Measuring particle shape and size with dynamic image analysis

The new Analysette 28 ImageSizer (Fig. 1) by Fritsch is the ideal instrument for analysis of particle shape and size of dry, free-flowing powders and bulk solids in a measuring range from 20 µm to 20 mm – individually adaptable. Via optical analysis of particle shape and particle size, damaged particles, contaminates, agglomerates or oversized- or undersized-particles are recognized accurately and quickly and can be viewed as single images via the high-performance camera with telecentric lenses (Fig. 2).

At the same time, the instrument offers a fast and efficient particle size measurement. The measuring time, depending on the sample quantity, is below 5 min. and the result is available immediately. Thus, the device is the perfect measuring instrument for easy quality control, as well as for research and for laboratory tasks – and it is the fast alternative to sieving.

If you perform many and frequent sieve analyses, the Analysette 28 ImageSizer is a time-saving alternative in just three motions: Add the sample, start the measurement, read the result. Without a preparatory and concluding weighing, assembling the sieve stack and elaborate cleaning. And with substantially reduced follow-up costs, since calibration and initial purchases of sieves are omitted. Additionally, you receive besides the equivalent results about the particle size distribution, also valuable statements about the particle shape. And the pre-sentation of the sieving results conform to standards, is directly included in the Fritsch analysis software ISS.

The core of the Analysette 28 ImageSizer is a 5-megapixel-camera, which assures highest resolution even with the smallest particles. The telecentric lenses guarantee images of each individual particle absolutely free of distortions and always in the same reproduction scale – no matter where it is located in the measurement volume.

The U-shaped cross section of the conveyance channel (Fig. 3) ensures a good material flow. The included sample guiding plates guarantee that the sample material even at a rapid conveyance rate drops into the falling chute at the optimum depth of field of the lens. The AutoCheck function displays the particle concentration and therefore the ideal feed rate of the sample on the conveyance channel. That gives the advantage of always having the optimum number of particles per image for a reliable and significant analysis.

Even evaluation of the measuring results is uniquely simple with the Analysette 28. The analysis software ISS shows each captured particle clearly as a data point in the cloud-shaped Fritsch-Cloud.

Its position in this cloud shows the really important information about the morphology. Here the user can freely select which conclusions he is interested in: roundness with regard to the minimum Feret diameter, the aspect ratio, applied on the porosity or the convexity as a function of the cross section of the particle. Especially practical: several measurements are displayed simultaneously in a chart and the user can immediately recognise the differences between the respective samples (Fig. 4).

For automatic display of the results clearly arranged on the monitor – optionally as a cloud, as cumulative curve, as bar diagram or in table form, or simply use the predefined layout according the stipulations of the sieve analysis. The displayed information will be printed however you set it up on the user´s monitor.

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