PN3000 XPT - Micro Particle Detector

The Postnova PN3000 XPT Online Particle Size Detector is a new type of detection system which combines optical particle sizing with advanced CCD detection and fast image analysis. The system is ideal for coupling to FFF and enables the online identification and characterization of microparticles. Any kind of FFF separation system, such as Splitt, Centrifugal, Flow or Thermal FFF, can be hyphenated to the PN3000 XPT. The detector employs a special inert glass flow cell which is illuminated by a LED light source coupled with sensitive CCD detection for the optical identification and characterization of any microparticle from approximate 1 µm up to 300 µm. Thus, in combination with a FFF separation system, even the most complex particle systems can be characterized. The particle size and number, size distribution and shape can be easily obtained for each fraction. This makes the technology ideal for use in Pharmaceutical Technology, Biotechnology, Chemical and Environmental applications.

Unique working Principle and Features

Dynamic Light Scattering (Zetasizer DLS) and Multi-Angle Light Scattering (Postnova MALS) can cover a size range between 1 nm and 1 µm. Additionally and complementary to this, the PN3000 XPT is able to provide particle sizes from 1 µm and above, making the PN3000 XPT a well suited online detector for microparticle sizing connected to the Postnova FFF separation systems. The detector allows online measurement of Particle Size, Particle Counts, Particle Shape and Particle Color Intensity Change by fast online image analysis as the particles pass through the flow cell. A high resolution CCD camera with 1024 x 768 Pixel and a fast shutter system for sharp images of fast moving particles are the core features of the system. The flexible software platform is used for automatic online image aquisition, particle size and shape analysis, trend display, storage of analysis methods and automatic saving of images depending on predefined criteria.

Applications:

• Ideal for Field-Flow Fractionation, especially GF2000 - Splitt FFF
• Provides Particle Size, Number, Shape, Volume and Contrast
• Sizing of microparticle from 1 µm to 300 µm in liquid phase
• Good for Diatoms, Algae and Sediment Particles from water
• Allows detection of Subvisible Particles in protein solutions
• General food, pharma, polymer and environmental applications

Software:

The PN3000 XPT software runs additionally to the NovaFFF software and thus also allows the operation of the XPT as a stand alone detector for batch measurements when no FFF is connected. The software is very flexible and allows many options and settings. In the „Development Window“ the master user is creating and testing methods. A method consists of three sub-methods: Camera Method (lighting, region of interest), Filter Method (contrast enhancement, inverting, subtraction of background) and Analysis Method (measurement range, filtering particles by size or shape). All methods are saved independently. Result files are saved in a non-changeable format for completely compliance of software with 21CFR Part 11 regulations.