What should you consider when switching to a new laser diffraction analyzer?
When switching to a new laser diffraction analyzer, key considerations include measurement range, sample requirements, wet and dry dispersion capabilities, optical configuration, data analysis, automation, regulatory compliance, and method transfer. It is also important to compare results using representative samples under equivalent measurement conditions rather than relying solely on instrument specifications.
The Bettersizer 2600 Plus is designed to address these considerations, offering a broad measurement range of 0.02–3,500 μm, flexible wet and dry dispersion options, and multiple dispersion configurations for different sample types. With the optional PIC-1 dynamic image analysis module, it can integrate laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis to provide both particle size and particle shape information.
What samples can the Bettersizer 2600 Plus measure?
Bettersizer 2600 Plus is designed for a wide range of powders, suspensions, emulsions, and other particulate materials. With multiple wet and dry dispersion options, it can be configured for applications including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, minerals, ceramics, cement, food, and other industries.
With the optional PIC-1 dynamic imaging module, users can simultaneously characterize particle size and particle shape, providing additional information for samples where morphology is important.
How long does a particle size measurement take?
Measurement time depends on the sample, dispersion method, and measurement settings. The Bettersizer 2600 Plus is designed for efficient routine analysis, with no laser warm-up required. Automated dispersion, surfactant dosing, cleaning, and autosampling options can further reduce manual operation and support high-throughput measurements.
Can existing laser diffraction methods be transferred to the Bettersizer 2600 Plus?
Yes. However, equivalent results should not be assumed simply because both instruments use the same measurement principle. A successful method transfer should be demonstrated using representative samples and predefined acceptance criteria. Important factors include sample preparation, dispersion conditions, optical inputs, sample concentration or obscuration, measurement and data analysis settings, repeatability, and sensitivity to critical particle populations.
For applications requiring close method comparability, systematic differences should be documented and evaluated to determine whether method adjustment or partial revalidation is necessary.
Can the Bettersizer 2600 Plus measure both particle size and particle shape?
Yes. With the optional PIC-1 dynamic imaging module, the Bettersizer 2600 Plus can perform particle size and shape analysis. It provides 32 particle size and shape parameters and can combine laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis results within the same software platform.
Can the Bettersizer 2600 Plus analyze both wet and dry samples?
Yes. The Bettersizer 2600 Plus supports multiple wet and dry dispersion units, allowing the system to be configured according to sample characteristics and application requirements. Users can select an appropriate dispersion method for powders, suspensions, emulsions, and other particulate materials.
Does the Bettersizer 2600 Plus support 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes. The Bettersizer 2600 Plus software supports key features required for 21 CFR Part 11-compliant workflows, making it suitable for laboratories operating in regulated environments. Laboratories should confirm the specific user-access controls, audit trails, electronic signatures, method control, and data review functions included in the proposed configuration based on their validation requirements.
Does the Bettersizer 2600 Plus support IQ/OQ/PQ?
The Bettersizer 2600 Plus can be supported with installation and operational qualification documentation and procedures. Performance Qualification (PQ) is typically performed using the customer's actual samples and predefined acceptance criteria, depending on the customer's validation requirements.
The exact qualification package and execution responsibilities can be discussed based on the application and regulatory requirements.
Can laser diffraction results be combined with sieve analysis?
Yes. The Bettersizer 2600 Plus software supports the integration of laser diffraction results with selected sieve analysis data, enabling a more complete particle size distribution across fine and coarse particle ranges. This is especially valuable in mining, mineral processing, and grinding applications, where both fine and coarse fractions need to be characterized within a single particle size distribution.
This combined approach can help users better evaluate ore, mineral, and ground-material particle size distributions for process optimization and quality control.
Can the Bettersizer 2600 Plus measure the refractive index of unknown samples?
The Bettersizer 2600 Plus provides a refractive index measurement function that can help determine optical parameters for unknown samples. This can reduce uncertainty associated with estimating optical properties when applying Mie theory.
Can the Bettersizer 2600 Plus automatically analyze multiple samples?
Yes. The Bettersizer 2600 Plus can be configured with the BT-A60 autosampler, which provides 60 sample positions for automated measurement. Automated functions such as surfactant dosing and ultrasonic sample-cell cleaning can further reduce manual intervention and support unattended or high-throughput analysis.
Is a free sample test available?
Yes. Free sample testing is available for qualified applications. Customers can submit representative samples and relevant testing information for evaluation by the application team.
Request a Free Sample Test →Entrance link
