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Particle size distributions and Particle separation velocity distributions

1) Particle separation velocity distributions for the quality control of complex products

Quality control is the essential part for producing satisfying products. This relates to the control of the raw materials, intermediate and final products. For dispersion related products there may be changes in particle size of a single component, of the whole system or in material composition, which would affect the quality of the final product.
Therefore, an integral method measuring changes in size and density or rather their distribution has advantages over determining particle size distribution only. Particle velocity distributions are experimentally measured based on the primary principle with no assumptions
regarding dispersions properties, models or algorithms.
Particle velocity distributions are determined at earth gravity by LUMiReader® PSA and at higher gravity by LUMiSizer®.

2) Extinction-weighted size distribution

Particle velocity distributions are experimentally measured based on the primary principle with no assumptions regarding dispersions properties, models or algorithms.
Experimentally determined velocities can be transformed to a particle size distribution for gravity sedimentation and for centrifugal sedimentation based on respectively (ISO 13317-1:2001), (ISO 13318-1:2001 & ISO 13318-2:2007-09).

The result is the Stokes diameter of a settling particle, more precisely an equivalent spherical Stokes diameter. If the particle shape is known, such a shape influence may be accounted for by introducing corresponding shape factors into the basic Stokes’ law.

In principle, particle size determination is merely a transformation of the calculated particle velocity distribution data. There is no change in the distribution pattern or modality.
Extinction-weighted size distributions are determined by LUMiReader® PSA and by LUMiSizer®.

3) Volume-weighted size distribution

Extinction-weighted particle size distribution does not account for the optical properties of the dispersion. Thus, the different particle classes contributing to the total recorded extinction intensity are not correctly weighted.

To measure the correct amount of particles, present in defined size distribution classes, the differences in the refractive index between particles and continuous phase, and the geometrical particle shape have to be accounted for.
Volume-weighted size distributions are determined by LUMiReader® PSA and by LUMiSizer®.

4) LUMiSpoc® is working according to ISO 21501-2:2019

Determination of particle size distribution — Single particle light interaction methods — Part 2: Light scattering liquid-borne particle counter.

Emulsion & suspension & foam analysis

LUM measuring devices are used for the direct physical characterization of separation, stability, destabilization, etc. of emulsions, suspensions, suspoemulsions and foams in their original concentration using different technologies, at different constant temperatures or with temperature ramps. In real time or directly physically accelerated. This characterizes formulations, semi-finished products and products in the state in which they are manufactured, further processed, stored, applied or consumed.

Determination of adhesive strength and adhesive force

Adhesive bonding is used in a wide field of industries and offers many advantages. The increasing usage as joining technology also raises the need for quick testing procedures of bonded joint properties. Beside joining different material classes and providing stress distributions over entire bonding areas, it is possible to include additional functions in the bond lines, e.g. electric conductivity by metal particle inclusion. Besides the possibility of joining different material classes and providing a stress distribution over the entire bonding area, other objectives such as electric conductivity or sealing purposes can also be investigated. Increased usage also raises the need for quick testing procedures of bonded joint properties. Surface conditions significantly influence properties of many products and can be altered by coatings. In addition to strength determination of adhesive bonded joints, the adhesion of coating systems on various substrates is an important application area.

CAT (Centrifugal Adhesion Testing)-Technology in LUMiFrac® provides the possibility to test multiple samples simultaneously under respective identical testing conditions, whereby testing duration is decreased.

Single particle counting

Particle size, size distribution and particle count are major characteristics in the field of particle technology. Contamination analysis and classification of nanomaterials according 2011/696/EU require precise data of the number-based particle size distribution and particle concentration.

LUM GmbH provides you with the measuring instrument LUMiSpoc®, developed by LUM GmbH and designed by the world-famous designer Luigi Colani. The LUMiSpoc® is a highly advanced single particle scattered light photometer that measures particle size distribution and particle concentration of nano- and microparticles in suspensions and emulsions with an unparalleled resolution and a dynamic range from below 100 nm to a few micrometers.

Powered by SPLS-Technology® (Single Particle Light-Scattering) the LUMiSpoc® records light scattered into different directions from individual nano- and micro particles passing a focused laser beam of non-spherical cross-section. Particle separation is achieved by hydrodynamic focusing of sample flow. Volume calibrated sample flow allows for accurate measurement of particle concentration.

The LUMiSpoc® analyses multimodal and very broad dispersed real-world particles and determines smallest size differences down to the nanometer range.

The areas of application of single particle counting include nanoparticle research, interdisciplinary particle analysis, filter and membrane testing, the production of pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, and the production of semiconductors, batteries and energy storage materials.