Mastersizer 3000

Overview

The Mastersizer 3000 is the latest generation of the world’s most popular particle sizing instrument. Incorporating expert engineering and applications know-how into every stage of its design, it delivers:

• Class-leading particle sizing performance in a compact footprint.
• Intuitive software with built-in expertise to ease your workload.
• Flexible reporting to display your data the way you want it.
• Rapid and effective wet dispersion.
• Fast, reliable particle size measurement of fragile and cohesive dry powders.
• Mastersizer know-how throughout, for results you can rely on.

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How it works

The Mastersizer 3000 uses the technique of laser diffraction to measure the size of particles. It does this by measuring the intensity of light scattered as a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample. This data is then analyzed to calculate the size of the particles that created the scattering pattern.

A typical system is made up of three main elements:

• Optical bench - A dispersed sample passes though the measurement area of the optical bench, where a laser beam illuminates the particles. A series of detectors then accurately measure the intensity of light scattered by the particles within the sample over a wide range of angles.
• Sample dispersion units (accessories). Sample dispersion is controlled by a range of wet and dry dispersion units. These ensure the particles are delivered to the measurement area of the optical bench at the correct concentration and in a suitable, stable state of dispersion.
• Instrument software. The Mastersizer 3000 software controls the system during the measurement process and analyzes the scattering data to calculate a particle size distribution. It also provides both instant feedback during method development and expert advice on the quality of the results.

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Specification

Parameters measured

Materials

Particle size distribution

Suspensions, emulsions, dry powders

General

Principle

Laser light scattering

Analysis

Mie and Fraunhofer scattering

Data acquisition rate

10 kHz

Typical measurement time

<10 sec

Optics

Red light source

Max. 4mW He-Ne, 632.8nm

Blue light source

Max. 10mW LED, 470nm

Lens arrangement

Reverse Fourier (convergent beam)

Effective focal length

300mm

Detector

Arrangement

Log-spaced array

Angular range

0.015 - 144 degrees

Alignment

Automatic

Size

Size range

0.01 - 3500 µm *

Number of size classes

100 (user adjustable)

Accuracy

Better than 1% **

Repeatability

Better than 0.5% variation *

Reproducibility

Better than 1% variation *

Software

21 CFR part 11

Enables an operating mode that assists
with ER/ES compliance

System compliance

Laser class

Class 1, IEC60825-1:2007 and
CFR Chapter I: Sub-chapterJ: Part 1040 (CDRH)

Regulatory testing

RoHS and WEEE compliant

 

CE / FCC compliant

 

Meets requirements of the European Low Voltage directive

Weight and dimensions:

Dimensions

690mm x 300mm x 450mm (LxWxH)

Mass

30 kg

System

Supply voltage

100/240 v, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption

50W (no dispersion units connected)
200W maximum (2 dispersion units connected)

Product storage temperature

-20°C to +50°C

Operational temperature range

+5°C to +40°C

Humidity Range

80% maximum for temperatures up to 31°C,
decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C. Non condensing.

Ingress Protection (IP) Rating

IP41B

Computer specification (recommended)

Computer interface

At least 1 high speed USB port required

Operating system

Windows 7 professional (32 bit and 64 bit)

Hardware specification

Intel Core i5 Processor, 4GB RAM, 250GB HD,
CD-ROM or DVD +/-RW drive, Wide Screen Monitor.

Notes

*

Sample and sample preparation dependent.

**

Accuracy defined for the recovery of the mean size
of a narrow log-normal distribution. Sample and
sample preparation dependant.

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Accessories

Sample dispersion accessories for the Mastersizer 3000

Wet sample dispersion accessories

Hydro MV A medium volume automated dispersion unit specifically designed for applications where sample is in short supply and/or non-aqueous dispersants are necessary. More information

Hydro LV A large volume automated dispersion unit suitable for applications where sample availability is not an issue or where larger volumes are required to ensure good sampling. More information

Hydro EV A unique dip-in wet sample dispersion unit that can be used with standard laboratory glassware. Suitable for a wide variety of dispersant volumes and particle size ranges. More information

Hydro SM The Hydro SM is a cost effective wet sample dispersion unit designed for measuring samples in non-aqueous dispersants where solvent usage needs to be minimized. More information

Dry sample dispersion accessories

Aero S A new state-of-the-art dry powder dispersion accessory for dispersing cohesive, fragile and robust powders with ease. More information

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Support

When you purchase a Malvern product we understand that this is just the first stage of a working relationship that will last for the lifetime of the instrument. Some customers just need to ask an occasional question or to download a software upgrade, whilst others require a comprehensive support contract with priority call out and fixed cost of ownership. Whatever your situation Malvern will provide the right support for you.

Help Desk

• Telephone and email support.
• Operators who take responsibility for your call and ensure your query is answered.

Training

• On Site training courses

• Classroom training
• E-learning

Resource Centre

• Application notes
• Technical notes
• On demand presentations
• Live webinars

Software Downloads

• A simple mechanism for receiving updates and new features

Platinum and Gold Service Contracts:

• Protection from the cost of downtime
• No time lost in obtaining help when you need it
• Fixed cost of ownership

Bronze Service Agreements:

• Protect the value of your investment
• Reduce the risk of downtime
• Protect the validity of your data

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