The Bettersize S3 Plus Laser Particle Size and Shape Analyzer

The Bettersizer S3 Plus particle size and shape analyzer designed by Bettersize Instruments combines laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis in one instrument. It can measure the size and shape of particles from 0.01 μm to 3500 μm.

Its high sensitivity for ultrafine and large particles, as well as its unmatched resolution, makes it the most powerful size and shape analyzer for users in a variety of sectors, opening up new opportunities for complete particle characterization solutions.

Video credit: Bettersize Instruments

The combination of laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis perfectly meets the needs of coarse particle measurement in polymer product development and the results obtained are reliable and highly accurate.

XI’AN Thermal Power Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Evolutionary Technologies

I - Patented DLOI (Dual Lenses & Oblique Incidence)

For regular particle size analysis, laser diffraction technology continues to be the method of choice in a variety of industries. The Bettersizer S3 Plus uses the unique DLOI technology, which is based on the Fourier structure and ensures that ultrafine particles as small as 0.01 μm are accurately measured.

Features and Benefits

• A single short-wave laser (532 nm) produces a continuous scattering spectrum with a constant wavelength
• With 96 detectors, it accurately measures ultrafine particles across a wide angular range (0.02°–165°)
• Solid-state light source requires no stabilizing or preheating time
• Dual lens design provides a comprehensive optical system with exceptional resolution

II - Dual-Camera System: Dynamic Image Analysis

With extensive shape or morphological information that is independent of laser diffraction, dynamic image analysis can help users better understand materials. The dual-camera system can successfully monitor individual particles with certain geometric features, such as agglomerates, crushed particles, and foreign particles.

Features and Benefits

• For measuring the heterogeneous samples
• 0.5x and 10x cameras enable a wide range of particle sizes to be photographed
• High-speed strobe lights — Up to 10,000 particle images can be captured in 60 seconds, providing realistic form results

III - Groundbreaking Combination: Laser Diffraction with Dynamic Image Analysis

The Bettersizer S3 Plus combines laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis into a single device to measure particle size, size distribution, and form across a broad dynamic range. Users can obtain a greater understanding of material behavior by working together to speed up the troubleshooting and method development process.

Features and Benefits

• 2-in-1 System — Obtains particle size and shape results in real-time
• DLOI System — Ultrafine particles down to 0.01 μm are properly measured
• Fast time-to-result — In 10 seconds, results are provided
• Dual-camera Imaging System — Identifies large particles up to 3,500 μm with high accuracy

The Bettersizer S3 Plus is easy to use and has brought excellent repeatability and high productivity to the research of abrasives.

North University of China

Patented DLOI System

Size Measurement

For particle size measurements, the Bettersizer S3 Plus delivers remarkable resolution and sensitivity. The DLOI technology enables for exact measurement of polydisperse sample size distributions and sensitive detection of product size changes.

A mixed alumina sample is investigated, and as to be expected, the analysis notes the existence of the three raw samples, suggesting the high-resolution capability of the DLOI system. Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

The sizes of as-prepared MCC (microcrystalline cellulose) exhibit a slightly decreased trend with the increasing Fe3+ concentration, suggesting the high-sensitivity capability of the DLOI system (Adapted from Yue, Xiaopeng, et al. Cellulose 28.3 (2021): 1405-1419.). Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Dual-Camera Imaging System

Shape Measurement

The Bettersizer S3 Plus is used in an example of additive manufacturing for form analysis. Two AlSi10Mg samples have a typical number of individual particles recorded, and the number-weighted aspect ratio and circularity are assessed according to ISO criteria. (Reprinted with permission from F. Schleife and C. Oetzel, Chem. Ing. Tech. 93.8 (2021): 1199–1203.)

Compared to the fresh powders, the spatter particles show a significantly larger aspect ratio and thus a lower average elongation. Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

The spatter particles exhibit a higher average circularity and are expected to possess a lower shape anisotropy than the fresh powders. Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Combination: Laser Diffraction and Image Analysis

Oversized Particle Detection

Large particles that are statistically underrepresented within a widely scattered sample, such as large grains, agglomerates, and air bubbles, can be sensitively detected via laser diffraction and image analysis.

Below shows an example of an abrasive that does not meet the specifications. The existence of large particles is confirmed by the Bettersizer S3 Plus, which shows a size peak of about 120 μm and pictures of extremely coarse particles.

Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Refractive Index Measurement

Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Laser diffraction measurements, according to the Mie theory, are difficult for samples, such as:

• Samples with considerably differing particle optical characteristics when compared to the bulk material
• Samples with a complicated refractive index that is fully unknown
• Samples with a high degree of optical dispersion (low Abbe number)
• Heterogeneous chemical composition samples

One of the better solutions is to measure the refractive index. The Bettersizer S3 Plus can do the following tasks:

• Verify a material’s known data at a specified light wavelength
• Calculate the total refractive index of unknown samples
• Give key parameters to quantify particle size distribution in real-time
• Samples with unknown qualities can be measured

Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Table 1. Source: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Intuitive and Workflow-oriented Software

The workflow-oriented software that comes with the Bettersizer S3 Plus contains complete built-in functionality, such as a multilingual operating system, signal extraction, system inspection, SOP, and more. The strong software, which is integrated with these tasks, ensures that results are accurate and repeatable.

Template Settings. Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Measurement Interface. Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

BT-A60Barcode Printing. Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Advantages of the Software

• The refractive indices of commonly used particles and media are available
• Optimal measurement circumstances can be determined in real-time
• Comply fully with 21 CFR Part 11
• Fully automated cleaning and measuring routine

BT-A60 Autosampler

Bring Productivity to the Next Level

The BT-A60 is a reliable autosampler with high throughput. It can measure up to 60 samples in a single run, lowering personnel expenses and increasing laboratory productivity. The BT-A60, which is compatible with the Bettersizer S3 Plus, allows completely automated sample analysis for a range of analytical applications 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Measurement Automation

Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

Specification

Table 2. Source: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.

* The Bettersizer S3 Plus is also available in a single camera (0.5x) model. Contact us for more information.

Applications and Industries

• 3D Printing Materials
• Abrasives
• Battery and Energy
• Building Materials
• Ceramics
• Food and Beverages
• Paints, Inks and Coatings
• Pharmaceuticals
• Powder Metallurgy
• Soils and Sediments

Image Credit: Bettersize Instruments Ltd.