Mastersizer 3000
Premier particle size analyzer
The Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer delivers rapid, accurate particle size distributions for both wet and dry dispersions with the minimum of effort. Measuring over the nanometer to millimeter particle size ranges, it packs exceptional performance into the smallest of footprints, bringing operator-independent measurements that every user can rely on.
Features and benefits
The Mastersizer 3000 is the latest generation of the world’s most popular particle sizing instrument. Incorporating expert engineering and applications know-how into every stage of its design, it delivers:
- Class-leading particle sizing performance in a compact footprint.
- Intuitive software with built-in expertise to ease your workload.
- Flexible reporting to display your data the way you want it.
- Rapid and effective wet dispersion.
- Fast, reliable particle size measurement of fragile and cohesive dry powders.
- Mastersizer know-how throughout, for results you can rely on.
How it works
The Mastersizer 3000 uses the technique of laser diffraction to measure the size of particles. It does this by measuring the intensity of light scattered as a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample. This data is then analyzed to calculate the size of the particles that created the scattering pattern.
A typical system is made up of three main elements:
- Optical bench - A dispersed sample passes though the measurement area of the optical bench, where a laser beam illuminates the particles. A series of detectors then accurately measure the intensity of light scattered by the particles within the sample for both red and blue light wavelengths and over a wide range of angles.
- Sample dispersion units (accessories). Sample dispersion is controlled by a range of wet and dry dispersion units. These ensure the particles are delivered to the measurement area of the optical bench at the correct concentration and in a suitable, stable state of dispersion.
- Instrument software. The Mastersizer 3000 software controls the system during the measurement process and analyzes the scattering data to calculate a particle size distribution. It also provides both instant feedback during method development and expert advice on the quality of the results.
Specification
General
- Particle size:
- Suspensions, emulsions, dry powders
- Principle:
- Laser light scattering
- Analysis:
- Mie and Fraunhofer scattering
- Data acquisition rate:
- 10 kHz
- Typical measurement time:
- <10 sec
- Dimensions (W, D, H):
- 690mm x 300mm x 450mm
- Weight:
- 30 kg
Optics
- Red light source:
- Max. 4mW He-Ne, 632.8nm
- Blue light source:
- Max. 10mW LED, 470nm
- Lens arrangement:
- Reverse Fourier (convergent beam)
- Effective focal length:
- 300mm
Detector
- Arrangement:
- Log-spaced array
- Angular range:
- 0.015 - 144 degrees
- Alignment:
- Automatic
Size
- Particle size:
- 0.01 - 3500 µm *
- Number of size classes:
- 100 (user adjustable)
- Accuracy:
- Better than 0.6% **
- Precision / Repeatability:
- Better than 0.5% variation *
- Reproducibility:
- Better than 1% variation *
Software
- 21 CFR part 11:
- Enables an operating mode that assists with ER/ES compliance
System compliance
- Laser safety:
- Class 1, IEC60825-1:2007 and CFR Chapter I: Sub-chapterJ: Part 1040 (CDRH)
- Regulatory testing:
- RoHS and WEEE compliant CE / FCC compliant Meets requirements of the European Low Voltage directive
System
- Power:
- 100/240 v, 50/60 Hz 50W (no dispersion units connected) 200W maximum (2 dispersion units connected)
- Humidity:
- 80% maximum for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C. Non condensing.
- Operating temperature (°C):
- +5°C to +40°C
- Product storage temperature:
- -20°C to +50°C
- Ingress Protection (IP) rating:
- IP41B
Notes
- *:
- Sample and sample preparation dependent.
- **:
- Accuracy defined for the measurement of monomodal latex standards. This specification accounts for the manufacturer’s uncertainty in the latex size. Sample and sample preparation dependant.
- Patents:
- The Mastersizer 3000 optical bench is protected by patents; US6,778,271 and related filings; GB2,340,932; together with patents based on applications WO2013038161, WO2013038160 and WO2013038159. Hydro MV and LV protected by EP1167946A2 and related filings.
Accessories
Sample dispersion accessories for the Mastersizer 3000
Mastersizer 3000
Wet sample dispersion accessories
Hydro Sight
See your dispersion
The Hydro Sight™ is a revolutionary accessory for the Mastersizer range of instruments providing rapid visualization and assessment of your liquid particle dispersion during a measurement.
Hydro SV
Small volume wet sample dispersion
The Hydro SV is a simple, cost effective liquid dispersion unit designed to enable particle size analysis using small volumes of sample and dispersant.
Hydro MV
Medium volume automated dispersion unit.
The Hydro MV is medium volume unit for the controlled, automated wet dispersion of samples for particle size analysis. Suitable for both aqueous and non-aqueous applications, it is especially useful when sample size is limited and/or dispersant use must be minimized.
Hydro LV
Large volume wet sample dispersion.
The Hydro LV is an automated large volume unit that controls wet dispersion of materials for particle size analysis. It is especially suitable for applications where the sample size is relatively large or the size distribution is very broad.
Hydro EV
Flexible volume wet dispersion
A unique dip-in wet sample dispersion unit that can be used with standard laboratory glassware. Suitable for a wide variety of dispersant volumes and particle size ranges.
Hydro SM
Small volume entry level wet dispersion unit
The Hydro SM is a cost effective wet sample dispersion unit designed for measuring samples in non-aqueous dispersants where solvent usage needs to be minimized.
Mastersizer 3000 Chocosizer
Effective Chocolate production quality control
The goal of chocolate production is to produce a product with a consistent taste and mouthfeel in an economical and efficient way. Control of the cocoa and milk solids particle size and particle size distribution is critical to achieving this objective. The Mastersizer 3000 Chocosizer is designed to support chocolate production and quality control by providing a simple method for fast, reliable chocolate particle size analysis.
Dry sample dispersion accessories
Aero S
State-of-the-art dry powder dispersion
Setting new standards for dry powder dispersion, the Aero S has been designed from the ground up based upon fundamental powder dispersion theory. The modular design ensures rapid and reproducible dispersion of the widest range of samples from cohesive powders to fragile materials.
Aero Funnel Sample Feeder
Rapid QC measurements for bulk powder samples
The Aero funnel sample feeder is designed to help users achieve rapid, reproducible bulk dry powder particle size measurements by allowing samples to be added directly to the Aero S and Aero M dry powder dispersion units without opening the dispersion unit lid. This speeds up and simplifies the process of introducing samples for analysis, decreasing the time required to obtain results.
Support
Protect your investment and ensure optimized performance at all times with Malvern Panalytical's service plans.
When you purchase a Malvern Panalytical product we understand that this is just the first stage of a working relationship that will last for the lifetime of the instrument. Depending on your needs, Malvern Panalytical will provide the support for your business.
Help Desk
- Telephone and email support.
- Operators who take responsibility for your call and ensure your query is answered.
Training
Software downloads
Malvern Panalytical's service options- choose the right plan for you:
Malvern Panalytical Platinum Plan
For laboratories where maximizing instrument up-time is critical to its daily performance. Our highest level of response and the 'all inclusive' price plan takes care of those unexpected repair bills should the unfortunate occur.
Malvern Panalytical Gold Plan
Enhance your laboratory productivity by maintaining instrument efficiency. Still receive that priority response, combined with specialist technical and software support, we'll keep your instrument performance on track to deliver.
Malvern Panalytical Bronze Visit
For laboratories looking to optimize instrument performance, regular preventative maintenance is essential.
| Platinum Plan | Gold Plan | Bronze Visit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual PM/PV Test | yes | yes | no |
| Telephone / Email Support | yes | yes | no |
| Priority Response | yes | yes | no |
| Emergency Breakdown visits* | yes | yes | no |
| Parts Included | yes | no | no |
| Technical & Software Support | yes | yes | yes |
| IQ/OQ (Pharma)*** | yes | yes | yes |
*including labour & travel costs***available at an additional cost
Key applications
Pharmaceuticals
Particle size analysis is a critical material attribute (CMA) for all solid dosage forms and liquid suspensions of pharmaceuticals, used to assess Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) of a drug product (such as bioavailability, product stability and content uniformity), in order to meet the desired Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP).
The particle size distribution of the active ingredient (API) in a drug is critical to its bioavailability. The larger the surface area of a particle, the greater its solubility and dissolution rate, leading to increased bioavailability and a faster acting drug release. The particle surface area is a function of particle size, so the smaller the particle size, the greater the dissolution rate and bioavailability of the drug (all other factors being equal). Considering something like an indigestion liquid: the finer the particle size, the more cohesive the material is, the more prone it is to aggregation over time and the poorer its colloidal stability. This in turn will affect the bioavailability of the drug, as the particle size distribution has now become larger over time, making the product less efficient. The content uniformity of a tablet is also dependent on the particle size distribution of its constituents. With a larger particle size, some unit doses may not meet potency specifications. Furthermore, the excipient blend selection is also based on particle size. The packing density of powders is dependent on their particle size distribution, with a mix of fine and coarse material leading to a higher packing density, and a lower permeability - leading to a slower disintegration of the tablet.
So, whether optimizing the particle size of the API and excipients during formulation development, checking the particle size of the raw materials from suppliers or conducting quality control at different stages of the manufacturing process, the measurement of particle size and particle size distribution is essential in pharmaceutical development and within the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.
Inks, pigments and and coatings
Color, opacity, gloss, tinting strength, viscosity and sedimentation rate: all of these properties are affected by the particle size distribution of the pigments and extender pigments in the product.
Opacity, for example, is determined by the scattering efficiency of the pigments, which in turn is dependent on their particle size. For titanium dioxide, which is a very efficient scatterer of light owing to its high refractive index, the optimum particle size for scattering white light is around 250 nm and thus laser diffraction is used to ensure the particle size is controlled between 200-350 nm. This ensures it makes coatings appear bright white and effectively hides anything underneath.
Extender pigments are added to the formulation to reduce the amount of primary pigment used and to enhance the aesthetic and mechanical properties of the paint coating. Reducing the particle size produces a smoother coating, increases the gloss and increases the opacity of the coating by controlling the spacing of the primary pigment particles. Oversized particles (> 500nm) and larger agglomerates in poor dispersions will affect film properties like gloss, and will cause surface imperfections.
In the case of pigmented inks, which are used for ink-jet applications where durability and exposure to moisture are requirement, the presenence of oversized particles can lead to nozzle blockages, defect formation within printed film and inconsistent colour densities.
Catalysts
Specific Surface Area (SSA) is critical to heterogeneous catalyst activity. The rate of reaction is dependent on the surface area of the solid catalyst, as this defines the contact area between the catalyst and the reactants. Although traditionally determined using BET physisorption techniques, laser diffraction provides a fast and more efficient assessment of SSA, enabling quicker assessment and release of product.
The SSA can be increased by milling the catalyst material, as this process reduces the particle size. However, if the particle size is too fine, powder processing can become difficult due to its propensity for aggregation and it can also lead to loss of expensive catalysts through entrainment of fines within gas or liquid streams. For example, in the case of FCC catalysts (used in the conversion of long-chain hydrocarbon fractions in crude oil to more valuable shorter chain hydrocarbons), if the particle size is too large it won’t flow up the column, but if it is too small, the catalyst will be lost.
Laser diffraction can be used to assess the particle size distribution of a huge array of catalyst materials, ranging from Raney Nickel, Pt black, catalyst support mateirals, Ziegler-Natta catalysts, FCC catalysts, iron-based Fisher-Tropsch catalysts, supported metal and metal-alloy catalysts (e.g. Pd/C, Pd/CaCO3, Pd/BaSO4, Pd/Al2O3, Pd-Au/SiO2, Pd-Ag/SiO2, Ni-Cu/SiO2), Fe and doped Fe materials, etc. In all cases, particle size analysis is essential for controlling powder processing and SSA, enabling optimisation of product properties and maintaining process efficiency.
Cement
Particles that are too fine (<2um diameter), lead to the cement curing exothermically, setting too fast and cracking. However, large particles (>32um) may not fully hydrate during routine use, reducing the strength of the final product. Typically optimum strength is achieved if 50-70% of the product lies between 2 and 32 um, depending on the intended grade of the final product.
To ensure the desired particle size range in the final grade product, a separator is placed after the finish mill. Oversized particles are rejected and fed back into the mill for further milling, whilst those of the correct size are collected as final product.
The efficiency of the separator can be calculated by taking samples from the fresh feed, rejects and a separator is used to ensure particles of the desired particle size range are collected for the final grade product.