incorporating the Controlled Reference Method of analysis of dynamic light scattering particle sizing. The Nanotrac is the latest generation of dynamic light scattering sub-micron analyzers from Microtrac. The enhanced Nanotrac design features 20 times faster measurements, smaller particle size capability, higher precision, higher accuracy and advanced software capabilities all in a small robust package.  Fixed optics design with no moving components ensures long term stability with highly repeatable results from day to day as well as instrument to instrument.

Nanotrac complies with the ISO 22412 standard for Dynamic Light Scattering.

The main features of the Nanotrac:

• Technology - Dynamic Light Scattering incorporating the patented Controlled Reference Method for advanced power spectrum analysis of Doppler shifted scattered light.
• Range - Measurement capability from 0.8 to 6500 nanometers.
• Sample Size - Typically less than 3ml in standard cell, or 0.2ml with small cell option.
• Rapid Analysis - 15 to 30 second analysis times in most cases.
• Analysis Simplicity - No "A Priori" or advance knowledge of the particle size distribution is required. Nanotrac will accurately report monomodal, multimodal, broad and narrow distributions without the need to select special calculation algorithms.
• Accuracy - Measures using Mie scattering calculations for spherical particles and proprietary Modified Mie calculations for non-spherical particles. This feature is unique to Microtrac.
• Repeatability - Better than 1% from instrument to instrument for 100nm polystyrene.
• Traceability - Particle Size measurements traceable to NIST standards.
• Concentration - Capable to measurements up to 40% reducing the need to dilute samples which may affect particle size or colloid stability. Low concentration measurements down to 100ppb possible due to high signal level from Controlled Reference Method. 
• Temperature Control - Precise temperature monitoring and compensation eliminates the need for temperature control baths or devices.
• Versatility - Nanotrac probe can be external for use in autosamplers (NAS), Dip-N-Run configuration or in-line applications. 
• Validation - Full IQ/OQ support documentation is available
• Security - Nanotrac FLEX software meets or exceeds FDA 21 CFR Part 11 protocols.

Nanotrac: The Options

Nanotrac ULTRA

A key feature of Nanotrac throughout its history has been the ability to measure samples at significantly higher concentrations than conventional Photon Correlation Spectroscopy. However, there are many applications where materials are produced in very low concentrations and typically in sizes less than 50nm. The Nanotrac ULTRA has been designed to address this market need and measure such samples without sacrificing any of its tried and true capabilities from the past. The unique Nanotrac ULTRA Probe design is optimized to detect particle size distributions in low concentration suspensions and is particularly sensitive to size ranges below 50 nm but without any loss of sensitivity to larger sizes up to 6.5 um and high concentrations.

Nanotrac NPA151 - Internal Probe

The Nanotrac 151 features an internal probe embedded in a stainless steel sample cell. The standard sample cell has a sample volume of 3mls and the small volume option is available with a 0.2ml minimum volume. Temperature and viscosity compensation is achieved through the use of a high accuracy temperature sensor embedded in the sample block. The sample chamber can be maintained at a selected temperature by connecting it to an external circulating constant temperature bath. Nanotrac is controlled by the Microtrac FLEX operating software package. Data can be stored, retrieved, exported, trended and statistically analyzed.  

Nanotrac NPA251 - External Probe

The Nanotrac NPA251 features an external probe. This allows the user to immerse the probe in a sample vessel or process bypass. The probe cable is available in various lengths. Temperature compensation is facilitated through a sensor embedded in the probe tip. When combined with the NAS35 Autosampler, a robot arm automatically moves the probe to as many as 35 sample vials mounted in its carousel. 

Nanotrac NPA253 - Combination

Nanotrac NPA253 combines an external probe with an internal sample cell offering users the flexibility of measuring samples in-line, in-vials, or in-the-unit.  Both cell options available with model NPA151 are also available with the combination model which now also includes the internal cell fluid circulation feature for temperature control.

Nanotrac NPA150, NPA250, NPA252 - Legacy Products

Nanotrac's legacy models are still in production and available to help our customers maintain precise product consistency with existing process and quality control equipment. 

Total Solutions in Particle Characterization