Particle Characterization Laboratory
Equipment List
1. Light Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer
Malvern, Mastersizer 2000
Mastersizer 2000 measures the particle size distributions of particle populations by
light scattering based on Mie Theory. It has a broad measuring range from 0.02 µm to
2000 µm. It is compatible with different sample dispersion units that make it suitable to
measure the particle size distributions of emulsions, suspensions and dry powders.
Characterization Laboratory has two wet dispersion units, namely Hydro S and Hydro
µP. Hydro S (50 - 120 ml) is a general-purpose sample dispersion unit, whereas micro
cell Hydro µP (18 ml) is used for smaller quantities of high value materials. Hydro µP
and Hydro S can handle measurement of materials up to 120 µm and 600 µm,
respectively, depending on particle shape and density.
2. Sieve Shaker
Tyler, Ro-Tap Model E
It measures the particle size distributions of particle populations by sieve sizing from
45 µm to 8 mm.
3. Gas Pycnometer
Micromeritics, AccuPyc II 1340 Pycnometer
AccuPyc II 1340 determines the true volume and true density of solids and powders
within ±0.02% full scale volume reproducibility using Helium. 1, 10, 100 and 350 cm3
sample capacity options are available for the analyzer. Using multivolume kits,
measurements can be performed for materials having volumes as small as 0.01 cm 3.
Characterization Laboratory has 10 cm3 sample cup and a multivolume kit that enables
us to measure smaller sample size (1 and 3.5 cm3).
4. Pycnometer
Micromeritics, GeoPyc 1360 Envelope Density Analyzer
GeoPyc 1360 measures the envelope density of the granules, compacts (even porous
objects of irregular size and shape) within ±1% sample volume accuracy. It uses a unique
displacement measurement technique that uses a quasi-fluid called DryFloTM. Different
sizes of sample chambers and plungers can be used with the analyzer to be able to
measure broad range of samples. Characterization Laboratory has all available sample
chambers ranging from 1.27 to 5.08 cm inside diameter. Additionally, the analyzer
measures the Transverse Axial Pressure (T.A.P) density of powders and other solids.
5. Tensiometer
Krüss, K100MKII Tensiometer
The equipment measures the surface tension and the interfacial tension of liquids by
Du Nouy Ring Method and Wilhelmy Plate Method in a range from 1 to 1000 mN/m.
Characterization laboratory has Wilhelmy Plate. Contact angles on solids of uniform
geometry are measured by Dynamic Wilhelmy method. Dynamic contact angle and
the adsorption behavior on powders and other porous materials are determined via
Washburn Method. The instrument has a built-in ionizer which eliminates the
electrostatic charges and increases the measuring accuracy.
Other properties that can be determined by this equipment include critical Micelle
concentration (needs additional accessory), density of liquids, Sedimentation and sediment
resistance measurements (needs additional accessory), surface energy calculations on solids,
powders, pigments, fibers, etc.
6. High Speed Load Frame
Instron, ElectroPuls E1000 Electrodynamic Test Instrument
Instron material testing system is used to measure the mechanical properties of wet
granules, compacts and tablets. It is capable of performing static testing up to 710 N
and dynamic testing up to 1000 N. Different load cells and fixtures can be used with the
equipment depending on the sample and the testing to be performed. Characterization
laboratory has different load cells (250 N and 2000N) for the instrument that allows us
to test the mechanical properties of broad range of materials. The 250 N and 2000 N
load cells are calibrated to measure loads down to 1N (as small as 1N) and 20 N,
respectively with an accuracy of ±0.5%. The calibrated maximum test stroke of the
equipment is 50 mm (max. test stroke is 60 mm). The minimum velocity can be as low
as 0.05 mm/min and the highest velocity can be as high as 1700 mm/sec.
7. Schulze Ring Shear Tester
Jenike & Johanson, Ring Shear Tester RXT-XS
The equipment determines the flow properties (cohesive strength and its increase with
time (caking), internal and wall friction, and compressibility) of fine-grained powders
and bulk solids with only small amounts of sample (between 9-70 ml). Materials which
are free flowing, very poor flowing, or require large shear deformation can all be tested.
The testing procedure is executed computer-controlled, to eliminate bias due to
operator’s handling. Variable stress levels could be applied adaptable to the application
under consideration and normal stress with standard shear cell is as high as 20 kPa.
8. Photron High Speed Camera
Photron FASTCAM-X 1024 PCI 100K Monochrome High Speed Camera system is a fullsize PCI camera with a record/capture rate of up to 109,500 frames per second, a
control/frame store board with 4GB of onboard memory. The equipment is capable of
recording from 60 to 109,500 frames per second and captures 1000 frames per second
at a resolution of 1024x1024. It is capable of electronic shutter speeds from 1/60th
second to eight microseconds (2 s). The camera system also includes 25mm, 50 mm
and 100 mm lenses to work with.
9. Carver Press, Auto "C" 3888
The equipment has a minimum clamp force of 700 lb and a maximum clamp force of 30000 lb.