Malvern Panalytical Morphologi 4 Automated Particle Size & Shape Analysis Characterization System 

Rapid, automated particle size and particle shape analysis

Morphologi 4 provides detailed morphological descriptions of particulate samples through static image analysis, enabling a greater understanding of both sample and process.  It can equally be used as an R&D tool to investigate challenging applications and in automated QC analysis where generation of robust, user-independent results and validation are required.

By combining particle size measurements such as length and width, with particle shape assessments such as circularity and convexity, morphological imaging fully characterizes both spherical and irregularly-shaped particles. This enables deeper understanding of a sample’s characteristics through precise detection of agglomerates, foreign particles and other anomalous materials. It also delivers the data required to cross-validate other particle sizing methods which apply an equivalent-sphere approach to reporting particle size distributions. Morphological imaging precisely characterizes individual particles within pre-dispersed samples of dry powders, wet suspensions, and particulates deposited on filters. Statistically representative distributions are
constructed by rapidly and automatically analyzing hundreds of thousands of particles per measurement, providing valuable information on the whole sample.

Overview

• Broad particle size range, from 0.5 μm to over >1300 μm, enables size measurements of a wide range of samples
• 20+ morphological parameters deliver a highly-detailed description for deeper understanding of your particulate material
• SOP control, from sample dispersion to data analysis, provides simple and automated operation for robust, repeatable measurements
• Automated ‘Sharp Edge’ analysis enables detection of even low contrast particles
• Advanced manual microscope mode and ability to return to particles of interest enables an even closer examination of unexpected particles
• High resolution microscope ensures quality particle images for optimum image analysis data
• Integrated dry powder dispersion unit delivers reproducible sample dispersion, critical to achieving meaningful results
• Dedicated sample presentation accessories enable measurement of a wide variety of sample types, including suspensions and filters
• Advanced data exploration tools generate maximum sample knowledge
• 21 CFR Part 11 software option ensures regulatory compliance

The Morphologi 4 measurement procedure can be split into four sections: 

Sample preparation   

Spatial separation of individual particles and agglomerates is critical to representative results.  The integrated dry powder disperser makes preparing dry powder samples easy and reproducible. The applied dispersion energy can be precisely controlled, enabling the measurement process to be optimized for a range of material types. Dispersion is achieved without explosively shocking the particles, avoiding the damage of fragile particles whilst ensuring strongly-agglomerated materials are dispersed.  Accessories that fit directly in to the Morphologi 4’s automated stage are available for preparing suspended or filtered samples. 

Image capture 

The instrument captures images of individual particles by scanning the sample underneath the microscope optics. The Morphologi 4 can illuminate the sample from below or above, whilst accurately controlling the light levels. 

Image processing 

Use of either the automated ‘Sharp Edge’ segmentation analysis or the manually-controlled thresholding enables the detection of particles and the calculation of a range of morphological properties for each.

Results generation 

Statistically representative distributions are constructed for each parameter from the thousands of particles that have been analyzed.  Advanced graphing and data classification options in the software ensure that extracting the relevant data from the measurement is straightforward, via an intuitive visual interface. Individually-stored grayscale images for each particle provide qualitative verification of the quantitative results.

General Specifications 

Technology :

Static automated imaging

Particle size :

0.5 μm – 1300 μm (upper limit may be extended for some applications*)

Particle properties measured :

Size, shape, transparency, count, location

Particle size parameters :

Circle equivalent (CE) diameter, length, width, perimeter, area, maximum distance, sphere equivalent (SE) volume, fiber total length, fiber width

Particle shape parameters :

Aspect ratio, circularity, convexity, elongation, high sensitivity (HS) circularity, solidity, fiber elongation, fiber straightness

Particle transparency parameters :

Intensity mean, intensity standard deviation

Integrated Sample Dispersion Unit :

For fully automated dispersion and measurement of dry powders. Manual or SOP control of

dispersion pressure, injection time and settling time

Illumination :

White light LED: brightfield, diascopic and episcopic; darkfield, episcopic

Detector :

18 MP; 4912 x 3684 pixel color CCD array; pixel size 1.25 μm x 1.25 μm

Optical system :

Nikon CFI 60 brightfield / darkfield system

Lens (and particle size range) :

2.5x: 8.5 µm – 1300 µm (nominal) 
5x: 4.5 µm – 520 µm (nominal) 
10x: 2.5 µm – 260 µm (nominal) 
20x: 1.5 µm – 130 µm (nominal) 
50x: 0.5 µm – 50 µm (nominal)

Weight and dimensions:

Dimensions (W, D, H) :

810 mm (W) x 520 mm (D) x 685 mm (H)

with carry handles: 1100mm (W) x 520mm (D) x 685mm (H)

Weight :

76 kg (84kg including carry handles)

Power :

100-240 V ac 50/60 Hz (<100W load)

Notes :

* Sample and substrate dependent