Spraytec

The new Malvern Spraytec spray sizing system provides users with in-situ, real-time measurements of the droplet size distributions produced by spray and aerosol devices. Using the technique of laser diffraction, it has been specifically designed to address the unique requirements of spray characterization, yielding robust, reproducible results for diverse products such as agrochemical sprays, fuel injection systems and pharmaceutical inhalers.

Accurate Spray Sizing: using just two lens systems, the Spraytec can measure spray size distributions over an extremely broad dynamic range (0.1 – 2000 microns), avoiding endless lens changes and yielding unparalleled sensitivity to variations in the droplet size.
Rapid Measurements: acquisition rates of up to 10kHz (one measurement every 100 microseconds) ensure the complete characterisation of both pulsed spray and continuous spray events, fully capturing the spray dynamics.
High Concentration Measurements: Malvern Instruments’ patented multiple scattering analysis ensures direct droplet sizing can be carried out without worrying about the spray concentration, yielding accurate results where other laser diffraction systems fail.

The design of the Spraytec system and its software yield simple, reproducible measurements whether they are made in the laboratory or in more challenging operating environments where the system is directly exposed to the spray.

Robust measurements: The extremely large working range accessible for each lens system allows droplets to be fully characterised even if they are positioned far from the optics, minimising optical contamination and ensuring accurate results can be obtained, even for wide spray plumes.
Synchronised operation: Flexible triggering options ensure that spray measurements can be precisely synchronised with other devices such as spray actuators.
User bias eliminated: single click analysis is now possible using the system’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring users follow the same measurement process. All aspects of the system’s operation can be recorded and controlled including the software’s data analysis and display options. Once developed, SOPs can be transferred electronically around the globe for use at other installations.
Ease of data analysis: The Spraytec’s unique Particle Size History data display enables users to quickly understand the variations in droplet size observed during a given spray event without the need for exporting the results to other spray diagnostics packages.
Validated operation: full validation support is provided, from system Installation and Operation Qualifications (IQ/OQs) through to technical compliance to the requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 regarding the control of electronic records.

Spraytec datasheet

Optical unit

Measurement principle:		Laser diffraction.

Size range:		0.1µm to 2000µm

Lens ranges :		300 mm lens: 0.1 – 900 microns (Dv50 : 0.5 – 600 microns). 750 mm lens: 2 – 2000 microns (Dv50 : 5 – 1600 microns).

Working range :		0.5 microns: 150mm 5 microns: > 1000mm 10 microns: > 2000mm

Optical models:		Mie Theory and Fraunhofer Approximation .

Concentration range :		Patented Multiple Scattering Correction ( US Patent No. 5,619,324) enables operation at high concentrations. Minimum acceptable transmission: 5% (95% obscuration), dependent on particle size range.

Detection system :		36 element log-spaced silicon diode detector array

Light source:		632.8 nm, 2 mW helium-neon laser.

Laser safety:		Class 3R laser product.

Optical alignment system:		Automatic rapid align system

Maximum acquisition rate:		Continuous Mode: 1Hz Rapid Mode (Standard): 2.5kHz Rapid Mode (Enhanced): 10kHz (requires software feature key) .

Maximum measurement time:		Continuous Mode: > 60 mins at 1Hz Rapid Mode (Standard): maximum of 120 sec at 2.5 kHz Rapid Mode (Enhanced): maximum of 30 sec at 10 kHz .

Accuracy:		Better than +/- 1% on the Dv50 for NIST-traceable latex standards
Precision / Repeatability		Better than +/- 1% COV on the Dv50 for NIST-traceable latex standards
Reproducibility between instruments		Better than +/- 1% COV on the Dv50 for NIST-traceable latex standards

Triggering

Measurement triggering:		Internal: Based on transmission or light scattering levels External: Based on TTL input or simple switch trigger

External device synchronization:		Via two TTL trigger outputs

Software

Minimum specification of PC:		Pentium PC 2GHz, 128MByte RAM, 80MByte free hard disk space, 1024 x 768 screen resolution, CD-ROM drive, Windows 2000 ( Service pack 3 or higher) or XP professional (Service pack 1a or higher). One free USB port.

Operating platforms:		Windows XP Professional (service pack 1 or higher).

Operating modes:		Automated using Standard Operating Procedures created in the software. Manual using on-screen controls and hot keys.

Analysis Method :		Model independent analysis to provide accurate droplet size distributions. Rosin-Rammler and Log-Normal 2-parameter models available.

Data Display:		User-configurable Particle Size History display, enabling frame-by-frame data analysis.

Database utility:		Searching, sorting and filtering by search criteria of data records on all parameters of interest.

Data Export:		Direct to Excel or other spreadsheet packages.

21CFR11:		Technical compliance provided through layered access security system, audit trails and links to Adobe Acrobat for electronic signatures.

Operating environment

Enclosure ratings:		IP65 rating for the main transmitter and receiver modules in normal use.

Air Purge:		Air purge system available to prevent optics contamination when measuring wide spray plumes. Requires a continuous supply of clean, compressed air at a flow rate of at least 80 l/min.

Temperature:		15ºC – 40°C.

Humidity:		35% - 80%, non-condensing.