New version software for the Spraytec™ particle
size analyzer from Malvern Instruments further
extends the system’s data capture and processing
capabilities. Spraytec uses the technique of laser diffraction to
measure spray particle size distributions and is widely used for the
analysis of a wide range of industrial and pharmaceutical aerosols and
sprays. It delivers real-time, high-speed measurements for the complete
characterization of both continuous and pulsed spray events. Developed
with input from existing Spraytec users, the new version software makes
it easier to access and understand the information required for product
development and quality control. It also allows integration of the
Spraytec with other spray research tools.
Paul Kippax, Product Manager for Diffraction Systems at
Malvern Instruments, believes that the continued evolution of the
Spraytec’s capabilities is important in meeting the changing
demands of the market place. “The Spraytec is an extremely
valuable tool for the detailed analysis of spray behaviour,”
he said. “Understanding the wide variety of different
applications, and the capabilities that our customers require, is a key
part of Malvern Instruments’ responsive approach to the
development of our systems.”
An important feature of the new package is a third party
software interface, which allows other measurement systems to run SOPs
and to download results remotely. Spraytec can therefore be used
alongside other techniques or within automated analysis systems.
A new ensemble averaging feature has also been developed which
enables researchers to easily detect the time-points in repeat spray
actuations where the atomization process is most variable, while
enhanced method set-up and results reporting improve data
accessibility. The facility to convert from volume to number based
particle size distributions enables comparison of the data with
measurements from other methods.