Powdex '99: Horiba Introduces Economical Particle Size Analyzer

Horiba Instruments Inc., the Irvine, CA, subsidiary of Japan's Horiba, Ltd. (Kyoto), has introduced a smaller, more affordable particle size distribution analyzer. The company's new Model LA-300 light-scattering analyzer costs about $35,000 and is capable of measuring wet powders over a 0.1-600 micron range of sizes.

This compares with a 0.02-2000 micron range for the company's $55,000 LA-920 unit. The larger unit also handles wet and dry powders.

The LA-300 is surprisingly quick. It displays data within 20 sec of measurement. It uses a 650-nm, 5 mW diode laser light source to illuminate particles suspended in the flow cell. As the light refracts off the unit's six wide-angle/backscatter detectors and 36-channel ring-shaped silicon photodiode, it processes all 42 signals at once.

The Horiba LA-300 particle size distribution analyzer.

Horiba has also sped up the mechanical parts as well. LA-300's 300 mL centrifugal pump system includes an ultrasonic chamber, so it can disperse and measure powders in a single operation. Adding an optional programmable fill pump automates the operation.

Horiba designed the system to minimize maintenance. The unit autocalibrates at the touch of a button, repositioning and adjusting the photodiodes for optimal performance. The pump also resists residue buildup, reducing downtime for maintenance.

The unit supports Windows 98 (and Windows 95) data exchange standards, so that users can analyze data in conventional Windows spreadsheets and databases.

Horiba's sequential operation wizard allows users to program measurement conditions and operations sequences using an easy-to- follow graphic user interface. Once programmed, users can run routine analyses simply by clicking on a button.

The unit also allows system administrator to limit access to certain LA-300 operations based on individual or user categories (different types of technicians, scientists, or engineers). This feature prevents unauthorized personnel from resetting critical settings.

Horiba also used Powdex '99 to show off its larger LA-920 laser particle size distribution analyzer. According to the company, the unit incorporates five major advances. These include:

• Low-end limits. LA-920's 0.02-2000-micron measurement range provides the lowest end limt (0.02 microns) of any unit capable of measuring up to 2000 microns in the same measurement.
  
• Autosampler. The new autosampler provides continuous unattended operation.
  
• Dry feeder. The company's PowderJet dry feeder is capable of dispersing cohesive fine powders down to submicron sizes.
  
• Automated pumping. The completely automated centrifugal pumping system includes an ultrasonic probe, level detection, and automatic fill and rinse.
  
• Sensitivity. LA-920's detection system uses 87 sensing elements to achieve superior resolution and sensitivity.

Horiba LA-920 particle size distribution analyzer.

Horiba also used the show to announce a new static-volumetric gas adsorption surface area analyzer. The Sorptomatic 1990 provides data on surface area, pore size distribution, and total pore volume. It measures is capable of measuring surface area greater than 0.2 m2/g and pore radii of 2-50 nm.

For more information: Horiba Instruments Inc., 17671 Armstrong Ave., Irvine, CA 92614. Phone: 800-446-7422 or 949-250-4811. Fax: 949-250-0924.

By Alan S. Brown