Laser diffraction particle size analyzer Mastersizer 3000+ Lab

opticallaserfor the pharmaceutical industry

Overview

• Cost-effective, entry-level laser diffraction particle size analyzer, upgradeable to higher configurations.
• Particle size measurement range: 0.1 to 1000 µm.
• Includes basic Mastersizer Xplorer software (updates and bug fixes only).
• Designed for use with manual dispersion units (wet and dry dispersion accessories available).

How it works
The Mastersizer 3000+ Lab uses laser diffraction to measure particle size by recording the intensity of light scattered as a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample and analysing the scattering pattern to calculate the particle size distribution.

Typical system elements

• Optical bench: measurement area where a laser beam illuminates particles and an array of detectors measures scattered light over a wide angular range.
• Sample dispersion units (accessories): wet and dry dispersion units deliver particles to the optical bench at the correct concentration and dispersion state.
• Instrument software: Mastersizer Xplorer controls measurements and analyses scattering data to produce particle size distributions.

Key applications

• Powder flowability: particle size and distribution used to predict packing and flow, important for manufacturing efficiency and additive manufacturing powder bed deposition quality.
• Packing density: particle size distribution influences packing efficiency, voidage and solids loading in suspensions, important for coatings, ceramics and sintered products.
• Stability: particle size analysis used to manage dispersion stability (flocculation/agglomeration) and resistance to gravitational separation in suspensions and emulsions.
• Viscosity and flow: size and distribution affect suspension viscosity and slurry behavior in applications such as paints, cosmetics and battery electrode manufacture.
• Dissolution rates: specific surface area (linked to particle size) influences dissolution and bioavailability in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and detergents.
• Ease of inhalation: particle size critical for controlling inhalation risk and optimizing deposition for orally inhaled and nasal drug products.
• Reaction rates: finer particles increase surface area and can accelerate reactions in cement, catalysts and battery materials.
• Optical properties: particle size manipulation affects light scattering, hue, tint strength, coverage and gloss in pigments and coatings.
• Consumer perception: particle size influences texture and mouthfeel in food products (e.g., chocolate, coffee grind).
• Curing properties: particle size distribution affects curing and compressive strength in cementitious materials.

Technical specifications

• Particle size (measurable sample types): Suspensions, emulsions, dry powders
• Particle size range: 0.1 - 1000 µm
• Technology: Laser light scattering (laser diffraction)
• Analysis methods: Mie and Fraunhofer scattering
• Data acquisition rate: 10 kHz
• Typical measurement time: <10 sec
• Number of size classes: 100 (user adjustable)
• Accuracy: Better than 0.6% (for monomodal latex standards; sample and preparation dependent)
• Precision / Repeatability: Better than 0.5% variation (sample and preparation dependent)
• Reproducibility: Better than 1% variation (sample and preparation dependent)
• Optics (red light source): Max. 4 mW He-Ne, 632.8 nm
• Blue light source: None
• Lens arrangement: Reverse Fourier (convergent beam)
• Effective focal length: 300 mm
• Detector arrangement: Log-spaced array
• Detector angular range: 0.032 - 60 degrees
• Detector alignment: Automatic
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 690 mm x 300 mm x 450 mm
• Weight: 30 kg
• Power: 100/240 V, 50/60 Hz; 50 W (no dispersion units connected); up to 200 W max (with 2 dispersion units)
• Operating humidity: 80% maximum for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C (non-condensing)
• Operating temperature: +5°C to +40°C
• Product storage temperature: -20°C to +50°C
• Laser safety: Class 1 (IEC60825-1:2007 and relevant regulations)
• Regulatory / compliance: RoHS and WEEE compliant; CE / FCC compliant; meets European Low Voltage directive requirements
• Patents: Optical bench protected by patent applications WO2013038161, WO2013038160 and WO2013038159
• Notes: Some specifications are sample and sample-preparation dependent; accuracy defined for monomodal latex standards accounting for manufacturer uncertainty.