Spray particle & spray droplet size analyzer AEROTRAC II
From the moment we start our day, aerosolized products quietly play a role in countless routines. A quick spray of deodorant, a mist of household cleaner, a burst of air freshener, or a fine cosmetic spray - these familiar actions rely on precisely controlled particles dispersed into the air. Across industries, from personal care and healthcare to manufacturing and environmental management, aerosols, sprays, and mists are essential for delivering substances efficiently, evenly, and safely.
Yet behind this everyday convenience lies a complex world of particle behaviour, concentration, and consistency. The size, distribution, and concentration of aerosolized materials directly impact product performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Understanding and measuring these characteristics is critical - not only to ensure quality and reliability, but also to protect users and environments.
Using the well-established methodology of Laser Diffraction, the Aerotrac II allows practitioners to easily measure aerosols, mists, or sprays directed past a laser beam. Light scattered by the material is detected and converted into particle-size distribution data.
Spray particle & spray droplet size analyzer AEROTRAC II Advanced Measurement, Zero Complexity
- Laser diffraction technology utilizing Fraunhofer diffraction and Mie compensation for transparent particles. In accordance with ISO 13320:2020 standard
- Semiconductor laser for longevity and safety. Wavelength: 635nm, output: 3.5mW, class 3R
- Detector: 32-element ring detector with automatic optical axis adjustment function
- Measuring range from 0.1 to 2000 microns
- Measuring intervals from 0.02 to 500 msecs providing unparalleled precision
- High precision continuous measurements for particulates moving at the speed of sound
- Selectable measurement modes, manual, automated or remote
- Multiple scattering correction feature ensuring measurement integrity
- Full IQ / OQ validation package compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part II and USP 1058 guidelines
Spray particle & spray droplet size analyzer AEROTRAC II Accessories and Options
The AEROTRAC II comes with a comprehensive range of accessories designed to support a wide variety of applications, delivering versatility, reliability, and performance for every user requirement.
Designed to accommodate different spray devices, the accessory provides consistency in measuring spray efficiencies at various distances.
Many medicines are delivered through nasal sprays. The atomisation of the spray is key to delivering a dosage that can easily be absorbed in the nasal passages. The nasal spray accessory positions the device and provides a consistent stroke to determine the quality of the spray device.
Nebulizers generate fine mists of droplets in air. The AEROTRAC II Nebulizer accessory delivers the mist to the laser for measurement of the droplet size.
Contamination of the collector lens can lead to inconsistent and erroneous measurements. The air purge accessory uses compressed air to provide a protective “air curtain” to ensure no extraneous droplets coat the lens. As well as directing air away from the lens surface it also directs any stray droplets or powder in the direction the spray travels through the measurement zone.
To ensure the laboratory area is kept free of hazardous sample, the extractor device collects sprayed material directed across the measurement zone. The device can be set to up to 3 levels of extraction depending on the nature of the material being measured.
As well measuring sprays, aerosols and mists, the Aerotrac II can be configured as a laser diffraction particle size analyzer to measure materials dispersed in a fluid. The dispersion is introduced to the fraction cell which is positioned in the laser pathway. A magnetic stirrer keeps the material in suspension to ensure consistent measurement.
The IP65 accessory provides full protection against dust and water ingress to the laser and detector units of the system. The enclosures meet all the requirements of the IP65 protection rating.
Spray particle & spray droplet size analyzer AEROTRAC II Typical Applications
AEROTRAC II can be used in a wide variety of fields, including droplets from injectors, nebulizers, insecticides, lotions, humidifiers, mist separators, powder paint and various powders.
Fuel Injectors
Nasal Sprays
Nebulizers
Crop Spraying
Paints
Aerosols
To find the best solution for your particle characterization needs, visit our application database.
Measurement Examples Analysis of Temporal Change of Spray Mist
In this example, a fine spray mist is injected across the measuring zone of the Aerotrac II. As the spray begins to interact with the laser, the laser attenuation (or transmittance) initially reduces. Laser transmittance is a measure of the spray concentration. The instrument has the ability to take measurements at very fast intervals (between 0.02 and 500 msecs). In this case, we take measurements immediately after spraying and then at 0.6, 1.8, and 2.4 msec intervals. By tracking concentration against particle (or droplet) size, we see that the initial spray generates large droplets up to 300 microns directly after spraying before gradually settling into a fine 50-micron mist after about 2.4 msecs.
Spray particle & spray droplet size analyzer AEROTRAC II Software
AEROTRAC II uses a dedicated DMS software platform allowing the user to measure, save, recall, export, and process data. The software is fully compatible with 21 CFR Part 11 protocols.
Spray particle & spray droplet size analyzer AEROTRAC II Technical Data
| Measurement principle | Laser diffraction |
|---|---|
| Measuring range | F100 lens: 0.5 to 350 µm F300lens: 1.4 to 1000 µm F600 lens: 2.8 to 2000 µm |
| Light source | Semiconductor laser Wavelength: 635 nm Output: 3.5 mW Laser class: CLASS 3R |
| Detector | 32-element ring detector (with automatic optical axis adjustment function |
| Measuring time | Spray measurement: 0.02 to 500 msec Continous measurement: 1 to 600 sec |
| Number of measurements | Spray measurement: 1 to 100 times Continous measurement: 1 to 9,999 times |
| Data | Particle size distribution (frequency/cumulation), summary data (D50% particle size, SMD, mode diameter etc.) density index |
| Sample Cell | Material: Tempax glass (with coating) Capacity: 5 to 7 ml |
| Environmental conditions | Ambient temperature: 10 to 35 °C Ambient humidity: 20 to 80% R.H. (no condensation) |
| Power requirements | 85 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 hz |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Light emission module: 170 × 230 × 240 mm Detection module: 595 × 230 × 240 mm For connected modules (option): 1000 × 230 × 340 mm, 27 kg |
| Weight | Light emission module: 5.5 kg Detection module: 11.5 kg (with F300 lens attached) For connected modules (option): 27 kg |
| Operating unit | Windows PC (including laptop PC) |
Spray particle & spray droplet size analyzer AEROTRAC II Downloads
Product data sheet Aerotrac II
Product Overview
10 Most Common Errors in Particle Analysis - And How to Avoid Them
Particle analysis is an integral part of the quality control of bulk materials and is routinely performed in numerous laboratories. The methods used have often been established for years and are hardly ever questioned. Nevertheless, the procedure should be critically reviewed from time to time because a whole series of sources of error can negatively influence the results of a particle analysis. This white paper is intended to provide food for thought to make methods for particle characterization more reliable and accurate.