Malvern Panalytical launches new Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy system, Benchtop X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, and an Automatic Dispensing Balance at Pittcon 2018

They are the new Morphologi^® 4 range for fast, high-definition particle imaging and characterization; Epsilon 4, the new high-performance benchtop analytical tool for high performance at-line elemental analysis; and Claisse® LeDoser-12™ automatic dispensing balance for high accuracy high throughput sample preparation for XRF and ICP analysis.

Introducing Morphologi^® 4 range

Morphologi 4 automated particle characterisation

The new Morphologi^® range of automated static imaging systems for particle characterisation from Malvern PANalytical – Morphologi 4 and Morphologi 4-ID – is built on the market-leading success of previous systems. The 2018 iF design award-winning Morphologi 4 and Morphologi 4-ID offer uniquely powerful tools for the rapid, automated component-specific measurement of particle size, shape and chemical composition. They deliver substantial improvements in measurement speed, image definition, and the range of materials that can be successfully analyzed. Offering sharper and faster particle size and shape measurements, the instruments add value to product development, troubleshooting and QC, particularly in analytical environments where a deeper understanding of a process and/or sample is required, such as during the development and processing of pharmaceuticals, metal powders and battery materials.

The Morphologi 4 is a fully automated system for characterizing particles ranging in size from less than one micron up to a millimeter and beyond. Compared to its predecessor, it offers quicker measurement – a time saving of around 25% – while delivering simpler, more intuitive method development and greater particle definition. A key feature is Sharp Edge, a new automated segmentation / thresholding algorithm that makes it easier to detect and define particles. Measurement sensitivity is further boosted by the 18 MP camera and by enclosure of the sample during imaging. These advances make it possible to accurately measure light-sensitive and low-contrast samples, such as proteins and certain mineral and chemical species, and deliver enhanced shape parameter sensitivity for all types of sample. This makes it possible to detect the subtle differences that are essential for rigorous process and product optimization and robust supply chain management.

The Morphologi 4-ID delivers Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS®), integrating the static imaging capabilities of the Morphologi 4 with Raman spectroscopy to enable the component-specific morphological characterisation of different chemical species in a blend. Offering significantly faster spectral acquisition times than the previous model – a time reduction of up to 80% – it also allows acquisition conditions to be customized to the sample. This enhanced control, combined with an extended spectral range, maximizes the range of materials that can be identified and/or differentiated within a mixture. The instrument is fully automated and is designed to allow both particle characterisation scientists with limited spectroscopy experience, and more experienced spectroscopists to gain an in-depth understanding of their particulate samples.

Deborah Huck-Jones, Product Manager for Analytical Imaging at Malvern PANalytical comments: “These latest additions to Malvern PANalytical’s range of advanced analytical characterization technologies deliver greater detail in faster measurement times than ever before. Their applications in innovator and generic pharmaceutical development support the critical goal of speed to market. A particular benefit of MDRS to generics formulators is its ability to help demonstrate Q3 bioequivalence in vitro by ensuring the required physicochemical attributes of particles in the test formulation match those of the reference formulation, thus reducing or eliminating the need for clinical endpoint studies.”

Cathryn Langley, Associate Product Manager for Analytical Imaging at Malvern PANalytical, adds: “In many industrial applications, a specification based on size alone is no longer adequate. The flow and packing properties of metal powders and electrode materials, for example, are governed by particle shape, as well as size. This means that both parameters must be controlled to optimize performance, such as the properties of a finished injection-molded component, or the power and discharge characteristics of a battery. The new Morphologi systems make it quicker and easier to access accurate and component-specific particle size and shape data to develop a deeper understanding of such products, and of how to optimize and control their routine manufacture.”

For more information about the new Morphologi 4 and Morphologi 4-ID, visit www.malvernpanalytical.com, or view our video here https://youtu.be/vpcPvHsvqXg.

Introducing Epsilon 4 editions

The Epsilon 4 benchtop XRF spectrometer

Malvern PANalytical presents Epsilon 4, the new high-performance benchtop analytical tool for the determination of the chemical composition of all kinds of material. Built on the experience and success of the proven Epsilon 3 range of XRF spectrometers, the Epsilon 4 is a multi-functional instrument opening new applications for industries such as mining, pharma in accordance with USP<232> and USP<233>, cement products analysis according to ASTM C114-15, air filter analyses that complies with EPA IO-3.3, or oils and fuels analysis, including Tier 3 requirements. Combining the latest advances in excitation and detection technology with mature software and a smart design, the analytical performance of the new benchtop instrument approaches that of more powerful and floor-standing XRF spectrometers.

Due to its low infrastructural requirements, Epsilon 4 can be placed next to the production line anywhere in your process. Its high performance enables most applications to be operated at ambient conditions, reducing costs for helium or vacuum maintenance. The unique low-drift metal-ceramic X-ray tube, designed and manufactured by Malvern PANalytical, delivers compliant results for years without the need for costly re-calibration. The instrument can automatically process sample batches without the need for operator attention.

Epsilon 4 systems benefit from Malvern PANalytical’s expertise in producing standard sets for specific applications, as well as custom sets for the needs of our individual customers.  An example is our dedicated WROXI (wide-range oxide) standards which enable the determination of concentrations of up to 21 common oxides in a wide range of rocks, ores and minerals. We also offer sets for the analysis of pharmaceutical elemental impurities, additives in polymers (ADPOL), cement analysis (CEMOXI), and various oil and fuel standards.

Epsilon 4 is a highly flexible tool available in a 10-Watt version for elemental analysis (F – Am) in areas from R&D through to process control. For even higher sample throughput or extended light-element capabilities and in more challenging environments a 15-Watt version is available, which can even analyze carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. “Epsilon 4 delivers the highest count rate in the market while little or no sample preparation is required to achieve very fast and reproducible results”, says Simon Milner, product director at Malvern PANalytical. “It is the perfect analytical tool for any industry needing to comply with increasingly stringent test methods and norms. Trust our experienced staff to work with you on tailored solutions for your analytical challenges.”

Introducing Claisse^® LeDoser-12™

Claisse LeDoser-12 automatic dispensing balance

Malvern PANalytical, a major player in the materials characterisation market and renowned supplier of scientific measurement instrumentation, is proud to announce the launch of the Claisse LeDoser-12 automatic dispensing balance. This instrument is the latest of a series of cutting-edge products used for sample preparation by fusion for XRF and ICP analysis.

This 12-position instrument gives a breath of fresh air in the sample preparation process. In fact, weighing samples and dispensing borate flux has always been known to be a long and tedious task in the laboratory. “It’s now a thing of the past, since the instrument can automatically weigh the sample and dispense flux with high precision, without becoming distracted or tired. Furthermore, the laboratory saves up to 90% of labor time related to this step and obtains highly repeatable analytical results“, says Chantal Audet, Product Manager for Claisse instruments. The automatic dispensing balance has three weighing modes that fulfill all needs in the laboratory (sample-to-flux ratio, catch weight and absolute weight).

The Claisse LeDoser-12 is LIMS ready and can be plugged to a barcode reader. It ensures great connectivity and sample traceability, as well as an easy data transfer. This feature is a key to avoiding sample misidentification and inversion, and it plays an important role in maintaining good productivity. “With LeDoser-12, you get your samples ready just in time for the next step of the preparation process”, says Ms. Audet.

In addition to being intuitive to use, the Claisse LeDoser-12 enhances the operator’s safety, by minimizing repetitive strain injuries (RSI) arising from long hours of weighing related tasks. Its simple and durable mechanism made from high-quality components, combined with low maintenance reduces its cost of ownership.

For more information on LeDoser-12, please visit www.malvernpanalytical.com.

Claisse is a Malvern PANalytical brand.