ParticleTrack G400 with FBRM Technology is a probe-based instrument that is inserted directly into laboratory reactors to track changing particle size and count in real time at full process concentrations. Particles, particle structures and droplets are monitored continuously, as experimental conditions vary, providing scientists with the evidence required to deliver consistent particles with the required attributes.
Particle size and count directly impact performance in multiphase processes including crystallization, emulsification and flocculation. By monitoring particle size and count in real time scientists can understand, optimize and scale-up processes confidently using evidence-based methods.
Particles can change when sampled and prepared for offline analysis. By tracking changes to size and count, as particles naturally exist in process, scientists obtain process understanding safely and with no time delay – even at extremes of temperature and pressure.
By monitoring particles continuously, as experimental conditions are varied, it is possible to determine the influence of process parameters on particle size and count. This unique information can be used to design processes that will consistently deliver particles with optimized attributes.
Common applications for ParticleTrack G400 in the laboratory include:
Key Features of ParticleTrack G400:
ParticleTrack G400 represents a significant improvement over previous METTLER TOLEDO Lasentec FBRM technologies (S400 and D600).
Insert ParticleTrack probes directly into process streams to monitor particle size and count continuously over time without having to take a sample.
What is Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) technology?
Measurement Range | 0.5 – 2000μm 0.5 to 2000μm |
Temperature Range (Base/Field Unit) | 5 to 35°C |
Base Unit Description | Laboratory base unit |
Base Unit Dimension (LxHxW) | 492 mm x 89 mm x 237 mm |
Certifications | CE Approved, Class 1 Laser, NRTL Certified, CB Scheme Certified |
Power Requirements | 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 1.2A |
For Use In | Laboratory: EasyMax/OptiMax |
Software | iC FBRM |
Scanning System | Electric Scanner |
Scan Speeds | 2m/s (19mm at 1.2m/s) |
Chord Selection Method (CSM) | Primary (fines) AND Macro (coarse) |
Probe Diameter | 19mm 9.5mm 14/9.5mm |
Probe Wetted Length | 400mm (for 19mm probe) 206mm (for 14/9.5mm probe) 91mm (for 9.5mm probe) |
Probe Wetted Alloy | C22 |
Window | Sapphire |
Standard Window Seals | Kalrez® (standard 19mm) TM (standard 14/9.5) TM (standard 9.5, 14/9.5) |
Probe/Window Options | TM Window (option for 19mm) |
Pressure Rating (Probe) | up to 100barg (custom) 3barg (standard) |
Temperature Rating (Probe) | +10 to 90°C (standard) -10 to 90°C (Kalrez and purge) -80 to 90°C (TM and purge) |
Conduit Length | 3m [9.8ft] |
Air Requirements | Max. purge manifold outlet pressure: 0.8barg [12psig] Max. inlet pressure to purge manifold: 8.6barg [125 psig] Low flow purge: (use to avoid condensation) Max. Flow: 5NL/min [0.2SCFM] |
ParticleTrack Model | ParticleTrack G400 |
ParticleTrack G400 with FBRM Technology is not rated for explosive locations.
ParticleTrack G400 represents a significant improvement over previous METTLER TOLEDO Lasentec FBRM technologies (S400 and D600).
Stuck Particle Correction Improves Consistent and Reliable Measurement - ParticleTrack can distinguish between particles stuck on the probe window and those moving in the process. These stuck particles can be removed from the data ensuring a consistent and reliable measurement for more experiments.
Improved Measurement Accuracy and Resolution - ParticleTrack uses state-of-the art digital signal processing methods to measure particle size with increased accuracy and resolution. These changes mean the measurement matches particle measurements such as laser diffraction and imaging more closely.
Wider Dynamic Range To Detect Critical Process Events - ParticleTrack measures changes in particle count to accurately eliminate concentration-related artifacts from the data and ensure improved sensitivity to changes in the particle system at higher concentrations. This allows critical process events to be detected that may previously have gone unobserved.
Interchangeable Probes Decrease Costs and Increase Range of Scales - Lab-based ParticleTrack instruments are now available with different sized probes that can be easily changed by the user. This improves serviceability and increases the range of scales where the same instrument may be used at an overall lower cost.
Two Measurements Acquired Simultaneously To Eliminate Need for Prior System Information or Trial Experimentation - ParticleTrack now collects two datasets simultaneously that are optimized for different types of particle systems. This eliminates the need for any a prior system information or trial experimentation to determine the optimal measurement method.
Improved Instrument to Instrument Repeatability - ParticleTrack technology was developed to ensure different lab and production instruments now measure much more closely, allowing changes in scale of measurement to be decoupled from differences in the probe used to measure them.
Voice of User
Senaputra, A., Jones, F., Fawell, P. D. and Smith, P. G. (2014), Focused beam reflectance measurement for monitoring the extent and efficiency of flocculation in mineral systems. AIChE J., 60: 251–265. doi: 10.1002/aic.14256.
"The [ParticleTracK]G400 also captures bimodal character in unweighted chord distributions, producing distinct peaks for aggregates and fines after suboptimal flocculation; such peaks are rarely well resolved in older FBRM".
"…the chord length measurement principle applied with the G400 probe leads to an enhanced sensitivity to species at the lower end of the measurement range relative to previous generation FBRM…"
"The mean square-weighted chord lengths reported from older generation FBRM for flocculated minerals are typically under 400 mm, and yet the naked eye can see much larger aggregates being formed in thickener feedwells. The G400 probe consistently measures larger chord lengths, and this is seen as a significant advantage"
George Zhou, Aaron J Moment, James F. Cuff, Wes A. Schafer,Charles Orella, Eric Sirota, Xiaoyi Gong, and Christopher J. Welch, Process Development and Control with Recent New FBRM, PVM, and IR. Org. Process Res. Dev., Just Accepted Manuscript, Publication Date (Web): 10 Jun 2014.
"Process analytical technologies (PATs) have played an important role in process development and optimization throughout the pharmaceutical industry. Recent new PATs, including in-process video microscopy (PVM), a new generation of focused-beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), miniature process IR spectroscopy, and a flow IR sensor, have been evaluated, demonstrated, and utilized in the process development of many drug substances. First, PVM has filled a technical gap by providing the capability to study morphology for particle engineering by visualizing particles in real time without compromising the integrity of sample. Second, the new FBRM G series has closed gaps associated with the old S series with respect to probe fouling, bearing reliability, data analysis, and software integration. Third, a miniaturized process IR analyzer has brought forth the benefits of increased robustness, enhanced performance, improved usability, and ease of use, especially at scale-up".