The New Particle Analyser CAMSIZER X2

Retsch Technology has launched the new CAMSIZER X2, the next generation of the well-proven dynamic image analysis system CAMSIZER XT, with higher resolution, extended measuring range from 0.8 microns to 8 mm, excellent statistics and over 300 images per second.

The CAMSIZER X2 is specifically designed for the analysis of fine powders and granules which tend to agglomerate.  It comes with a new split view optical design based on the well-proven patented two-camera-system consisting of two cameras with different resolutions, operating simultaneously and permitting measurements in a wide dynamic size range. One  camera is optimised to analyse small particles in a small field of view and the other detects the big particles in a large field of view providing excellent statistics.

The modular design of the CAMSIZER X2 allows for easy and convenient changing between the different dispersion options. Dry samples are dispersed by gravity or air pressure where the powder is accelerated in a dispersion nozzle by compressed air and the resulting forces destroy the agglomerates. Pourable, non-agglomerating samples are simply measured in free fall without additional dispersion.

The new X-Flow2 module enables the analysis of particles in liquids enabling the CAMSIZER X2 is able to accept larger sample amounts in a liquid volume up to 900ml. The optimised circulation system enables easy dispersion of particle sizes up to 1mm.

High resolution provides narrow size distributions 

The new optical design improves the analysis of samples with narrow size distributions. Thanks to the higher resolution, the distribution width is measured more precisely. Even in the low micron range it is possible to separate, eg, bimodal mixtures of particles, within a very narrow size range.

Figure 1 shows a mixture of two polystyrene latex standards with spherical diameters of 2.5 µm and 5 µm.

Application example: Measurement of fibre length and diameter - The higher resolution of the CAMSIZER X2’ cameras ensure a simultaneous and reliable analysis of the length and diameter of fine fibres with improved depth of focus and higher resolution providing consistently sharp images.

Figure 2 shows fibres with a thickness of less than 10 microns and a length of up to 2.5 mm. Fibre length and diameter are determined in one

CAMSIZER X2 software includes ‘xplorer’ software which enables particle images with corresponding size and shape parameters to be stored in a database. The database can then be searched to find images of the particles of interest.

Particle size and particle shape applications include metal powders, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, food and construction materials, to name but a few.

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