Malvern Morphologi 4 rapidly measures particle size, shape, transparency, count and location of dry powders, fibres and wet suspensions using automated static imaging analysis.

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Manufacturer	Malvern Panalytical
Product Series	Malvern Morphologi
Measurement principle	Microscopy – Image Analysis
Application	Particle Shape, Count & Chemical ID
Sample type	Powders, suspensions, fibres
Particle size range	0.5µm to >1300µm
Particle size parameters	Circle equivalent diameter, length, width, perimeter, area, max distance, sphere equivalent vol, fiber total length, fiber width
Particle shape parameters	Aspect ratio, circularity, convexity, elongation, high sensitivity circularity, solidity, fibre elongation, fibre straightness
Integrated Sample Dispersion	Fully automated dispersion with SOP control of dispersion pressure, injection time and settling time
Detector	18 MP; 4912 x 3684 pixel colour CCD array; pixel size 1.25 μm x 1.25 μm

The Malvern Morphologi 4 is an easy-to- use, automated particle characterisation tool for the measurement of particle size, shape and count. It is the ideal replacement for costly and time-consuming manual microscopy measurements.

The integrated dry powder disperser simplifies sample preparation by allowing representative sampling and good particle separation. Using compressed air, a small amount of sample is dispersed automatically to ensure any strongly agglomerated materials are evenly distributed while avoiding the damage of fragile particles. Effective dispersion of fibres can also be achieved.

The Morphologi 4 uses a powerful microscope with an integrated high signal to noise CCD camera to provide the highest quality images. Every measurement has calibration checks for camera pixel size and sample illumination intensity providing repeatable and robust methods. The user can also return to a selected particle for a more in depth analysis at higher or lower magnifications.

A choice of accessories supports analysis of samples on microscope slides, in wet suspensions or on membrane filters. The Morphologi 4-ID includes a Raman microprobe, which gains the additional ability to chemically identify particles and foreign contaminants.

The software provides simple operation with automatic selection, targeting and rapid chemical classification of thousands of individual particles. Automated and unattended, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approach delivers substantial time savings by allowing users to get on with other tasks while the instrument completes the measurements.

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Demonstration Benefits Applications Accessories FAQs

Simple automated operation
The integrated dry powder dispersion option ensures representative sampling and optimal spatial separation while avoiding damage of fragile particles.

High quality measurements for both dry and wet samples and particulates on filter membranes
Every measurement has calibration checks for camera pixel size and sample illumination intensity for repeatable and robust methods. The user can return to a selected particle for a more in depth analysis at higher or lower magnifications. ‘Sharp Edge’ analysis enables detection of even low contrast particles. 21 CFR Part 11 software option ensures regulatory compliance.

Saves time and frees up resources
Intuitive software provides simple operation with auto selection, targeting and rapid chemical classification of thousands of individual particles. The SOP approach delivers time savings by allowing for unattended operation.

Automation of microscopy methods, eg detection of foreign particulates
Crystallisation engineering and formulation development
Discovery/R&D screening tool with only mg of sample needed
Troubleshooting and root cause analysis in manufacturing
Validation of QC particle sizing methods, e.g laser diffraction

2-slide and 4-slide holder

Allows a few μL of a particulate suspension to be presented using either the 2-slide or 4-slide holder.

Wet dispersion cell

Allows between 2 mL and 6 mL of sample for characterising larger suspended particles or where volumetric particle count is important.

Thin-path wet cell

It is ideal for applications such as the identification of subvisible particles (upto 100μL) in therapeutics described by guidance in USP <787> and USP <788>.

25 mm and 47 mm diameter filter holders

Allow samples on filter membranes to be presented directly to the instrument for analysis.

Fused silica filters and holder

Enable the analysis of filtered samples containing low-contrast particles such as protein aggregates or contaminant particles.

Twin 35 mm petri dish holder

Provides an alternative means of measuring suspended particles that may be at risk of being deformed when dispersed into a cell.

What is the Morphologi 4 used for?

How does automated particle imaging work?

The Morphologi 4 uses a high-sensitivity 18 MP CMOS camera with interchangeable Nikon optics to capture images of thousands of particles automatically. Its Sharp Edge segmentation algorithm identifies and measures each particle, generating statistically representative size and shape distributions from a single measurement.

What particle size range can Morphologi 4 measure?

The Morphologi 4 measures particles from 0.5 um to 1300 um, with five interchangeable lenses (2.5x to 50x) providing different size ranges within this span.

Can Morphologi 4 measure particle shape?

Yes. The Morphologi 4 measures 20+ morphological shape parameters including aspect ratio, circularity, convexity, elongation, and solidity, in addition to size parameters.

How does image analysis determine particle properties?

The Morphologi 4 software analyses each particle’s silhouette and optical characteristics to calculate 20+ parameters covering size, shape, and intensity. The Sharp Edge segmentation algorithm reliably detects and measures low-contrast particles that other imaging systems may miss.

What applications is Morphologi 4 suitable for?

The Morphologi 4 is used in pharmaceutical development (API and excipient characterisation), spray drying process monitoring, battery and energy storage electrode material analysis, powder metallurgy quality control, and mining and minerals research.

Can Morphologi 4 perform chemical identification?

Chemical identification is available with the Morphologi 4-ID model. Morphologi 4-ID delivers detailed component-specific morphological descriptions of particulate blends through Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS). This combines automated particle imaging with Raman spectroscopy in a single, integrated platform, providing the power to unlock complex particle characterisation problems.

How many particles does Morphologi 4 analyse per sample?

The Morphologi 4 analyses thousands of particles per measurement, generating statistically representative distributions.

What is the resolution of Morphologi 4 imaging?

The Morphologi 4 uses an 18 MP CMOS detector with 4912 x 3684 pixels and a 1.25 um pixel size. Combined with five interchangeable Nikon lenses (2.5x to 50x), this delivers high-resolution particle imaging across the full measurement range.

How does Morphologi 4 differentiate particle types?

The Morphologi 4 differentiates particles using combinations of size parameters, shape parameters (circularity, elongation, convexity, solidity), and optical intensity measurements.

Can Morphologi 4 measure particle distribution?

Yes. The Morphologi 4 generates statistically representative size and shape distributions from thousands of individual particle measurements in a single automated run.

What sample types can be analysed with Morphologi 4?

The Morphologi 4 can analyse dry powders (via integrated disperser), suspensions (using wet or dispersion cells), filtered particles, and samples on slides or petri dishes.

Which industries commonly use the Morphologi 4?

The Morphologi 4 is widely used in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, cosmetics, and materials research, wherever understanding particle morphology and composition is critical for product performance and quality control.

What types of particles can the Morphologi 4 analyse?

The system can analyse a wide range of particles, from sub-micron to millimetre-sized, including powders, granules, tablets, fibres, and agglomerates. It works for both single-component and complex multi-component materials.

Can I have a demonstration or free trial of the Morphologi 4?

Yes, if a system is available. Contact us for more information and a personalised demo to test your samples. Contact us or complete a request a demo form to get started.

Malvern Morphologi 4-ID combines automated static imaging for particle size, shape, count with Raman Spectroscopy to enable additional chemical identification analysis.

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Manufacturer	Malvern Panalytical
Product Series	Malvern Morphologi
Measurement principle	Microscopy – Image Analysis + Raman Spectroscopy
Application	Particle Shape, Count & Chemical ID
Sample type	Powders, suspensions, fibres
Particle size range	0.5µm to >1300µm
Particle size parameters	Circle equivalent diameter, length, width, perimeter, area, max distance, sphere equivalent vol, fiber total length, fiber width
Particle shape parameters	Aspect ratio, circularity, convexity, elongation, high sensitivity circularity, solidity, fiber elongation, fiber straightness
Integrated sample dispersion	Fully automated dispersion with SOP control
Detector	18 MP; 4912 x 3684 pixel colour CCD array; pixel size 1.25 μm x 1.25 μm

The Malvern Morphologi 4-ID provides a unique capability, combining automated static imaging features of the Morphologi 4 with chemical identification of individual particles using Raman spectroscopy. This fully automated instrument measures particle size, particle shape and chemical identity, all in one platform.

The Morphologi 4-ID uses a powerful microscope with an integrated high signal to noise CCD camera to provide the highest quality images. Particles of interest can be selected based upon size/ shape information from which a Raman spectrum is collected enabling the user to chemically identify specific ingredients or contaminants. Spectra of unknown particles can be directly exported to Bio-Rad’s KnowItAll ® ID Expert software for comparison against its Raman library containing over 13,000 spectra.

Resources

Demonstration Benefits Applications Accessories FAQs

Simple automated operation saves time and frees up resources
Intuitive software provides simple operation with auto selection, targeting and rapid chemical classification of thousands of individual particles. ‘Sharp Edge’ analysis enables detection of even low contrast particles. 21 CFR Part 11 software option ensures regulatory compliance.
Fully automated and easy to use with reproducible sample dispersion
The integrated dry powder dispersion option ensures representative sampling and optimal spatial separation while avoiding damage of fragile particles.
Efficient targeting of particles for chemical identification
Removes operator subjectivity by selecting particles for automated chemical identification based on size and shape and ensures more efficient use of instrument time.
Patented Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS) for automated chemical identification and classification
Morphological imaging combined with a Raman spectrum allows component-specific particle size and shape distributions to be achieved as well as the chemical identification of unknown particulates. By cross-examining a library of reference materials, the unknown materials can be easily characterised.

Automation of microscopy methods, eg detection and enumeration of foreign particulates
Crystallisation engineering and formulation development
Discovery/R&D screening tool with only mg of sample needed
Particle size of a specific ingredient
Contaminant identification using Raman spectroscopy

2-slide and 4-slide holder

Allows a few μL of a particulate suspension to be presented using either the 2-slide or 4-slide holder.

Wet dispersion cell

Allows between 2 mL and 6 mL of sample for characterising larger suspended particles or where volumetric particle count is important.

Thin-path wet cell

It is ideal for applications such as the identification of subvisible particles (upto 100μL) in therapeutics described by guidance in USP <787> and USP <788>.

25 mm and 47 mm diameter filter holders

Allow samples on filter membranes to be presented directly to the instrument for analysis.

Fused silica filters and holder

Enable the analysis of filtered samples containing low-contrast particles such as protein aggregates or contaminant particles.

Twin 35 mm petri dish holder

Provides an alternative means of measuring suspended particles that may be at risk of being deformed when dispersed into a cell.

What is the Morphologi 4-ID used for?

The Morphologi 4 is an automated static imaging particle analyser used to measure particle size and shape in powder and suspension samples. It measures 20+ morphological parameters including size, shape, and optical properties across a size range of 0.5 um to 1300 um. Morphologi 4-ID model delivers detailed component-specific morphological descriptions of particulate blends through Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS).

How does automated particle imaging work?

What particle size range can Morphologi 4-ID measure?

The Morphologi 4 measures particles from 0.5 um to 1300 um, with five interchangeable lenses (2.5x to 50x) providing different size ranges within this span.

Can Morphologi 4-ID measure particle shape?

Yes. The Morphologi 4 measures 20+ morphological shape parameters including aspect ratio, circularity, convexity, elongation, and solidity, in addition to size parameters.

How does image analysis determine particle properties?

What applications is Morphologi 4-ID suitable for?

Can Morphologi 4-ID perform chemical identification?

How many particles does Morphologi 4-ID analyse per sample?

The Morphologi 4 analyses thousands of particles per measurement, generating statistically representative distributions.

What is the resolution of Morphologi 4-ID imaging?

How does Morphologi 4-ID differentiate particle types?

The Morphologi 4 differentiates particles using combinations of size parameters, shape parameters (circularity, elongation, convexity, solidity), and optical intensity measurements.

Can Morphologi 4-ID measure particle distribution?

Yes. The Morphologi 4 generates statistically representative size and shape distributions from thousands of individual particle measurements in a single automated run.

What sample types can be analysed with Morphologi 4-ID?

The Morphologi 4 can analyse dry powders (via integrated disperser), suspensions (using wet or dispersion cells), filtered particles, and samples on slides or petri dishes.

Which industries commonly use the Morphologi 4-ID?

What types of particles can the Morphologi 4-ID analyse?

Can I have a demonstration or free trial of the Morphologi 4-ID?

Yes, if a system is available. Contact us for more information and a personalised demo to test your samples. Contact us or complete a request a demo form to get started.

Morphologi

Customer installations

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QUT

Morphologi

The Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF) at QUT has recently installed a variety of key characterisation technologies including Micromeritics 3Flex, Smart VacPrep, Malvern Panalytical Morphologi, Zetasizer Ultra and Mastersizer 3000+ Ultra. CARF offer services to staff, students, external researchers and commercial organisations, ranging from basic technical support to commercial research. Specialist staff are available to carry out analyses or train you to use the instruments to do your own work. Contact carf@qut.edu.au to discuss your project.

About the lab

Southern Cross University

Morphologi

The first Morphologi G3-ID was recently installed in Australia at Southern Cross University (SCU) within the School of Science, Environment and Engineering. The instrument will support cutting-edge research involving environmental particles. The instrument will also be available for external commercial work. For details visit the links below.

About the lab

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