EyeTech Particle Size & Shape Analyzer

What is the size of a particle?Size Related Properties :V = VolumeW = WeightS = Surface AreaA = Projected AreaR = Sedimentation Rate

Conventional techniques derive particle size from a (physical) property.

Usually Particle Size is expressed as the diameter of a sphere with similar property -> equivalent sphere

D min

D max

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Equivalent Sphere

These diameters are fundamentally different for the same particle.The equivalent diameters differ for any non-spherical material.Thus, every PSA technique yields different results for non-spherical materials

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Conventional PSA Techniques

The measurement of particle properties has several drawbacks:

- Sphere is an extreme particle shape, not reflecting real particles

- Significant errors for non-spherical particles- Particle size results dependent on used technique- Instrument response requires calibration- Particle size analysis limited to the measured

property

‘‘Laser Obscuration Time’ Laser Obscuration Time’ measurement solves these drawbacksmeasurement solves these drawbacks

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Laser Channel: Particle Size & Concentration

EyeTech - Particles Analyzer

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EyeTech Measurement Principle

Single Instrument – Dual Measurement Channels

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The EyeTech Laser uses the proven optical bench

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EyeTech Measurement PrincipleThe rotating laser beam scans single particles within its focus.

The diameter of the particle is directly correlated to the duration of the obscuration.

The principle measurement is a time interval, not an intensity measurement.

The time domain is independent of particles optical or physical properties

A B C D E F

Ta Tb Tc Td Te Tf

Time

V

Scanning Laser

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EyeTech Measurement PrincipleFrom the duration of the obscuration (t) and the knownrotation velocity of the laser beam (v) the particle diameter(D) can be calculated:

D = v . t

In relation to the high speed of the rotating laser, the

particles are stationary. So, particle movement does not

effect particle size measurement.No requirement for pre-knowledge of:- Refractive index

- Temperature- Viscosity variation - Electrical conductivity

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Pulse Profile

Off-Center

Pulse Transition Derivative Profile

Pulse Transition

The Derivative Pulse Width of an On-Center pulse transition

corresponds to the laser beam width

On-Center

EyeTech Pulse Analysis; Derivative Pulse Signal

Minimum width and maximum amplitude indicate on-center interactions.

Am

plit

ud

e

For accepted particle crossings,

the angle between the

particle boundaries and the laser beam

trajectory approaches 90°.

Pulse Profile

Derivative Pulse

Focused Laser Beam

Derivative Pulses too wide; Out-Of-Focus pulses are rejected

Opaque Particles Translucent Particles

Transparent Particles

Pulse Profile

Particle Size Measurement is independent of particle’s transparency

EyeTech Measurement PrincipleAdvantages:

- Data is collected on single particles- Detection of minor fractions- Direct measurement of correct particle size, not influenced

by physical or optical properties- Operation in liquid, dry or slide- No calibration required- Excellent traceability to (BCR/NIST) standards- Robust measurement, no alignment required by user- Concentration measurement

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In the FDA poster presented in Feb 2001 they concluded that:

“The large population of fine particles was only detected by the particle counting techniques (image analysis and light obscuration) and not by the ensemble technique (laser diffraction)”

In the FDA poster presented in Feb 2001 they concluded that:

“The large population of fine particles was only detected by the particle counting techniques (image analysis and light obscuration) and not by the ensemble technique (laser diffraction)”

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LaserdiffractionFast & repeatable…. But good?

Assembling technology…general approach.

Assumptions…. Spherical particles, calibration

Restrictions….. Concentration, minor fraction, T

pre-knowledge of sample required… RI (mixture?, unknown sample?), AI (color), Transparency, mirror like (scattering, metals)

Video Channel: Dynamic Shape Analysis

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Why Dynamic Shape Analysis

Conventional particle sizing techniques will always give an equivalent spherical diameter in Number or Volume.

The only information given is a SIZE information expressed in Number or Volume.

Sometimes, these techniques are not sensitive enough to discriminate subtle variations.

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Reasons for Dynamic Shape Analysis

1) Seeing is believing, See your particles.

2) Better characterization of your materials.

3) High resolution data.

4) Detection and quantification of shape influences.

5) Validation technique for the laser channel or other particle size equipment.

6) Number distribution, more sensitive for detection of minor fractions of fines or agglomerates.

7) Identification of the homogenity of the material

8) Characterisation of shape differences.

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EyeTech Measurement PrincipleSingle Instrument – Dual Measurement

Channels

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EyeTech Video Channel

Video Channel collects digital images used for:Visualization during laser measurementDynamic Shape AnalysisGrabbing Images and Recording Movie

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Seeing is believing

No difference in particle size distributions for different materials

With Dynamic Image Analysis, the difference is evident

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Quantifying of shape differences

The difference in the shape factor and maximum diameter are obvious!

Max. Ferret Diameter:

Shape Factor:

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Dynamic Shape AnalysisReal time images of particles in

motionare collected

Images are converted into a grid containing a collection of pictureelements (pixels)

Each individual pixel has a value for

brightness (grey level): 0 = Dark; 255 = White

All images are analyzed according to a

pre-defined set of Image Analysis characteristics

Measurement is finished when themeasurement end condition is met

(#of particles/images, confidence

level,time)

420 µm

18 µm

Image Conversio

n

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Image Analysis TermsBasic Image Analysis terms:

Macro Size Descriptors Ferret Diameters

Determination of distributions of:

- Minimum Ferret- Maximum Ferret- Average Ferret

Average Ferret diameter:

F1 + F2 + F3 + F4 … F36

36

For a sphere size = diameter

Shape Analysis TermsBasic Image Analysis terms:

Macro Shape Descriptors

[ min Ferret diam.]

Aspect Ratio = --------------------------

[ max Ferret diam.]

[Area * 4 ]Shape Factor = ------------------(Circularity) [Perimeter]2

DSA ParametersComparing Shape Factor to Aspect

RatioShape Factor Aspect Ratio

1 1

<0,1 1

0,785 0,707

0,604 0,577

0,436 0,250

0,160 0,100

Object Data Base

• The complete shape information for every particle is saved in the object data base.

• Particles can be viewed individually

EyeTech Shape AnalysisFeatures:

Easy setup and measurement using software wizards

Advanced pre-processing algorithms

Size and Shape grouping Automated report

generation Storage of real raw data

(un-processed images) Re-processing of raw data Calibration and verification

tools available Interface with 3rd party

hardware (e.g. microscopes)

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Dynamic Shape Analysis For each individual particle,

size and shape parameters are determined.

The EyeTech Image Analysis software automates set-up and measurement.

EyeTech software includes many IA procedures such as: Pre-processing procedures Image Filters Region of Interest Out-of-focus Rejection Morphology Operations Grouping according to

size/shape (Re-) processing of stored

images and movies Lens Calibration

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Grouping / Shape FiltersShape Filters can

be set up to analyse a specific group of particles based on size and/or shape

Appications:Fibre AnalysisShape of Sieve

FractionAbrasives

All:

Shape Factor < 0,8:

Shape Filter

Average Size of non-spherical particles in

sample

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Dynamic Shape AnalysisDSA provides a solution for characterization of non-

spherical materials:

Multiple size & shape parameters to adapt to any application.

No assumptions about particle’s sphericity.

Random orientation of particles. No preferred orientation as in microscopy.

Grouping of particles based upon size or shape.

Visualization for measurement validation/verification.

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Dynamic Shape Analysis

Summary- Advanced analysis of video images enables the

determination of different shape parameters.- Feret Diameters, Shape Factor and Aspect Ratio

for shape characterization.- Isolation of classified particles using strategic

Shape Filter options. - Validation of particle size results:

“SEEING IS BELIEVING”- More accurate characterization of non-spherical

materials- Re-processing of stored data

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Eyetech Analysis PackageNew Features:

Easy setup and measurement using software wizards

Automated Report Generator Results stored in SQL database

Multiple User LevelsHardware DiagnosticsCalibration and

verification tools available21 CFR Part 11 Compliant

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EyeTech User InterfaceLaser and video in one programOne click measurementReal time feedbackMultiple data display of graphs, tables,

statisticsOn-Line cycle compareOn-Line helpWizard driven software

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Setup MethodSetup wizards for laser and video

measurementsStep-by-step guidance through the whole

setup processAll created methods are stored Methods can be linked to a sample, user

or customerLoad a method to start the measurement

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Advanced Data OutputResult Database supports:

Data mining: search, sort…Image retrievalNetworking: import \ export data, images…Archiving, back upMeasurement cycles comparison Host mode: Remote data analysis

21 CFR compliant version includes:Secure log-inElectronic signaturesAudit trails

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Object Data Base

• The complete shape information for every particle is saved in the object data base.

• Particles can be viewed individually

EyeTech S/W AdvantagesEasy setup and measurement using software wizardsAdvanced pre-processing algorithmesSize and Shape groupingAutomated report generatorStorage of real raw data (un processed images)Re-processing of raw data (movie files) Interface with third party hardware ( e.g. microscope)Calibration and verification tools avaibleConcentration measurement Integrated laser and video softwareSimultaneous laser and video resultsPharmaceutical FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliant

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One System = Variety of Applications

“Adapting the technology to the application rather then

adapting the application to the technology”

MagneticStirring

FiberCell

FreeFall

LiquidFlow

(10mm)

SlideCell

LiquidFlow

(4mm)

HeatedCell

Mechanical

Stirring

AerosolFlow

MicroFlow

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Unique & useful features… (1) True multi-tasking technology - multiple tasks enable during

measurement Time based analysis - not depending on any optical properties of

the sample Measurements applicable for a broad of concentration range - no

dilution needed Possibility of kinetics measurements (Crystal growth, dissolution

properties, etc) Investigation of flow ability - process conditions simulations Particle of interest in large matrix can be characterized selectively

by using shape filters No alignment or calibration needed - not even when changing

system compounds Advanced overflow protection in the automatic Liquid Flow

Controller (EyeFlow) Advanced data base - single particle can be detect - clear & fast

internal search engine

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Unique & useful features… (2) High resolution & accuracy of dynamic measurement

range for multi disperse samples No need for pre-knowledge of sample properties Ideal for non-spherical particles analysis Small volume samples - allowing sample volume down

to 2 ml IQ, OQ, PQ validation support available 21 CFR part 11 compliant S/W Operation in harsh conditions - minimum maintenance

requirements Easy access, maintenance and cleaning procedure to

all system compounds Robust measurement - independent to laser intensity

and no fluctuation adjustment Emergency measurement stop available at any time by

the operator Particles size distribution based on measuring

individual particles - not on ensembles Simple & easy to explain measurement principle Fast and easy preparation of samples and user

controlled presentation of analysis data

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Our Development ;Your Added Value

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