Particle Science

The measurement of particle characteristics is important across both the material and biomolecular sciences. The parameters measured include particle size distribution, particle shape, particle count and concentration. The particle size range of most interest is from a few nanometres to over 3000 microns. There are a variety of particle measurement techniques in use today including:

• Laser diffraction – the preferred particle sizing method in many industries because it is an easy and rapid technique. Laser diffraction can be used to measure dry powders, aerosols, liquid suspensions and emulsions and results can often be obtained in less than a minute.
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS) – this is a technique for measuring the size of molecules and particles in the submicron region. Particles are illuminated by a laser beam and scatter the light as a result of Brownian motion. Since the Brownian motion is related to the particle size by measuring the scattered light the particle size can be calculated.
• Image analysis – with this method, microscope optics and a CCD camera magnify and capture particle images which are then counted and measured. The main applications are measuring particle shape and the detection of sample contamination. Image analysis systems are generally used in the range of 0.5 – 1000 microns.

At ATA Scientific, we supply a comprehensive range of Malvern Panalytical for particle measurements. These include;

The Mastersizer laboratory series based on laser diffraction.

The Insitec laser diffraction process systems.

The Zetasizer Pro, Ultra and Nano DLS systems for measuring nano particles.

The Morphology for static image analysis.

At ATA Scientific we sell innovative instruments from leading manufacturers in the particle, surface, life and material sciences. Our suppliers include some of the world’s most well-regarded companies such as Malvern Panalytical, Phenom World (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific), Biolin Scientific, Avestin, Precision Nanosystems, Phasefocus and Nanolane.

Our scientific instruments are used by universities,the CSIRO and by companies in a range of different industries including the pharmaceutical, polymer, chemical and mining sectors. We also provide our clients with long term support to ensure they get the best out of our products and services. Over the past 28 years, ATA Scientific has provided a range of technical services including operator training, preventative maintenance and instrument breakdown repair.