Particle Size Analysis in the Laboratory
Particle size plays a critical role in determining the physical, chemical, and functional properties of materials. From pharmaceuticals and chemicals to food, cement, and advanced materials, particle size analysis (PSA) is a core laboratory technique used to ensure product quality, performance consistency, and regulatory compliance.
Among the various technologies available, laser diffraction-based particle size analysis, especially using advanced systems like HELOS, has become the industry standard for fast, reliable, and reproducible measurements.
What Is Particle Size Analysis?
Particle size analysis is the measurement of particle size distribution (PSD) in a material. Instead of focusing on a single particle, laboratories analyze how particle sizes are distributed across a sample, typically reported as:
D10 – 10% of particles are smaller than this size
D50 (Median) – 50% of particles are smaller than this size
D90 – 90% of particles are smaller than this size
These parameters directly influence:
Dissolution rate and bioavailability (pharma)
Flowability and compressibility (powders)
Stability of suspensions and emulsions
Optical, mechanical, and chemical behavior of materials
Importance of Particle Size Analysis in Laboratory Applications
Laboratory particle size analysis is essential for:
Quality control (QC) and batch-to-batch consistency
Research & development (R&D) of new formulations
Process optimization and scale-up
Regulatory compliance with global standards such as ISO 13320
Failure analysis and troubleshooting
Accurate particle size data helps laboratories make informed decisions that directly impact product performance and customer satisfaction.
Laser Diffraction: The Preferred Laboratory Technique
Laser diffraction is the most widely adopted technique for particle size analysis in laboratories due to its speed, wide measurement range, and high reproducibility.
How Laser Diffraction Works
A laser beam passes through a dispersed particle sample
Particles scatter light at angles inversely proportional to their size
Detectors capture the scattering pattern
Advanced algorithms convert the data into a particle size distribution
This method enables real-time measurement across a wide size range in a single analysis.
HELOS Particle Size Analyzers: A Laboratory Benchmark
HELOS laser diffraction systems are designed to deliver high-precision particle size analysis for laboratory environments where accuracy, flexibility, and reliability are critical.
Key Features of HELOS Systems
1. Wide Measurement Range
HELOS covers particle sizes from sub-micron to several millimeters, making it suitable for fine powders, granules, suspensions, and sprays.
2. Modular Laboratory Configuration
HELOS can be combined with multiple dispersion units for different sample types:
Dry powders & granules
Suspensions & emulsions
Aerosols and sprays
Small or hazardous sample quantities
This modular approach allows laboratories to analyze diverse materials using a single platform.
3. High Accuracy and Reproducibility
HELOS systems provide:
Excellent measurement repeatability
Stable optical alignment
Reliable data for both R&D and routine QC
4. Advanced Software and Data Output
Laboratory users benefit from:
Intuitive instrument control
Graphical particle size distribution analysis
Support for Fraunhofer and Mie scattering models
Easy report generation for audits and documentation
Applications of HELOS Particle Size Analysis in Laboratories
HELOS systems are widely used in laboratory environments for:
Pharmaceuticals – APIs, excipients, inhalation powders
Chemicals – pigments, catalysts, polymers
Food & beverages – dairy powders, emulsions, additives
Cement & construction materials
Cosmetics & personal care products
Environmental and research laboratories
Advantages of HELOS for Laboratory Particle Size Analysis
Rapid measurement in seconds
Minimal sample preparation
Broad particle size coverage
High compliance with international standards
Ideal for both research laboratories and industrial QC labs
Conclusion
Particle size analysis is a fundamental laboratory technique that directly influences product quality, performance, and compliance. With laser diffraction as the preferred technology, HELOS particle size analyzers stand out as a robust and flexible solution for laboratories requiring accurate, fast, and reproducible particle size measurements.
Whether for routine quality control or advanced research applications, HELOS provides laboratories with the confidence and precision needed to meet modern analytical challenges.