Making food better, one particle at a time.  IFT 2015

Your morning cup of coffee.

The ranch dressing on your buffalo chicken salad.

A piece of savory chocolate after a long day of work.

If it was a really rough day…. Your pint of beer.

You might not realize it, but Microtrac’s play a significant role in ensuring the food products we consume on a daily basis meet specified flavor profiles.

Translation – we measure particles, to help guarantee that your food will taste great!

Since 1974, manufacturers of dry powders, wet suspensions, and emulsions have relied on Microtrac to help develop, measure, and improve their products.

A lot of science and engineering goes into the production of the food we enjoy.  Although we play a small role in a much larger picture, certifying that the material stays within a defined particle size distribution is a vital part of the process.

Microtrac is proud to be participating in the 2015 version of the International Food Technology meeting and expo, commonly referred to as IFT.  The conference takes place from 7/11 to 7/15.  Held at McCormick Place, in Chicago, Illinois, IFT brings together food science professionals from around the world to discuss the latest and greatest developments in the industry.

Located at booth 1710, Microtrac will be displaying the following particle characterization solutions:

Bluewave – Ideal for multi-mode distributions that consist of nanoparticles and micron sized particles, the Bluewave is the first laser diffraction particle size analyzer to use blue laser diodes for measuring dry powders and wet suspensions.  Taking full advantage of the blue lasers shorter wavelength, the Bluewave provides users with superior resolution on both the low end and high end of the distribution.  Measuring from 10 nanometers to 2800 microns, the Bluewave can also be integrated with a dynamic image analyzer to visually validate agglomeration.

PartAn^3d – Patented 3D technology provides users with comprehensive size and morphology information. By utilizing high speed, high-resolution cameras, the PartAn captures multiple pictures of a single particles orientation, enabling accurate length, width, and thickness measurement.  Our 3D analysis allows users to gain a deeper understanding of how morphology affects material quality, providing organizations with information that enables them to be proactive rather than reactive.  The PartAn can measure particles ranging in size from 4 microns to several inches.

Working with nanoparticles?  Don’t forget to ask about our DLS systems.  Our DLS systems can measure from ppm to near finished product with the highest sensitivity and repeatability on the market.

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago.

Contact a Microtrac technical specialist today!

Shaping Up Your Granular Fertilizer for Market Growth

With the continuing exponential global growth in human birth rate and increasing life expectancy there will necessarily be the same exponential growth in demand for food, for both humans and livestock. This also means that the demand for fertilizer to grow crops will be increasingly exponential. There has been about a 32% market growth for granular fertilizer over last 20 years and that rate will increase for those reasons given.

Also, nitrogen-based fertilizer makes up about 2/3 of the fertilizer manufactured globally. The US imports almost 1/2 of the total nitrogen-based fertilizer used there from countries whose natural gas resources have been more plentiful and cheaper than in the US (nitrogen-based fertilizer is processed from air and natural gas). The recent surge in usable natural gas resources in the US will lower nitrogen-based fertilizer production cost and bring more nitrogen-based fertilizer manufacturing back to the US.

Given this optimistic outlook in the demand for fertilizer globally, what do granular fertilizer manufacturers need to do to ensure they remain competitive in the marketplace? They have to maximize their productivity and optimize the quality of their product.

Process productivity is best maximized using fast on-line feedback control of the process. This not only raises the production rate, but it also reduces unscheduled plant downtime due to process upsets which aren’t detected early enough, and it allows the process to reach maximum equilibrium upon start-up as soon as possible.

And what about quality? The agriculture and fertilizer industries have determined that a very narrow size distribution of granules with a very high sphericity provides the most efficient leach, or solubility, rate of the fertilizer into the soil for optimum crop growth rate.

There is one particle characterization technology which measures not only many different sizes (length, width, thickness, surface area for example, but also many different shapes (aspect ratio, sphericity, surface roughness for example). That technology is 3-Dimensional Dynamic Image Analysis and is available from only Microtrac. Microtrac has over 20 on-line instruments like this installed in over twenty granular fertilizer plants globally.

To read more technical detailed descriptions on this subject check our Application Note by clicking here

Or if you prefer, watch this short on-demand webinar presentation.

Dependence on Aggregates as Building Blocks of Our Infrastructure.

Highways, bridges, airport runways, dams, and railway beds are all integral components of a country’s infrastructure. Their quality and long term endurance are dependent on the quality and strength of the crushed stone aggregates and natural and manufactured sand that get combined in the particle blends used to produce cement and asphalt concretes for their construction. Coarse Aggregate is crushed stone, usually granite, limestone, gravel and slag, between 90 and 4.75 millimeters in sieve sizes. Fine Aggregate is natural, manufactured, or combination sand, between 9.5 millimeters and 75 microns in sieve sizes.

End users of these construction materials are generally regulatory agencies like departments of transportation, airport and railway authorities. These groups issue specifications to their suppliers based very closely on the various standard tests which have been written for large regions globally, many ASTM and AASHTO standards for the US, British standards for Europe, Indian standards for India, etc.

These test standards vary from one to another, but are very similar. They include various types of tests, but one of the major groups of tests are for measuring the geometric (or morphological) parameters of the particles in the aggregate blends. These various geometric parameters correlate to physical properties of the end construction, like load-bearing strength, degree of internal frictional strength, wear rate,  and bonding/binding strength with the cement or asphalt matrix. Until just recently, the only ways to make these measurements were manually, by screening samples of aggregate products into different size classes to calculate their size distributions, and then running

a myriad of manual tests on samples of the different size fractions using: hand-held gauges to measure various sizes of individual particles like length, width and thickness, a series of rod screens; measuring water-filled void spaces in large containers; abrading samples and measuring the % of the abraded fines; and more. These are very manpower intensive and can take up to days to complete, which leads some suppliers to make them only once a week on a collected sample. There is now, however, an automated 3-Dimensional Dynamic Image Analyzer which can make all these measurements on a large representative sample of particles in one sample run. Achieving all these results in under an hour, without operator subjectivity, rather than up to a day, and with concern about operator error, is a huge savings in time and expense. And this much time savings contributes greatly to improved productivity, fewer unscheduled plant shut-downs and less time to reach process equilibrium upon start-up.

Meanwhile, additional research is underway to make other either improved or additional measurements, like particle surface area, particle surface roughness or texture, angularity, and three-dimensional volumes. All these parameters too can be measured on the 3-D image analyzer.

Particle Length, Width and Thickness (all three major axis size dimensions) need to be measured to then calculate some of the important geometric parameters for aggregate as ASTM requires, the 3 Flat, Elongated, and Flat & Elongated particles parameters. The 3-D mode is also required for measuring the British Standard’s Flakiness Index results. Results of both these standard tests give numbers which correlate with the load-bearing strength of the final road bed. The 3-D mode is patented by, and available only in Microtrac’s line of PartAn^3D Dynamic Image Analysis Instruments; in both on-line process and in lab bench top Models for R&D and QC labs. Microtrac has more than 40 on-line PartAn line instruments installed and operating globally, and many more lab models.

To read more technical detailed descriptions on this subject check our Application Note by clicking here

Or you can watch our on-demand webinar that details our proprietary analysis.

Proppants in Hydraulic Fracturing Provide Safe, Maximum Gas and Oil Recovery Rates.

The current rapid growth in new producing natural gas and oil deposits, especially in the US, is quickly lowering our dependence on foreign fossil fuels while providing a surge in employment in this industry. Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” using high pressure water with particulate proppants (which prop open the created fissures in shale deposits) is the drilling technique responsible for this rapid growth in especially natural gas recovery.

Natural gas deposits are generally found in much more shallow shale deposits than oil is; the wells are fracked downward to the deposit and then turned about 90^o into the shale seam. The drawings below illustrate a typical well layout (left) and a close view of proppants being injected into the opened fissures to keep them propped open for efficient fuel recovery to the surface.

High quality proppants require a number of properties to maximize fuel recovery. They need to be physically strong to resist being crushed, and they need a particular set of geometric or morphological properties. Specifically, they need morphological properties which optimize the conductivity, or flowrate, of the fuel from the shale bed back to the surface. These properties include a very smooth or convex surface and a very spherical overall shape, along with a specific narrow size distribution which minimizes dense packing.

Three types of particulate materials are used as proppants:

Sand:

• Least expensive
• most used (80%)
• Slowest gas flow conductivity
• Moderate strength
• Crushing generates fines further inhibiting gas flow

Ceramics:

• More expensive
• Less used
• Superior shape characteristics (sphericity/smoothness) improving gas flow
• Moderate to high strength

Resin Coated Proppants:

• No effect on strength
• Resin keeps crushed fines from being released into fissures
• Curable coated proppants bond together to prevent flow-back

There is one technology, 3-Dimensional Dynamic Image Analysis, which can measure and report all of the optimum proppant properties – size distribution, sphericity and smoothness – with one rapid measurement of a very large, representative sample of particles.

To read a more technical detailed description about this subject check out our application note by clicking here. 

Interested in a complimentary analysis of your proppants?  Click here to speak to a technical specialist today. 

Join us… Announcing Fall 2015 Webinar Schedule

Fall is officially underway in the Northern hemisphere…. Leaves are changing, pumpkin spice everything, and football season producing its fair share of drama.

Regardless if fall is your favorite season or not… we wanted to give you something to look forward to… our webinar schedule.

These presentations use an application focus to demonstrate how our technology can improve your current particle analysis capability.  Ample time for Q&A will be available after the presentation with Microtrac technical specialists. And the best part is, you don’t even have to leave your office!

10/1/15 – 11am EST

“An Easy Way To Use Light Obscuration For Monitoring Dust Levels”

Ever have a customer ask you if your product is dustier than normal? Your customers are the lifeblood to your organization. You can’t exactly tell them they are wrong…

Presented by Dr. Phil Plantz, this webinar will demonstrate how you can use light obscuration to define acceptable dust levels, monitor deviations, and provide “hard” data to customers to validate the quality of your product.

Register here 

Learn more about the Dustmon

10/22/15 – 11am EST

“Accurate Particle Sizing Of Fragile And Difficult To Disperse Dry Powders”

Having a hard time dispersing sticky materials like chocolate?

Afraid your fragile material could be damaged during dispersion to the laser diffraction analyzer?

Or are you simply looking to optimize your dry powder particle sizing capability?

Presented by Dr. Phil Plantz, this webinar will explain how we achieve optimal results. The following topics will be covered:

• Sample prep
• Using the Turbotrac, which utilizes compressed air and a vacuum system to disperse homogenous sample.
• Eliminating biased measurement results by transporting particles (large or small) at the same speed to the bench.
• Prevention of milling samples
• Adjustable pressure and flow settings

Register here

Learn more about our diffraction systems.

11/5/15 – 11am EST

“Ensure Optimal Material Properties With 3D Dynamic Image Analysis”

Do the following properties describe your product?

• Narrow size distribution?
• Perfectly spherical?
• Round, smooth, and convex surface?
• Larger than 15 microns?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have to join us! This webinar will explain how you can use 3D Dynamic Image Analysis for fast and accurate measurements of all four properties in one analysis.

Register here

Learn more about the PartAn^3D the only analyzer on the market that can measure length, width, and thickness in one analysis.

In case you missed the webinar on 9/24!

We took a different focus… Since 2013, we have been the proud distributor of BEL surface area instruments. BEL offers a custom XRD and Adsorption system that allows you to simultaneously measure isotherms while observing structure changes. This technology can lead to breakthrough discoveries in the fields of energy storage and capture.

Accurate analyzers for dry powders from sub micron to several inches.

We love difficult to disperse powder samples.

Fragile pharmaceutical API? Absolutely, the more fragile the better. Sticky chocolate powder? Sure, lets measure it by the truck load.

While most particle analyzers struggle to produce accurate dry powder measurements, we at Microtrac welcome them with open arms (we feel the same way about wet materials, but this is a dry powder post).

What allows us to excel with this type of measurement, starts with understanding our customers. During our forty year history, we have worked intimately with our users to learn their biggest challenges and develop solutions that help achieve their material characterization goals.

Here’s what sets our dry powder measurement apart from the rest:

Tri-laser – three, fixed laser diodes covering 163 degrees illuminates the particles while two detectors collect the scattered light. This proprietary alignment makes no assumptions about the material you are measuring, delivering a full size distribution without any comprises. Depending on your size range, take full advantage of blue or red lasers. Because of the short wave length, blue lasers provide precision and sensitivity for measuring sub micron particles. Red lasers are traditionally used for materials larger than one micron.

Reverse Fourier – Ensures that angle of incident is constant when transferring scattered light to the detectors. This unique lens allows our algorithms to produce accurate data without compensating for any discrepancies.

Modified Mie – 95% percent of all particles are non-spherical. Why use an algorithm that’s based off of spherical modeling? That’s exactly what we said, so we developed our patented Modified Mie algorithm. Modified Mie delivers superior accuracy for measuring non-spherical particles. If you are part of the 5% that needs to measure spherical particles, we have you covered too. One click enables you to switch between modes based on your material.

Turbotrac – Eliminating biased results (fines or coarse) and milling of samples, the Turbotrac ensures your material is delivered to the bench unharmed. Utilizing compressed air and a vacuum, this innovative accessory improves efficiency by taking all the guesswork out of sample delivery. Speed and pressure settings can be adjusted based on the material being analyzed.

Not to mention our laser diffraction analyzers are rugged enough to handle environments like oil rigs and underground mines.

What about measuring larger, granular materials?

We also offer patented 3D Dynamic Image Analysis, which measures the length, width, and thickness of your material in one analysis. By using high-speed, high-resolution cameras, the PartAn^3D tracks each particle from multiple orientations, allowing our software to provide comprehensive size and morphology data. By measuring both size and morphology, users can create quality profiles of their material, monitor deviations, and take immediate corrective action when deviations occur. The PartAn^3D is ideal for measuring granular material above 15 microns. The PartAn^3D can also be integrated directly into a process loop for real-time analysis.

We are proud to be demonstrating our innovative dry powder measurement solutions this week at the 2015 Powder Show, located at the Cobb Galleria Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The PBE conference is the premiere event for all things powder and bulk solids. Stop by booth 228 if you are attending the show.

Can’t make it to Atlanta and want to learn more about our solutions? Register for our upcoming webinars.

10/22 11am EST – “Accurate Particle Sizing Of Fragile And Difficult To Disperse Dry Powders”

Register here

11/5 11am EST – “Ensure Optimal Material Properties With 3D Dynamic Image Analysis”

Register here

Speak with a Microtrac technical Specialist.

Dry Powder Size And Shape Analyzer Tour Continues… This Week PTX Texas

We had a lot of fun last week at The Powder Show in Atlanta, GA. We would like to give a Texas sized thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. We appreciate your time and look forward to working with you soon.

This week, we will continue with the dry theme, by showcasing our size and shape analyzers at the Powder and Bulk Solids Texas exposition. PTX Texas runs from October 13^th to the 14^th, and will be held at the NRG Center in Houston, Texas.

PTX Texas is a biennial event, designed especially for the dry processing and bulk handling community. Located at booth 251, we will be featuring the following solutions:

S3500 – Measures dry powders from 20 nanometers to 2800 microns via laser diffraction. What sets this instrument apart is the ability to deliver superior accuracy, repeatability, and precision thanks to advanced design elements and proprietary algorithms. Users can automate their particle size measurements by integrating the Turbotrac; our dry powder feeder that eliminates biased results and ensures a homogenous sample is delivered to the analyzer without being compromised. The Turbotrac utilizes compressed air and a vacuum system to transport the sample. Pressure and flow settings can be adjusted based on the properties of your powder.

PartAn^3D – Ideal for larger, free flowing granular material, the PartAn^3D measures length, width, and thickness of each particle from 15 microns to 35 millimeters via Dynamic Image Analysis. Having all three dimensions characterized, allows users to create quality profiles of their material, and take immediate corrective action when deviations occurs. This proactive approach allows users to increase production capacity, reduce wasted material, improve yields, and ship higher quality products. The PartAn^3D measures over 30 morphological parameters in a user-friendly format and also can be integrated into a process loop for real-time characterization.

Can’t get approval to travel to Houston, but want to learn more? No problem! You can learn about our dry powder characterization solutions without leaving your office. Sign up for the following webinars:

10/22 11am EST – “Accurate Particle Sizing Of Fragile And Difficult To Disperse Dry Powders”

Register here

11/5 11am EST – “Ensure Optimal Material Properties With 3D Dynamic Image Analysis”

Register here

Speak with a Microtrac Technical Specialist.

Improving Cosmetics, One Particle At A Time – Society Of Cosmetic Chemists California Suppliers’ Day

A lot of chemistry goes into the development and production of your favorite cosmetic. A small, yet vital measurement during the process is particle size.

Having a tight particle size distribution is important to ensure the product can be applied evenly, hold up long enough to make it through your event without needing to “touch up,” wash off at the end of the night, and radiate the perfect hue.

Since 1974, Microtrac has been supplying particle characterization solutions to the global material science community. To continually increase our reach, we are always searching for events to showcase our instrumentation.

We are proud to be participating in the 2015 edition of the California Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists Suppliers’ Day. This two-day event is being held in Long Beach, CA from October 14-15 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The biennial meeting will bring together cosmetic and toiletry chemists from the West Coast to learn about the latest innovations in technology and raw materials.

Located at booth 168, Microtrac will be showcasing the following solutions.

For nanoparticle size analysis – The Nanotrac Wave II, which measures size and zeta potential of particles ranging from sub nanometer to 6.5 microns. Delivering superior accuracy and sensitivity compliments of our proprietary probe technology; the Wave II is ideal for single or multi-mode size distributions. What sets Microtrac’s DLS apart from the rest is our sample introduction options. Rather than force you into one sample cell, we give you options that meet your specific application needs. Our DLS systems feature a removable sample cell, disposable cuvette, or external probe for in-situ analysis.

Mixture of nano and micron sized particles – Looking for a flexible instrument that covers a size range from sub-micron to several millimeter particles? The Microtrac S3500 offers fast, precise, and repeatable size measurements via laser diffraction from 20 nanometers to 2800 microns. Featuring a tri-laser design, reverse fourier optical system, and advanced algorithms the S3500 provides users with superior analysis capability for wet or dry materials. Users can streamline their measurements by integrating wet or dry sample delivery devices, which ensure consistent results.

Coarse materials – Want to measure larger materials before their size is reduced? Ask about our patented 3D measurement for materials larger than 15 microns. We offer a solution that measures length, width, and thickness in one fast analysis, which enables users to quickly identify product deviations and take immediate corrective action.

Can’t make it to Long Beach because your boss won’t approve your travel request? No problem! You can learn about our particle characterization solutions without leaving your office. Sign up for the following webinars:

10/22 11am EST – “Accurate Particle Sizing Of Fragile And Difficult To Disperse Dry Powders”

Register here

11/5 11am EST – “Ensure Optimal Material Properties With 3D Dynamic Image Analysis”

Register here

Speak with a Microtrac Technical Specialist.

Wet or dry, nano or coarse, we have a particle measurement solution for your Pharmaceutical API – AAPS 2015

Are you working in the cutting edge world of nano-particle drug delivery systems? How about manufacturing aerosolized medicine that is used in metered-dose inhalers?

Chances are if you answered, yes, you will most likely be in Orlando, Florida this week for the 2015 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Annual Meeting and Exposition. Commonly referred to as AAPS, this event brings together the best and brightest minds from the Pharmaceutical community to learn about the latest innovations.

For the last four decades, material science professionals have relied on Microtrac’s particle characterization instrumentation to satisfy their analysis needs. One group in particular, the pharmaceutical industry, with a diverse range of products, needs analyzers that deliver fast measurements, precision, and repeatability across a wide material range.

Trends are constantly evolving in the pharmaceutical industry, including new materials. However, one thing remains consistent, Microtrac’s ability to deliver superior analysis capability for materials that range from sub nanometer to several inches.

Located at booth 1480, Microtrac will be showcasing the following particle analyzers at AAPS:

Nano particles – New – Nanotrac Wave II. Ideal for measuring size, zeta potential, and molecular weight of particles ranging from 0.8 to 6500 nanometers, the Wave II delivers superior precision and sensitivity across a wide concentration range. What sets the Wave II apart from other DLS analyzers is the proprietary design elements that create an amplified optical signal. The signal increase is able to clearly detect particles that have low scattering efficiencies and differentiate multi-modal distributions of small and larger particles. We believe in giving customers a choice when it comes to sample introduction. Ask about our variety of sample cell options.

Micron particles – Bluewave – Have a mixture of particles that include nano and micron sized? The Bluewave combines the best of both worlds, blue lasers for sensitivity measuring nano particles and red lasers for accuracy on the larger end. Able to measure particles from 10 nanometers to 2800 microns, the Bluewave also has seamless wet to dry conversion capability. Looking to understand the morphology of your material? Ask how you can visually validate your particles with our integrated Dynamic Image Analyzer.

Coarse particles – Length, width, and thickness. All three dimensions measured in one fast analysis by the PartAn^3D. By measuring in 3D, users can understand how morphology affects the quality of their product, monitor deviations, and take immediate corrective action to fix any issues. This proactive approach improves efficiency, reduces wasted materials, and creates higher quality, on spec products. Able to measure from 15 microns to several inches, the PartAn^3D is ideal for any free flowing granular material. Ask about our online image analysis capability for real-time measurements.

Can’t make it to Orlando, but want to learn more about our particle characterization solutions? Check out our growing library of on-demand archived webinars by clicking here.

See you in Orlando!

WEBINAR SHOWCASES FASTER AND MORE ACCURATE PROPPANT MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE

Proppants, a key material used in “fracking” to keep shale fissures from collapsing, as well as, facilitating gas flow to the surface must have a uniform appearance to ensure optimal drilling efficiency. Whether the proppants are sand, ceramic, or resin coated, they must have a narrow size distribution, spherical shape, and smooth convex surface. Any deviation from these ideal properties will decrease their strength, reduce packing density, and lower conductivity, which will have an adverse effect on the output of the drilling operation.

Current methods for measuring these properties include sieve analysis and visual inspections. Although widely accepted, these methods are prone to operator errors and data inconsistencies. Sieves also only measure a small amount of material over a long period of time, resulting in lengthy delays before poor quality materials are identified.

By detecting poor quality materials faster and more accurately, both proppant manufacturers and their customers can experience significant financial benefits, as well as improved productivity.

Microtrac, the global pioneer of particle characterization solutions will be presenting a free technical webinar on Thursday, November 5 at 11am EST that demonstrates how to ensure optimal material properties of proppants by using 3D Dynamic Image Analysis.

This webinar will demonstrate how to accurately measure sphericity and roundness of multiple size fractions in one analysis, providing a significant time savings compared to conventional methods. By automating your analysis, users can enable immediate corrective action when product deviations occur, ensuring tight size distributions for optimal product quality over a larger sample set. A throughout explanation will be given on how 3D Image Analysis will improve data consistency by eliminating operator error and visual estimations. Most importantly, the presentation will discuss how to increase your bottom line by reducing wasted material and write-offs.

For parties who are interest in attending the webinar, please click the link below. Ample time will be available after the presentation for Q&A with technical experts from Microtrac.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/882240802941867778

To learn more about the benefits of 3D Dynamic Image Analysis, click the link below to download the brochure.

Image Analysis Product Family Brochure

Particle sizing materials from sub nanometer to several inches – MRS Fall 2015

Massachusetts for the 40^th annual MRS Fall Meeting and Exhibition. The meeting of the scientific minds runs from November 29 through December 4, taking place at the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel.

For the material professionals who attend MRS and are searching for solutions to size their products, look no further than booth 1213.

Microtrac, the global pioneer of particle characterization solutions will be showcasing the following instrumentation during this years MRS.

Nanoparticles – Nanotrac Wave II – Delivering high sensitivity and precision for measuring size, zeta potential, and molecular weight, the Nanotrac Wave II is the ideal DLS system for users who need to characterize poly dispersed materials across a wide concentration range. Microtrac DLS measures particles from 0.8 to 6500 nanometers. Ask about our sample introduction options!

Micron range – Whether you are measuring powder or suspensions, Microtrac’s Laser Diffraction instruments enable users to quickly and accurately measure a particle size distribution of their material. Capable of measuring from 10 nanometers to 2800 microns, Microtrac’s can be customized to meet the needs of your specific application. Ask about our integrated image analysis method for visually validating your material.

Coarse particles – See what you’ve been missing with 3D Dynamic Image Analysis. Patented 3D technology measures length, width, and thickness, providing users with over 30 size and morphology parameters of their material, which leads to improved product quality by detecting deviations faster. Dynamic Image Analysis measures particles from 4 microns to 5 inches. Ask about our online systems for process control.

Can’t make it to Boston? Learn about our technology by checking out our archived of technical webinars. Click here to explore. 

We also can come to your facility for a live demo or your can send us samples for complimentary analysis. The choice is yours. Click here to contact a Microtrac technical specialist.

We look forward to seeing you in Boston.

IFCA learned the basics of granular fertilizer production optimization at booth 609

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the 50^th annual Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association Convention. Held from 1/19 to 1/21 at the Peoria Civic Center, this convention brought together agriculture professionals from all over the state of Illinois.

Demonstrated at booth 609, Microtrac educated the attendees about the advantages of using automated 3D dynamic image analysis to control the manufacturing of granular fertilizer.

By using a high-speed, high-resolution camera and an automated sampling system, manufactures are able to measure size and morphology in real time, which enables production personnel to take immediate corrective action when deviations occur. This approach improves production efficiency, reduces recycled material, and increases your bottom line.

Click the links below to learn about Microtrac’s online particle analyzers.

PartAn 3D PRO – Dry analyzer covering from 15 microns to 35 millimeters.

PartAn 3D Maxi PRO – Dry analyzer for coarse materials

PartAn SI PRO – Suspension analyzer for materials ranging from 5-1500 microns.

Not ready for online yet? We also offer at line instrumentation. Click the links below to learn about our lab systems.

PartAn 3D

PartAn 3D Maxi

See you at our next show!

Not even Jonas stopped Microtrac from attending IFPAC 2016

Super storm Jonas definitely left his mark on the East Coast two weeks ago (As I type this, it seems like Jonas is melting as fast as it arrived). The storm altered plans, and gave many people a case of cabin fever. However, as they say in Hollywood, the show must go on. Thanks to the long hours put in by snow removal crews, the 30^th International Forum on Process Analytical Chemistry convention was held as scheduled. Commonly referred to as IFPAC, the event brought together the brightest minds from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries to discuss the latest trends in process optimization. IFPAC was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriot in Arlington, VA from 1/25 to 1/27.

Even with a shortened exhibition schedule, Microtrac shared it’s process optimization expertise with the attendees who made the trip to Arlington. Located at booth 106, Microtrac displayed the following process optimization solutions.

PartAn3D PRO – Ideal for measuring size and morphology of granular material from 15 microns to 35 millimeters. The PartAn3D PRO captures length, width, and thickness of each particle, delivering an accurate 3D measurement. By capturing all three dimensions, over 30 morphological parameters can be displayed, providing the user with the ability to understand their material like never before.

PartAn3D Maxi PRO – The bigger brother of the PartAn3D PRO, the Maxi PRO measures granular material from 280 microns to 127 millimeters. The PartAn3D Maxi PRO also provides over 30 morphological parameters for comprehensive analysis capability.

PartAn SI PRO – Extracting the right amount of suspension from your process at the optimal time, the PartAn SI PRO is ideal for monitoring agglomeration of materials ranging in size from 5 to 1500 microns.

The PartAn PRO Advantage.

Whether you are producing granular material or suspensions, by measuring in real-time users can identify process deviations when they occur, enabling immediate corrective action to take place. This proactive approach improves yields, reduces wasted material, and creates higher quality products.

Click here to speak with a technical specialist today to see how the PartAn PRO can improve your bottom line.

Material Enthusiast Invades Music City For TMS 2016

Every year, the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society “puts the band back together,” for a week filled of catching up with former colleagues and networking with new contacts. Instead of drums and guitars, the preferred instruments of this group include particle analyzers and other lab equipment.

Microtrac, the global pioneer of particle characterization solutions, loves attending this conference. The event gives us the opportunity to reconnect with existing customers, learn about new applications, and introduce our technology to a fresh group of material science professionals.

The 2016 version is being held at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville from February 14-18. Located at booth 128, Microtrac will be showcasing the following particle characterization instruments.

Nanoparticle sizing and zeta potential – Meet the Nanotrac Wave II, ideal for measuring suspended particles and colloids that range from 0.8 to 6500 nanometers. Whether your material is ppb or near finished product, the Wave II delivers sensitive and accurate particle size and zeta potential analysis capability. Stop by the booth to learn about our DLS enhancement, which provides the ability to precisely measure multimodal distributions.

Submicron to several millimeters – Meet the S3500, perfect for measuring the size of wet or dry materials ranging from 20 nm to 2800 microns. The S3500 Laser Diffraction analyzer delivers accurate and repeatable measurements compliments of an advanced tri-laser design and proprietary algorithms. If you are looking to visually validate agglomerated particles, ask about our dynamic image analysis device, which can be integrated directly into the flow loop.

Size and Shape in 3D – Meet the PartAn^3D, a dynamic image analyzer that measures particles from 15 microns to 35 millimeters in all three dimensions. A 3D measurement provides the user with comprehensive size and morphology data, enabling a deeper understanding of how shape can impact the overall quality of a product. The PartAn^3D can also be integrated directly into a process loop for real-time monitoring. Are your materials larger than 35 mm? Ask about the Partan3D’s big brother.

Can’t make it to Nashville? No problem, we have Microtrac technical specialists around the world ready to discuss your material characterization needs. Click to speak to us today.

Analyzers for Mining Process Optimization on display at SME 2016

Over our 40 year history, we have been tasked with measuring a wide range of materials that have been mined from sites all over the world. No matter where the minerals are extracted from, size and shape play a vital role in determining the overall quality. Mining professionals trust Microtrac instrumentation because of their ruggedness, repeatability, and accuracy. For us, it was a no brainer to participate in the 2016 Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration’s Annual Conference and Expo, held this year in Phoenix, Arizona.

The annual event brings together the brightest minds in the mining industry for four days of connecting with peers and networking with vendors to learn about the latest technological innovations. Located at booth 1620, Microtrac will be displaying the following solutions, ideal for the mining industry.

Whether in powder form or slurry, the Microtrac Bluewave delivers superior accuracy and repeatability for measuring particle size. This versatile laser diffraction instrument can easily be switched from wet to dry, and measures materials ranging from 10nm to 2800 microns. Interested in identifying agglomeration? Ask about our integrated dynamic image analysis system, which measures over 30 morphological parameters, perfect for when size analysis isn’t cutting it anymore.

Speaking of cuttings – Interested in identifying when your drill is starting to dull? By using the PartAn^3D to measure the morphology of the cuttings, users can pinpoint the exact moment the drill becomes dull, enabling immediate corrective action to take place. This proactive approach ensures the mining operation continually runs at optimal efficiency. The PartAn^3D can measure dry materials ranging in size from 15 microns to 35 millimeters. Ask about our patented 3D measurement, which delivers superior accuracy over 1 and 2d methods.

Want to measure your process loop directly? Ask about our entire suite of process control analyzers that measure from 5 microns to 127 millimeters.

We look forward to seeing you in Phoenix. If you can’t make it, click here to contact a Microtrac technical specialist.

Process Control Particle Analyzer Debuts At Phosphates 2016

Sort of…

All of our process control particle analyzers are custom built specifically for the production environment they are being installed in. Each system includes a mainframe particle size and shape analyzer and a tailored sample extraction system. Because of the custom nature of our solutions, it makes it very difficult for us to conduct live demos of the system at various industry conferences.

Until now…

Making its debut at Phosphates 2016, is our demo process control particle analyzer, the PartAn^3D PRO. The PartAn^3D PRO is ideal for measuring granular material from 15 microns to 35 millimeters and enables users to identify in real-time when their process begins to swing.

With fertilizer being one of our strongest applications, Phosphates 2016 is the perfect platform for debuting our demo system because the event brings together producers from all over the world to network and learn about the latest technological advances. This year’s conference is held at the Marriot Rive Gauche, in Paris, France from March 13 – 15.

What sets the PartAn^3D PRO apart from other process control analyzers is the patented 3D measurement (length, width, and thickness), which delivers superior accuracy compared to one and two-dimensional measurements.

By utilizing a high-speed, high-resolution camera and proprietary software that tracks each particle from multiple orientations, the PartAn^3D PRO measures 36 size and morphological parameters of your material, delivering unsurpassed analysis capability.

Rather than manually extracting a sample, transporting the material to a lab for analysis, and waiting hours or even days for the results, the PartAn^3D PRO improves efficiency by automatically performing the grunt work and measurement. The real value of an online measurement enables users to identify variations in their process and take immediate corrective action. This proactive approach improves yields, decreases wasted material, and creates higher quality products, which can lead to significant financial gains for the organization.

If you are attending Phosphates 2016 and want to learn more about the value of online measurements, check out our presentation at the technical session on March 15 at 8:15am. You can also swing by our exhibit to discuss the ROI of an online system with one of our technical experts.

Can’t make it to Phosphates 2016? No problem, click here to speak to our knowledgeable staff.

Learn the Fast and Efficient Way to Detect Contaminant Particles – Webinar

Worried about non-spherical particles ruining your freshly 3D printed part?

Looking for a fast and efficient method for ensuring consistent sphericity?

Interested in improving measurement capability?

If you answered yes to any of the following questions, then you need to join us on Tuesday, May 24^th at 11am EST for a free webinar that explains the fastest, most efficient way to detect contaminant particles.

Register at the link below.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/745208673994617347

This webinar will focus on 3D Printing and Metal Powder applications, but if you are concerned with characterizing non-spherical particles then you will benefit from attending as well! The following topics will be addressed:

• Introduction to 3D Printing and how Metal Powder is used
• Speed – measuring >100,000 particles in minutes
• Identifying fines and broken particles with Laser Diffraction
• Detecting contaminant particles via morphology analysis
• Benefits to measuring particle circularity, aspect ratio, sphericity, and additional parameters.
• Deeper data dives with advanced filtering functions

Ample time will be available for Q&A after the webinar with technical experts.

View particles – Seeing is believing!

By attending the webinar, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of how integrated size and shape analysis can drastically improve your ability to control your process or make breakthrough R&D discoveries.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

Can’t wait until Tuesday to learn more about our integrated size and shape analyzer? Click here to speak with a technical specialist.

Improve the granulation process with Online 3D Dynamic Image Analysis

Learn how Yara, arguably the largest fertilizer producer in the world, improves their granulation process with the PartAn^3D PRO, Microtrac’s online dynamic image analyzer. Not only does Yara manufacture higher quality products, they also gain significant financial benefits as well.

Featured in the launch issue of World Fertilizer, this customer success story covers the following topics:

• Description of the NPK production process
• What is Dynamic Image Analysis and why use it online
• Advantages to updating “the old way” of material characterization
• Achieving key KPI’s (key performance indicators)
• Delivering more revenue, while lowering operational cost

Download the article here.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of online 3D dynamic image analysis, Microtrac invites you to send samples for a complimentary feasibility test. Click here to speak to a technical specialist today.

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FEECO International Partners with Microtrac to Bring Enhanced Particle Characterization to it’s Customers

FEECO International, Inc. and Microtrac have formed a strategic partnership to improve granulation outcomes across North America by integrating patented 3D size and shape instrumentation into production processes.

Bringing Material Characterization into the 21^st Century

FEECO and Microtrac recognized the value in a partnership due to the complementary nature of their expertise; FEECO in granulation and particle size enlargement, and Microtrac in particle characterization.

Recent advances in instrumentation, namely the use of on-line Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA), have made particle characterization faster, more accurate, and safer than ever.

Microtrac’s DIA characterizes particles in motion by digitizing photos of each particle and storing them in an image file. The images are then used to calculate 3D size and shape parameters based on the known size and location of the pixels in each image. Proprietary to Microtrac, is the ability to measure each particle’s length, width, and thickness, providing precise 3D analysis capability compared to 2D DIA’s.

FEECO will offer the Microtrac technology alongside their granulation systems and equipment, as well as during process and product development in their material testing facility, The Innovation Center.

The use of the Microtrac technology in a granulation operation offers the following advantages:

• Enables operators to identify process swings in real time and take immediate corrective action through integration at various production stages.
• Provides for increased revenue due to the consistent production of higher quality, on spec material.
• Reduces external operators interfacing with the production process, allowing them to focus on higher priority tasks rather than manually sieving.
• Diminishes incidents and accidents in the field by having real time results delivered directly to the control room.
• Ensures optimal loads on equipment, providing energy savings and minimizing unplanned plant shutdowns due to maintenance.
• Offers faster startup times after plant shut downs.
• Allows for better control of granulation, less fluctuation during the process, and optimized recycles, ultimately delivering improved yields.

“The partnership with Microtrac seemed like a natural progression for both of us, and will translate to tremendous value for our customers looking to optimize their plant operations, as well as those in the process development stages of their project” states Dan Madigan, FEECO President. “We are thrilled about the potential growth opportunities that lie ahead as a result.”

“We are seeing high demand for our on-line systems and a partnership with FEECO will help both companies deliver superior value to their current installed based as well as new customers,” said Paul Cannon, Microtrac’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “Integrating our on-line technology with FEECO’s solutions will enable customers to proactively respond to process variations faster than before, which translates to significant financial benefits and operational improvements.”

Both companies have an outstanding reputation in their field, and know that a partnership will only strengthen their capabilities.

For organizations interested in seeing if online particle analysis is right for you, click here to learn more, or speak with a technical specialist directly.

About FEECO

FEECO International, Inc. was founded in 1951 as an engineering and equipment manufacturer. Today, with over 65 years of experience, FEECO’s expertise has been sought by everyone from startups to Fortune 100 companies.

FEECO is recognized globally as an expert in providing industry leading process design, engineering, and manufacturing to a variety of industries including:  fertilizer and agriculture, mining and minerals, power / utility, paper, chemical processing, and more.

FEECO offers material testing, process design, and custom equipment and complete systems for agglomeration/granulation, thermal processing, and material handling. To learn more visit FEECO.com.

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Microtrac provides sample introduction flexibility with the release of the Nanotrac Wave II

Microtrac, the global pioneer of particle characterization solutions is thrilled to announce the release of the Nanotrac Wave II Dynamic Light Scattering analyzer. Ideal for colloids ranging in size from 0.3 nanometers to 10 microns, the Nanotrac Wave II delivers superior accuracy and sensitivity across a wide concentration wide.

Designed to meet the growing customer demand for sample introduction flexibility, the Nanotrac Wave II can be configured with one of the following: a removable Teflon or stainless steel sample cell, disposable plastic or glass cuvette, or an external probe for in-situ analysis. Sample volumes range from 50 µl microcuvettes to 3 ml cells making the Nanotrac Wave II one of the most versatile DLS analyzers on the market.

“When selecting a tool… you want the right one for the job,” says Paul Cloake, President of Microtrac. “We believe that the ‘one size fits all’ approach for sample introduction is wrong because each customer has unique processes and needs. Rather than forcing you to change your process for a tool, we provide an adaptable tool, which delivers a better customer experience, and most importantly, accurate results.”

Whether measuring at ppb or near finished product, the Nanotrac Wave II utilizes Microtrac’s proprietary Reference Beating, an enhanced optical signal that enables precise analysis capability of monodispersed and polydispersed samples. Applications that are routinely characterized with the analyzer include inks, pharmaceutical ingredients, proteins, and chemicals like silica (to name a few).

“Since the launch of our first DLS over 25 years ago, we have continually refined our technology and improved our particle sizing and zeta potential analysis capability with each release, said Dr. Paul Freud, Microtrac’s Senior Research Scientist. “That commitment to quality translates to better performance compared to other DLS systems on the market. As we gain new customers, our team never gets tired of hearing ‘I didn’t realize your DLS could provide me with data that accurate.”

Interested parties who are searching for a sensitive and precise DLS particle analyzer are encouraged to submit samples for a complimentary analysis. Click here to speak with a technical specialist today.

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