Chemical Engineering May 2015 - 28

Newsfront
Improved Particle-Size
Analysis Boosts Quality
Particle-size analysis methods are changing for the better, reducing rework
and improving yield
In BrIef
NEEdS ANd
CHAllENGES
STEPPING IT uP IN THE
lABorATory
THE dEMANd For INSITu
ANAlySIS
P
article-size analysis plays an important
role in many chemical processes
that involve dry powders
and granules, fibers, suspensions,
emulsions, gels, sprays, inhalants and the
like. Processors rely heavily upon particlesize
analysis to improve the quality of the
product, reduce rework and increase yield.
As such, providers of both laboratory and insitu
particle-size analyzers are incorporating
modern conveniences, such as automation
and intelligence, into existing technologies,
as well as introducing systems with advanced
analysis techniques, to help processors
achieve their goals.
FIGURE 1. The Model MAJS-x
Air Jet Sieve particle-size
analyzer was designed for
determining the particle-size
distribution of dry powder
ranging from 20 to 4,750 μm
Needs and challenges
When it comes to particle-size analysis,
whether the system is laboratory scale or in
situ, the essential need is to provide reliable
measurement data. " This means accurate,
reproducible (repeatability of measurement)
and comparable results, both system-tosystem
results and site-to-site comparability,
in the shortest measuring time, " says
Torsten Huebner, sales manager, Europe,
and instrument manager, laser diffraction,
with Sympatec GmbH (Clausthal-Zellerfeld,
Germany; www.sympatec.com). " Good
measurement results depend upon representative
sampling and sample preparation,
a perfect dispersion down to the primary
particles in their original state and, finally,
the analytical instrumentation for size and
shape characterization. "
Ease of operation and efficient analyses
are also important for both laboratory and
in-situ systems. " In today's [laboratories], a
technician is operating many different kinds
of measuring systems. Standardized operational
procedures have to be available to ensure
consistent, high-quality measurements,
independent of the operator. And, efficiency
and speed of analysis are always a factor.
If measurement data are used to control a
process, speed of analysis becomes even
more crucial and realtime data are desired
for close control, " explains Huebner. " If the
measurement system is integrated into a
production process, robustness and system
availability are of highest interest in order to
prevent downtime. "
Stepping it up in the laboratory
When it comes to laboratory analysis equipment,
Tim Calvo, laboratory equipment
product manager, with Hosokawa Micron
Powder Systems (Summit, N.J.; www.
hmicronpowder.com), says the majority of
his customers are looking for a fast, reliable
and repeatable method of particle-size analysis.
For this reason, he says, air jet sieves
are often the equipment of choice. He adds
that while air jet sieving has been available
since the 1960s, the technology continues
to evolve. " New models have integrated
analysis computers, touchscreen displays
and automated on-screen instructions,
which greatly reduce the need for operator
subjectivity, " explains Calvo.
For example, Hosokawa's Mikro Air Jet
Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems
28
Sieve, Model MAJS-x (Figure 1), is a particlesize
analyzer designed for determining the
particle-size distribution of dry powder rangChemiCal
engineering www.Chemengonline.Com may 2015
http://www.sympatec.com http://www.hmicronpowder.com http://www.Chemengonline.Com
Chemical Engineering May 2015

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