Particle Characterization
Greetings from your friends at HORIBA Instruments!
Our December newsletter focuses on image analysis tools for particle size and shape characterization. The new PSA300 image analysis system was launched on November 12 at the AAPS meeting in San Diego, CA. HORIBA offers two approaches to particle characterization using image analysis:
- Dynamic image analysis with the Camsizer where particle flow in front of the camera.
- Static image analysis with the PSA300 where particles sitting on a slide are scanned with the use of an automated stage.
Introducing the PSA300
The particle size analysis group within HORIBA Instruments, Inc. has been working with Clemex to optimize the Clemex/HORIBA PSA300. The following two new critical components required for particle characterization are being introduced as part of the improved product offering.
- A unique algorithm to improve accuracy when defining the length and shape of fibers. Older algorithms would define crossed fibers as either an x-shaped particle, or break the fibers into four segments. Using this new algorithm, the Clemex/HORIBA PSA300 separates crossing fibers as individual particles and assigns each one accurate size and shape parameters. This is the first image analysis system capable of proper characterization of fibers or elongated crystals, a very important control issue in the pharmaceutical industry.
- A new automated sample disperser. This dry, free-flowing powder disperser breaks agglomerates and assures an homogeneous spread of sample across the slide. While most dispersers use fluidized beds or high-pressure aerosol, the Clemex Particle Disperser uses vacuum, ensuring that individual particles are not damaged and avoiding surrounding contamination.
Dynamic Image Analysis of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
EPS is manufactured from an aqueous suspension by polymerization and is fractionated when the manufacturing process has been completed. The product flow is fractionated by sieves that divide the product flow into the required size fractions, which are assigned to particular applications. The coarse fractions are frequently used in the thermal insulation sector and the fine fractions can be used for molded parts.
The Camsizer digital image analyzer has successfully provided particle size and shape information for several EPS manufacturers.
Application note on Production Control of Polystyrene beads using Digital Image Analysis (You need to be logged in).
Shape Detail and Volume Calculation in Micronized Powders
A study performed by Clemex investigated how the use of shape factors rather than only diameter (or main length) measurements can improve the accuracy of particle volume calculation in micronized powders. Standard methods use volume calculations assuming that the particles are spherical or near spherical. Volume calculations are carried out from the projected area: for spherical particles the projected area is a circle so the derived volume calculation is accurate. In the case of elongated, needle-like particles, the projected area is a rectangle. Using the length as the diameter for spherical volume calculations will lead to increasingly erroneous results as the aspect ratio increases. This study investigates the difference between spherical volume and true volume distributions for three samples: spherical, crystalline, and acicular particles.
Application note on shape detail and volume calculations (You need to be logged in).
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