Partica

Partica with Powderjet Dry Feeder accessories

Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Imaging Particle Size and Shape Analyzer

Simultaneous measurement of particle size distribution and particle shape with a single instrument.
Multidimensional characterization of your materials.

 

System Overview

Understanding particle size distribution is critical for material development and the optimization of manufacturing processes. However, particle size distribution alone may not be sufficient to fully evaluate the state of agglomeration or individual particle shapes.
In addition to particle size, Partica evaluates particle shape and dispersion state. By analyzing particles from multiple angles, it helps improve product quality and supports more accurate decisions regarding process optimization.

 

Do You Face Any of These Challenges?

  • Even when large particles are detected, it can be difficult to tell whether they are aggregates, coarse particles, and bubbles.
  • It is difficult to evaluate the shapes of the many particles present in a liquid.
  • Particle shapes cannot be observed while the sample is in a slurry state.
  • Conventional dynamic image analysis systems can make it difficult to observe particles that are only a few micrometers in size.
  • Measuring a large number of samples can be time-consuming.

     

How Partica Addresses These Challenges

Partica provides multi-aspect particle characterization by combining laser diffraction/scattering-based particle size distribution measurement with dynamic image analysis. By providing information that is difficult to obtain from particle size alone, Partica helps improve the accuracy of both evaluation and identification in material development and quality control.

  • Agglomeration and dispersion states
  • Shapes such as needle-like and spherical shapes
  • Detection of small numbers of particles or foreign materials
     

Watch video


 

Partica addresses these challenges through the following capabilities:

  • High-Speed Operation

For wet measurements, laser diffraction and scattering analysis automatically completes the entire process—from sample injection and measurement to cleaning—in 60 seconds.
Dry measurements require no cleaning, allowing for even faster operation. This reduces the number of steps and improves operational efficiency.

  • Compatible with a Wide Range of Sample Forms

Partica can evaluate particle size distribution and particle shape for a wide variety of samples, including liquid samples, slurries, high-concentration samples, and powders.

  • Customization to Meet Operational Needs

The system can be integrated with software designed to support data integrity and automation features.

 


 

Applications

  • Research and Development

Particle design of new materials such as catalysts, battery materials, pharmaceuticals, food, and biopharmaceuticals; evaluation of dispersants.

  • Process Development

Optimization of chemical and semiconductor manufacturing processes; control of polishing slurry supply and dilution stability.

  • Manufacturing and Quality Control

Evaluation of raw materials and finished products across batches; and analysis of quality defects.

Segment: Scientific
Produktionsfirma: HORIBA, Ltd.

Partica combines a dynamic image analysis optical system with a laser-diffraction/scattering optical system to analyze particle size distribution and particle shape simultaneously.
Because results from different measurement principles can be compared and verified in a single test, Partica reduces the number of measurements, measurement time, and workload while improving the reliability of analytical results.

  • Features

Laser Diffraction Analysis

  • Industry-leading*1 high-precision measurement (within ±0.6% of certified reference values)   *1 Based on HORIBA research as of August 2026.
  • Wide measurement ranges: 10 nm to 3 mm for wet method and 100 nm to 5 mm for dry method
  • An improved optical system enables high-sensitivity measurements


Dynamic Image Analysis

  • Two cameras with different magnifications enable continuous measurement of particle shapes from approximately 1 μm to several millimeters.
  • Analyzes tens of thousands of particles in a short time at up to 300 frames per second.
  • Provides approximately 40 image analysis parameters, including diameter, minor diameter, roundness, and aspect ratio.
  • Eliminates the need for switching operations, such as changing objective lenses in static image analysis or apertures in the electrical sensing zone method.

 

 


Click here for details on static light scattering/laser diffraction analysis, and dynamic image analysis 


Completes Everything from Injection to Cleaning within 60 Seconds

The entire process—from dispersing the sample in the dispersion liquid through measurement and rinsing—is completed within 60 seconds. This speed is made possible by a design structure that efficiently transfers the sample from the sample bath to the flow cell, a pump design that minimizes stagnation, adhesion, and a carefully engineered rinsing sequence that efficiently removes the particles and dispersing liquid.

A Wide Range of Accessories Enables Analysis of Samples in Various Forms

Measurement options can be adapted to the sample condition.

  • Sampling accessories can be selected to suit the analytical purpose, including measurements of powders and slurries.
  • The system can also measure small sample volumes, including rare or environmentally sensitive materials.
     

Optional Accessories

MiniFlow (Circulation system)

Minimize sample and dispersant volume requirements with all the convenience of a fully-automated circulation system.

 

  • Measurement needs as little as 35 mL of solvent (180 mL with conventional circulation systems).
  • The built-in ultrasonic probe enables sample dispersion.
Dry Powder FeederThe Dry Powder Feeder Unit can measure samples in a powder samples.
It supports both non-dispersed measurement by free fall and forced-dispersion measurements using compressed air.
High Concentration Cell

The High Concentration Cell can measure close to their original concentration with little or no dilution. This accessory works for both laser diffraction analysis and dynamic image analysis, but an individual cell holder is required for each analysis.

 

  • Measure inks, paints, pigments, emulsions without dilution.
  • Positive and negative electrode materials of secondary batteries, etc.
  • Observe changes in the agglomeration state based on concentration, etc.
  • Agglomeration was observed when a battery sample was measured close to its original concentration.
Paste Cell

The Paste Cell can measure undiluted samples or samples dispersed in a viscous medium. This works for the laser diffraction analysis limited.

 

  • Measure microparticles dispersed in high-viscosity samples or polymers.
  • Magnetic powder: Measure it after dispersing it in viscous oil to prevent re-agglomeration.
Fraction Cell

 

The Fraction Cell can measure sample volumes as small as 5 mL while minimizing the amount of dispersant required. Use it when there is not enough sample for a Flow Cell measurement, or when you need to reduce the amount of valuable sample or hazardous dispersion media, such as toluene. This helps minimize exposure and cost.

 

  • Cell volumes: 5 mL, 10 mL, and 15 mL
  • Fully resistant to solvents

Measurement Example:

Silica Slurry

When measuring the particle size distribution of high-concentration samples using laser diffraction/scattering, it can be difficult to detect a small number of coarse particles. Partica captures particle images in addition to particle size distribution data, enabling the detection of even a small number of coarse particles and confirmation of their shapes.

Laser diffraction/scattering-based particle size distribution measurements can have difficulty detecting particles with a low number fraction and weak scattered-light signals. By combining laser diffraction/scattering with dynamic image analysis, Partica provides a more detailed view of the sample.

 


 

Development Story: 

Elevating Material Development and Manufacturing to a New Level Through Particle Measurement and Analysis Technology
Learn about the background of the “Partica” development project and the developers’ vision behind it. Explore HORIBA’s efforts to advance particle analysis technology and help address our customers’ challenges.

Model  LA-1000 seriesLA-970 series
Measurement principle
 

 

DIADynamic imaging analysis

-

LD                              Mie scattering and fraunhofer diffraction
Total measurement range 0.01 - 8000 μm0.01 - 5000 μm
Measurement range (Wet)

 

DIA0.3 - 3000 μm*-
LD                                         0.01 - 3000 μm
Measurement range (Dry)

 

DIA1.1 - 8000 μm*-
LD

                                             0.1 - 5000 μm

Light sources                                          LD (650 nm) : 5 mW, LED (405 nm) : Maximum 10 mW
Number of cameras 2 (Dual camera system)-
Camera performance Maximum 300 fps-
Digital resolution Minimum 0.3 μm-
Measurement parameters More than 30 image analysis parameters-
Dimensions and weight **                                             720 mm (W) x 565 mm (D) x 470 mm (H), Approximately 56 kg
Optional accessories Powderjet Dry Powder Feeder, MiniFlow unit, Fraction cell, High Concentration cell, Paste cell

* Depends on particle shapes
** Dimensions and weight exclude pipework and other protrusions, and optional accessories.

 

Informationsanfrage

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