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Micro- and nanoparticles can now also be measured in-line

Micro- and nanoparticles could previously be examined in high resolution with specific lab instruments, including the Disc Centrifuges from CPS Instruments exclusively represented by Inventech. The Disc Centrifuges have the advantage that this technique really measures the particles in contrast to, for example, SPES, DLS and LS which use mathematical models to determine the particle size. Users indicate that the Disc centrifuge provides detailed information, especially compared to DLS and LS. For very small, low-density particles, the accuracy of the Disc Centrifuges decreases because the Browse motion interferes with the analysis. Narrow peaks are then displayed too wide. However, the high resolution and the amount of information compensate for this for customers.

What makes the new SPES particle characterization method different?

SPES is a technology for the characterization of micro- and nanoparticles in liquids; both with high resolution. The instrument is suitable for both laboratory and real-time in-line analysis. Together with the ability to measure particle size, distribution and other parameters (such as shape and stability for example), the instrument is a real game changer, according to researchers.

Advantages of this system are that calibration is not necessary and the device is easy to use and clean. Non-spherical particles, aggregates of particles and particles with internal structures can be distinguished from solid, almost spherical particles. Take advantage of the SPES analysis to detect the presence and quantify the compactness of the aggregates to improve formulation stability, to avoid out-of-specifications due to instability or other inconsistencies. One of the main advantages of the SPES method is that it maintains its performance when working with highly polydisperse suspensions, which is a major limitation of traditional optical methods.

Applicability

The SPES method can be used to improve R&D, design process formulation and in-line quality control of particulate-based products in key markets such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pigments, inks, food, agrochemicals and environment -complex liquids (wide applicability to cloudy samples).

How SPES works in short

Particles are suspended in a liquid and driven through a measuring cell on which a laser beam focuses. As a single particle passes through the beam, SPES records the interference pattern between the transmitted light and the scattered light from the illuminated particle.

particle size measurements l liquids l mixtures

The interference pattern shows dark and bright edges that provide the information about the optical properties of the particles: size, refractive index, internal structure, shape, payload, etc. A number of independent, calibration-free optical parameters are retrieved.

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Based on a statistical and meaningful number of measured particles, SPES creates the so-called EOS CLOUDS: a 2D histogram that is the optical fingerprint of the sample. Heterogeneous systems simultaneously produce more “clouds” for each particle population that can be individually selected and analyzed.

Micro and submicron particle size characterization

Finally, valuable information is retrieved from EOS' unique particle data libraries.

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Download the brochure of the new micro- and submicron particles size analyser SPES

Here you can download the brochure. The brochure also contains links to references from researchers.

Interested in getting acquainted with the SPES analysis method?

Contact Inventech for more information on the SPES method. We're happy to help.
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SPES promising method for micro- and nanoparticle analysis

New technology for the characterization of micro- and nanoparticles in liquids, expecially interesting for mixtures