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SYNC Combining Laser Diffraction with Dynamic Image Analysis

Laser diffraction analyzer Sync
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A New Dimension in Particle Analysis

With the SYNC particle analyzer, Microtrac integrates its highly accurate tri-laser diffraction analyzer technology with its versatile dynamic image analysis capability to provide particle characterization practitioners with a unique measuring experience. The patented synchronous measurement technology allows users to make both a laser diffraction measurement and an image analysis measurement on a single sample, in the same sample cell at the same time:

  • One sample
  • One optical bench
  • One flow path
  • One sample cell
  • One analysis
The SYNC laser diffraction particle size analyzer is ideally suited for routine QC applications. It also provides valuable information to researchers as they develop new materials and processes. The powerful analyzer software provides both particle size distribution information as well as a multitude of morphological particle parameters. The patented BLEND routine allows users to examine materials over a wide range of sizes from 0.01 microns to 4000 microns.
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"The Microtrac Sync is a very reliable means of generating size and shape data for a variety of particles that we study. I have been impressed with the ease of use and the support that is provided by Microtrac. "

Bob Grasso

W. L. Gore & Associates

"There was a little bit of a learning curve in terms of making sure that the powder was correctly suspended in the wet system to mitigate the possibility of air bubbles but the application team swiftly addressed the issues we were having. It runs beautifully. "

Christopher Massar

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

"I have used Microtrac instruments for over 35 years and the dependability has been excellent. The instruments are easy to use and they present repeatable results. In my opinion, the name Microtrac is so widely used that it is often used in place of the term Particle Size Analysis. "

David Sobieniak

Saint-Gobain

"Impressive results and analysis options. Short measurement runtime."

Ilmars Preikss

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

"Really easy to use. Fast and accurate results on many different samples liquid or solid. "

Maxime Drolet

Pyrotek

"Easy to use and very reproducible results. "

Chris Ooms

Cabot Corporation

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Particle Size and Shape Analyzer SYNC

  • Particle size and shape analysis from 0.01 to 4000 microns using laser diffraction (ISO 13320:2020) and dynamic image analysis (ISO 13322-2)
  • Excellent sub-micron detection using blue laser technology. Ability to resolve narrow and multi-modal distributions in the sub-micron range
  • Detection of small amounts of oversized or undersized fractions in the particle size distribution
  • Patented synchronous measurement technology and BLEND distribution analysis. One measurement run in the analyzer yields particle size distribution and over 30 morphological parameters
  • Fast measurement time – typically 30 seconds
  • Fast and easy switch between wet and dry measurement modules. Change from wet to dry mode in less than 15 seconds
  • Full IQ / OQ validation package compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines

Particle size measurement by Laser Diffraction (LD) has become the most used technology in research and industry and is the de-facto standard for incoming and outgoing product quality control. During the measurement, the laser beam of the analyzer illuminates a well dispersed sample and the size distribution is calculated from the scattered light pattern. In Microtrac’s laser diffraction analyzer technology, this scattered light is measured at various angles from 0 to 165 degrees. This is achieved by using two detector arrays and three lasers that illuminate the sample from different angles. The SYNC particle analyzer may be equipped with all red lasers or a combination of red and blue lasers.

Small particles scatter light at large angles while large ones scatter light at small angles. The scattered light intensity is collected continuously throughout the measurement. In Microtrac laser diffraction analyzers the evaluation is done using Microtrac's innovative modified Mie scattering theory. This algorithm produces accurate size distributions for both spherical and non-spherical particles as well as for both transparent and absorbing materials.

Functional Principle

The characterization of particulate systems, once dominated strictly by size measurements, is evolving. Dynamic Image Analysis DIA, which determines important parameters related to particle morphology, provides detailed information regarding the physical properties of materials. These key properties and the resulting manufactured product can change drastically with no significant differences reported in the Laser Diffraction size distribution. Image analysis can rapidly identify problems and significantly reduce troubleshooting time. Particles in a flowing stream, backlit by a high-speed strobe light, are photographed by a high-resolution digital camera to create a video file of images for the flowing particles.

More than 30 size and shape parameters are acquired for every particle. Although the measurement technology of DIA is straightforward, the data analysis used to identify and solve problems is very powerful. The analyzer software includes filter functions to search, display, and evaluate particles with specific properties or a combination of properties. Data can also be presented in scatter plots, in which each data point represents a single particle image.

Functional Principle

Microtrac's SYNC provides traditional users of laser diffraction analyzers with exciting new capabilities to characterize their materials. The proven Tri-Laser technology provides accurate and repeatable laser diffraction results from light collected over 165 degrees of angular scatter. When combined with state of art camera technology capturing images of the particle stream at the same time, the SYNC analyzer offers not only size data from its laser diffraction system but significantly more information about the shape of the materials and the quality of the dispersion. Material is either dispersed in a carrier fluid for wet measurements in the FLOWSYNC or dispersed in air for dry powder measurements in the TURBOSYNC.

As the sample stream passes through a single measurement cell in the optical module of the analyzer, it is interrogated by the lasers. The stream is simultaneously illuminated by stroboscopic LED to allow the high-speed camera to take images of the same material. This allows users the flexibility to determine particle size distributions from an ensemble sample dispersion as well as the ability to examine single as well as groups of particles from the hundreds of thousands of images captured by the camera. The user ultimately has the ability to look individually at a laser diffraction or an image analysis, or at a combination of both using the patented BLEND feature. This combination provides QC users of the analyzer the ability to qualify their data using two methodologies at the same time and provides R&D users with a powerful tool to characterize new materials.

pigments

pigments

  • paints / pigments
  • ceramics
  • chemicals
  • industrial minerals
  • metal powders
  • construction materials
  • cosmetics
capsules

capsules

  • pharmaceuticals
  • glass / glass beads
  • coatings
  • food
  • 3D printing
  • foodstuffs
metal powder

metal powder

  • emulsions
  • polymers
  • battery materials

    ... and many more!

To find the best solution for your particle characterization needs, visit our application database

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Particle Size and Shape Analyzer SYNC Versions & Accessories

FLOWSYNC & FLOWSYNC MINI Sample Dispersion Unit for Wet Measurements

The FLOWSYNC models’ automated filling, de-aerating, pre-circulating and circulating operation means that each sample is handled with a consistency that improves the repeatability of particle size distribution and imaging data. The FLOWSYNC has a volume of 200 ml and the FLOWSYNC MINI a volume 40 ml.

Consistency: Only the FLOWSYNC has an in-line ultrasonic probe with variable power. It disperses agglomerated materials to ensure consistent sample dispersion during measurements.

Versatility: Users can program, save and recall unlimited SOP routines for fill, disperse, measure, rinse and run commands.

Connectivity: An integrated fill pump allows the user to connect any water or solvent source. The recirculator fills, de-aerates and dilutes automatically.

Auto-Dispersion: The fluid dynamics of the FLOWSYNC / FLOWSYNC MINI feature a built-in turbulence to ensure that all particles are moving constantly within the system, negating the need for an external stirrer.

Resistiveness: The FLOWSYNC / FLOWSYNC MINI can be operated with a wide variety of carrier fluids. In addition to water and alcohol, this includes organic solvents like hexane or toluene.

Self-Cleaning: The washing feature ensures that the walls of the sample vessel are thoroughly cleaned during the rinse cycle. This eliminates cross contamination from one sample to the next.

TURBOSYNC DISPERSION MODULE FOR DRY MEASUREMENTS

Intuitive Use With Just a Few Clicks DIMENSIONS LS for SYNC

The DIMENSIONS LS software comprises six clearly structured Workspaces for method development, operation of the SYNC instrument, result presentation and evaluation of several analyses. The Workspaces for result evaluation remain accessible during analysis.

  • Simple method development
  • Clearly structured result presentation
  • Various evaluation options
  • Intuitive workflow
  • Simple data export
  • Multi-user capability

Particle Size and Shape Analyzer SYNC Technical Data

Measuring range0.01 µm - 4 mm
Measuring principleLaser Diffraction (ISO 13320)
Dynamic Image Analysis (ISO 13322-2)
Precision*Spherical glass beads D50 = 642 microns, precision as CV = 0.7%
Spherical glass beads D50 = 57 microns, precision as CV = 1.0%
Spherical latex beads D50 = 0.4 microns, precision as CV = 0.6%
Laser classRed 780 nm, blue 405 nm
Class 1 laser product per CFR 1040.10 & IEC60825-1
Laser powerRed laser 0.35 to 2 mW nominal
Blue laser 4-8 mW nominal
Detection systemTwo fixed photo-electric detectors with logarithmically spaced segments are placed at correct angles for optimal scattered light detection from 0 to 165 degrees using 151 detector segments.
DataVolume, number and area distributions as well as percentile and other summary data
Data formatStored in ODBC format in encrypted Microsoft Access Databases to ensure compatibility with external statistical software applications.
Data integrityData integrity may be ensured using FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant security features including password protection, electronic signatures and assignable permissions
Type of analysisdry and wet analysis
Measuring time~ 10 to 30 seconds
Power requirementsAC input: 90 - 264 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz, single phase
Power consumption25 W nominal, 50 W max., depending on options installed
Environmental conditionsTemperature: 5° to 40° Celsius (50° to 95° Fahrenheit)
Humidity: 90% RH, non-condensing maximum
Storage Temperature: -10° to 50° Celsius (14° to 122° Fahrenheit) (dry only)
Pollution: Degree 2
StandardsLaser Diffraction (ISO 13320)
Dynamic Image Analysis (ISO 13322-2)
Representation of results of particle size analysis (ISO 9276-6)
Image analysis5.2 megapixel (2560 x 2048), 22 fps at max resolution
Wet operationVolume: 200 ml nominal
Flow rate: 0 to 65 ml/sec with water
Inlet pressure: 50 psig (345 kPa) maximum
Dry operation100 psi (689 kPa) maximum pressure
5 CFM (8.5 m3/h) at 50 psi (345 kPa) minimum flow rate
Free of dry contaminants, moisture and oil
VacuumVacuum must meet or exceed 50 CFM (85 m3/h)
Physical specificationsCase Material: Impact resistant plastic
Exterior surfaces are finished with corrosion resistant paint or plating
Chemical Compatibility: Class I
Dimensions (W x H x D)~ 820 x 460 x 500 mm (32.3 x 18.1 x 19.7 in)
Weight (Measuring unit)FlowSync: 19.5kg (43lbs)
TurboSync: 13.6kg (30lbs)
Sync: 23.6kg (50.8lbs)
*Depending on sample material and sample preparation

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