Particle Size Analyzers: Definition, Methods and Price

Laboratory particle size analyzers play a critical role in providing accurate, reliable and repeatable particle size measurements. Laboratories and manufacturing facilities rely on particle size analyzers for accurate measurements. Scitek is committed to providing you with the expertise and equipment you need to maintain efficient quality control.

Regardless of your industry, knowing the size of the particles in your product is a critical aspect of quality control. Therefore, it is critical that you implement reliable particle analysis methods into your manufacturing process. In this blog, we'll explore how particle size analyzers work and the main factors that influence price when choosing an instrument.

What is Particle Size Analysis?

Particle size analysis (PSA) is a technique for measuring and evaluating the size distribution of solid particles in a sample. It is used to determine the size, distribution range, and number of particles in proportion to their size, and is a critical test in materials research, quality control, and production processes.

The analysis can be applied to a wide range of sample types such as powders, suspensions and emulsions. Common applications include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, building materials, food, metallurgy, mining and nanotechnology.

Why is particle size important?

Particle size is critical to the performance of a product, affecting not only the performance, stability and appearance of the product, but also productivity and processing methods. Failure to understand the size of a material's individual particles can lead to serious problems in the production line, costing thousands or even millions of dollars in potential lost revenue.  

Understanding particle size is one of the many precautions needed to ensure product specification, quality and effectiveness.

How to Perform Particle Size Analysis

There are five methods that can be used to accurately produce particle analysis results: Laser Diffraction Analyzer, Test Sieve Analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Air Jet Sieve Analysis or Dynamic Image Analysis.

1. Laser Diffraction Analyzer

   This is the most commonly used particle size analyzer for particle sizes from nanometers to millimeters. It offers high repeatability, a wide range of particle size distributions and real-time measurement capabilities. They work by measuring the scattering of laser light by particles in the sample.

2. Test Sieve Analysis

   This is a very traditional method of particle size analysis. Results are recorded as material passes through the holes of a test sieve and the process is simple and easy to follow.

3. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS):

   DLS is ideal for measuring nanoparticles in suspensions for use in colloids, emulsions and biopharmaceutical applications.

4. Air Jet Sieve Analysis

   Ideal for measuring substances that tend to agglomerate (e.g. powdered sugar). The air flow causes agglomerated particles to collide with their Plexiglas lids and separate.

5. Moving Image Analysis

   Uses a high-resolution camera and software to measure the size and shape of particles, capturing and processing image data in real time, making it possible to instantly monitor particle movement and change.

Factors affecting the price of a particle size analyzer

Prices for particle size analyzers range from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on their features, functionality, and intended use. Understanding the key factors that influence pricing can help laboratories make an informed purchase. To understand the pricing of a particle size analyzer, you need to evaluate the upfront costs and long-term expenses, such as software upgrades, maintenance, and consumables.

Types of Technology: How Analyzers Measure Particle Size

Measurement technology is one of the most important factors affecting the price at which a particle size analyzer is sold. The most common types include:

Laser Diffraction: More expensive due to its high repeatability and wide range of particle size distributions suitable for industrial and research use. Higher-end models with wet and dry dispersion capabilities are usually more expensive.

Test sieve analysis: Relatively inexpensive and suitable for small laboratories or preliminary screening.

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS): Suitable for high precision measurement of nanoparticles, slightly less expensive than laser diffraction analyzers, but still expensive.

Air Jet Sieve Analysis: Relatively simple equipment and therefore usually less expensive. Frequent calibration may be required during use.

Dynamic Image Analysis: Utilizes high-resolution imaging and laser beam technology to capture information on particle shape, size range, and dispersion characteristics in real time, and is more expensive.

Measurement capabilities: size range, accuracy and repeatability

Particle size analyzers are primarily used to measure particle size distributions from the nanometer to the millimeter scale. The wider the measurement range, the more sophisticated the instrument and the higher the cost. Advanced particle size analyzers offer the following advantages:

1. High resolution detection capability to distinguish between single particles and agglomerates;

2. Excellent repeatability, ensuring consistent and reliable results over many measurements;

3. Real-time particle characterization, especially for pharmaceutical and industrial applications where process control is critical.

Add-ons: Beyond Particle Size Distribution

While some particle size analyzers focus on particle size measurement, many high-end devices incorporate a variety of additional capabilities that significantly affect their price, such as:

1. Potential measurement: used to assess the stability of particles in suspension, especially for nanomaterials and emulsion studies;

2. Aggregation detection: critical for analyzing particle interactions in life sciences and pharmaceuticals;

3. Real-time dispersion monitoring: allows continuous tracking of particle dispersion over time;

4. Software and data analysis support: some instruments are equipped with AI-driven image recognition, automated reporting and cloud-based data storage, which are intelligent modules that significantly improve the efficiency of use and correspondingly increase the cost of the equipment.

Sample types and applications: wet vs. dry dispersion

The method used to disperse different particle types can affect analyzer pricing:

Wet dispersion systems are designed for liquids, emulsions and suspensions and typically require additional pumps and fluid handling components.

Dry dispersion systems are well suited for powders and bulk materials and require specialized air dispersion units to ensure uniform particle distribution.

Mixing models that support wet and dry dispersion are typically more costly due to their versatility.

Throughput and automation: For high volume labs, throughput and automation are critical to maintaining efficiency

Automated sample loading and analysis: Reduces human error and speeds up processing times, but also increases instrument costs.

Multiple Sample Analysis: Allows multiple samples to be analyzed in a single run, increasing overall efficiency.

Brands and Models: Compare Major Manufacturers

The manufacturer of a particle size analyzer can also affect its pricing. As well as the length of the machine's warranty, software updates and post maintenance and calibration should all be factored into the purchase cost.

Particle Size Analyzer Recommendations

Entry-level particle size analyzer ($4,000 to $9,000)

These particle size analyzers are suitable for basic particle size distribution measurements in research and quality control laboratories that do not require high throughput or advanced features. Generally available are the basic Spray Particle Size Analyzer, Wet Dispersionlaser Particle Size Analyzer, and Dry Dispersionlaser Particle Size Analyzer.

Common techniques: Basic laser diffraction, Coulter counter.

Size range: Typically covers sub-micron to several hundred microns.

Mid-range particle size analyzers ($10,000 to $50,000)

This price range includes a wider range of sizes. This category is ideal for pharmaceutical research, life sciences and industrial quality control where precision and flexibility are required.

Size range: nanoparticles up to a few millimeters can be measured, depending on the model.

Common technologies: Advanced laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and dynamic image analysis.

Wet and dry dispersion options for more flexibility

Higher throughput capability for laboratories processing multiple samples per day.

High-end particle size analyzers ($5,000 to over $100,000)

Common Technologies: Advanced laser diffraction technology with high resolution imaging.

Size range: Covering a wide range from nanometers to millimeters with superior accuracy.

Automated sample processing for increased efficiency.

Typically used in tightly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals and materials science, where reproducibility and precision are critical.

Conclusion

Particle size analysis is the process of measuring the size and shape of particles by means of specialized equipment, usually carried out by operators according to industry standards. This work is an important part of ensuring product quality. If particle size analysis is neglected, it may result in failed experiments or inaccurate data. To ensure reliable measurements, commonly used methods include test sieve analysis, airflow sieve analysis and dynamic image analysis, all of which are techniques that can help us get a more accurate picture of particle distribution.