Aero S dry powder disperser

Overview

The Aero S is a completely new dry powder disperser developed using state-of-the art powder dispersion understanding. Modular in design, it is easily configured for different applications in the measurement range from 100nm to 3.5mm, delivering efficient sample de-agglomeration without primary particle damage for both robust and fragile materials. Precise control of both the sample feed rate and the applied dispersion pressure ensures outstanding reproducibility of the dispersion process.

• Standard disperser for both cohesive and fragile particle measurements
• Impaction systems available for robust material dispersion
• Precise dispersion pressure control, to ±0.1 bar
• Range of sample feed trays and hoppers enable measurement of different sample volumes
• Enclosed cell delivers bias-free measurements whilst minimising user exposure to the sample
• Full software control of all measurement functions, including sample feed and dispersion

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How it works

Dry measurement of particle size is fast and removes the need for liquid dispersants. It is the best method for many dry powders, and is especially important when particle size is influenced by hydration. The Aero S disperses dry samples by accelerating particles through a venturi using compressed air. The particles are then pulled through the Mastersizer 3000’s measurement cell using a vacuum source.

Dispersion efficiency is controlled by manipulating three variables: air pressure, sample feed rate and disperser geometry.

Mechanisms of dry powder dispersion: Representative measurement relies on providing sufficient energy to break up agglomerates without causing primary particle damage. Dry powder dispersers accelerate particles in an airstream to achieve this.

With dry powder dispersion there is always the possibility of particle damage, because of the high velocity at which the particles pass through the disperser system. The unique design of the Aero S minimizes this problem by avoiding impaction surfaces. Dispersion is achieved through the application of significant shear, rather than by impacting particles on a surface. The result is gentle but highly efficient dispersion, which can be successfully applied to even relatively friable materials. Optional impaction systems are available for strongly agglomerated samples with tough primary particles. The air pressure drop across the venturi is manipulated to achieve complete sample dispersion and can be controlled to within +/-0.1 bar.

Sample feed rate through the Aero S is closely controlled using a vibrating feeder, which maintains a suitable sample concentration for measurement. It is fitted with an interchangeable sample tray that can be configured to ensure the measurement of enough material to quantify the entire size distribution reproducibly. Thanks to its high data acquisition rate, the Mastersizer 3000 samples the dispersed material very efficiently, even though material passes through the measurement cell quickly. This increases the measurement resolution, and accelerates analysis.

In combination, these features deliver reliable, reproducible dispersion for the very widest range of dry samples.

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Specifications

See main product page for overall system specifications.

Parameter

Specification

General

Size range (dry powder mode)

0.1 - 3500 µm †

Dispersion Pressure Range

0 - 4 bar

Pressure setting precision

+/- 0.1 bar

Pressure setting accuracy

+/- 0.03 bar

Feed rate range

0 - 6g (expressed as 0-100%)

Feed rate precision

+/- 0.06g (1%)

Feed rate accuracy

Better than 1%

Materials in contact with sample

316 stainless
410 hardened stainless
Borosilicate Glass
EPDM
PTFE
Polyurethane
Carbon Filled Acetal
Aluminium
Neoprene

Maximum particle size

3500 µm (density 2200 kg/m³) †

Minimum time between measurements

less than 60 sec †

Dimensions

260mm x 180mm x 380mm (LxWxH)

Mass

10.5kg

† Sample dependent

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