Hydro Sight: a state-of-the-art imaging accessory for smarter particle sizing

Hydro Sight is an in-line imaging accessory for Malvern Instruments’ Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyser, which has been designed to make it quicker and easier for users to develop and apply robust particle sizing methods.

Hydro Sight provides real-time visual monitoring of the dispersion process that precedes every laser diffraction particle size measurement. Dispersion is essential to ensure that particles are measured in a representative, relevant state. Imaging technology is often presented as a natural partner for laser diffraction because it offers the complementary benefits of visual assessment and access to particle shape information. Using imaging, agglomerates can be easily distinguished from primary particles, making the technique highly appropriate for dispersion assessment.

The images and videos that Hydro Sight records make it quicker to identify the optimal dispersion conditions required for wet or liquid particle size analysis methods. Image analysis is carried out in real-time to provide particle size and elongation distributions, enabling the dispersion of agglomerates to be followed. A unique ‘dispersion index’ calculation is used to quantify the state of dispersion of the sample. In addition, an advanced anomaly detection feature is provided to record image frames that contain particles that are particularly unusual within a sample. Together, these capabilities allow users to rapidly check whether or not their laser diffraction methods are operating as required, during method development or transfer and in routine use, and as a result achieve more efficient, less expensive analysis across the lifetime of a product. The measurements can also help users identify and rationalise the root cause of any out-of-specification results.

The video shows the collection of real-time particle imaging data during the wet dispersion stage of laser diffraction particle size measurement and was recorded using the Mastersizer 3000 with the Hydro Sight accessory. Images of the sample dispersion are captured as it flows through a specially designed imaging cell. Installation directly in-line, between a standard laser diffraction dispersion accessory and the measurement cell of the analyser, makes dispersion monitoring an integral part of the analytical process.

Image analysis can also be used to pinpoint rogue particles or anomalies within the sample. This can be especially helpful when engaged in method troubleshooting. The Hydro Sight accessory has an advanced anomaly detection function that automatically saves atypical images which may contain, for example, particles that are unusual in terms of size and/or shape, so the user can go back and gather more detailed information about them to assist with tracing their origin.