Particle size distribution
Volume-weighted distribution across the full measured range.
Useful forPowders, pigments, minerals, slurriesSurface, Particle & Porosity
MALVERN 3000 Micron PSA
Particle size distribution by laser diffraction
Laser diffraction sizes powders, suspensions and emulsions from the pattern of light their particles scatter. It gives a volume-based size distribution from sub-micron to millimetre particles in minutes.
1 test optionLaser diffraction, wet or drySub-micron to millimetre sizesTypical turnaround 3–5 working days
MALVERN 3000 Micron PSA measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is MALVERN 3000 Micron PSA?
A laser beam passes through the sample while its particles are kept moving in a liquid or an air stream. Large particles scatter light at small angles and small particles at wide angles; a ring of detectors records this angular pattern, and Mie theory converts it into a size distribution.
Measurement is fast and repeatable over a very wide size range, which makes it the routine choice for quality control of powders, slurries and emulsions. For particles well below 1 µm, dynamic light scattering gives finer detail, and microscopy shows particle shape.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Sample is dispersed
The powder or suspension is added to a stirred liquid, or fed into an air stream for dry analysis.
- 02
Laser shines through
The dispersion flows through a measurement cell while a laser beam passes through it.
- 03
Light is scattered
Large particles scatter at small angles and small ones at wide angles; ring detectors record the pattern.
- 04
Distribution is calculated
Mie theory turns the pattern into a volume-based size distribution with D10, D50 and D90.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
D10, D50 and D90
Sizes below which 10, 50 and 90% of the sample volume lies.
Useful forSpecifications and QC releaseSpan and uniformity
How broad the distribution is: (D90 − D10) / D50.
Useful forComparing batches and milling runsMean diameters D[4,3] and D[3,2]
Volume- and surface-weighted mean sizes.
Useful forTracking process changes over timeCalculated specific surface area
An estimate from the distribution, assuming spherical particles.
Useful forQuick comparisons; BET measures it directly04 / Test options
Choose the MALVERN 3000 Micron PSA options you need
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05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Dry powders, granules, suspensions, slurries and emulsions
- Quantity
- Around 5–10 g of powder (more for dry or coarse samples), or 10–20 mL of liquid
- Dispersant
- A liquid that disperses the sample without dissolving it, and any additives
- Optical data
- Refractive index of the material, if known
- Representative, well-mixed sample
- Name a suitable dispersant, or say if the sample dissolves in water
- Give the refractive index if you know it
- Sealed, labelled containers
- No lumps or particles above ~2 mm without discussing first
- No combustible or toxic dusts without prior notice
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- Size distribution curve and tabulated data
- D10, D50, D90, span and mean diameters
- Measurement conditions: dispersant, obscuration, optical model
- Raw data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 3–5 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
07 / Limitations
When MALVERN 3000 Micron PSA isn't the right fit
Nanoparticles and colloids well below 1 µm
Particle shape or surface texture
Surface area or porosity of powders
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