Particle size and shape influence powder flow, suspension stability, reactivity, product appearance and process performance. Partica brings two complementary techniques into one platform: laser diffraction rapidly measures a very broad size distribution, while dynamic imaging reveals outliers, agglomerates and individual-particle morphology. Correlated results support more confident decisions in research, method development and quality control.

Main benefits

Two perspectives in one analysis. Combines volume-based particle-size distribution from LD with particle images and morphology information from DIA.

Extended dynamic range. The LA-1000 configuration covers a total range of 0.01-8000 µm, depending on technique, dispersion mode and particle shape.

Fast, representative analysis. The dual-camera system captures up to 300 frames/s, enabling tens of thousands of particles to be assessed in a short time.

Designed for real samples. Accessories for wet dispersion, powders, small volumes, concentrated suspensions and pastes extend the platform across varied R&D and QC workflows.

Repeatability and traceability. Automatic optical alignment, NIST-traceable standard verification and the software architecture support robust, transferable methods.

Laboratory productivity. One platform reduces instrument changes, total measurement time and occupied laboratory space.

Key features

2-in-1 laser diffraction/scattering and dynamic image analysis in the LA-1000 configuration.
Dual-camera DIA system with different magnifications, covering particles from approximately 1 µm to several millimetres.
Minimum digital resolution of 0.3 µm and maximum acquisition rate of 300 frames/s.
More than 30 image-analysis parameters, including equivalent diameter, minimum/maximum Feret diameter, circularity and aspect ratio.
Dual optical sources for LD: 650 nm red laser diode and 405 nm violet LED.
LD accuracy within ±0.6% of certified reference particle standards, based on HORIBA verification.
Measurement of liquids, slurries, powders and high-solids samples.
Rapid changeover between measurement cells and dispersion modes.
Intuitive software and PLATINALINK data-integrity features.
Software features supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and methods aligned with ISO 13320:2020 and ISO 13322-2:2021.

How the two techniques work

Laser diffraction (LD). Determines particle-size distribution by analysing scattered light using Mie and Fraunhofer models. It is fast and covers particles from tens of nanometres to millimetres.

Dynamic image analysis (DIA). Records particles in motion and measures individual size and shape. It is valuable for identifying agglomerates, fibres, elongated particles and rare contaminants.

Combined interpretation. LD provides the global distribution, while DIA reveals which particle types produce the observed fractions. Correlation is valuable when a size distribution alone does not explain sample behaviour.

Available configurations

Configuration	Techniques	Total range	Positioning
LA-1000 series	LD + dual-camera DIA	0.01-8000 µm	Simultaneous size and shape characterization
LA-970 series	Laser diffraction	0.01-5000 µm	Particle-size distribution by LD

Applications

Batteries and energy materials. Electrode active materials, graphite, LFP/NMC, electrode slurries and detection of agglomerates at process-relevant concentrations.

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Powders, excipients, APIs and suspensions, with options addressing data integrity and electronic records.

Food and beverage. Food powders, starches, ingredients, emulsions and water-soluble particulate materials.

Paints, inks and pigments. Size distribution, oversized particles, agglomeration state and measurement with little or no dilution.

Ceramics, cement and minerals. Broad powder distributions, irregular granules and raw-material consistency control.

Polymers and composites. Microparticles, fillers, fibres and particles dispersed in viscous media.

Chemicals and advanced materials. Silica, catalysts, reference particles, CMP slurries and materials with complex morphology.

Contaminant and agglomerate control. Detection of rare or oversized particles that can be masked within a global volume-based distribution.

Technical specifications

Measurement principles	LD: Mie scattering and Fraunhofer diffraction; DIA: dynamic image analysis on LA-1000
Total range – LA-1000	0.01-8000 µm
Total range – LA-970	0.01-5000 µm
LD – wet dispersion	0.01-3000 µm
DIA – wet dispersion	0.3-3000 µm; dependent on particle shape
LD – dry dispersion	0.1-5000 µm
DIA – dry dispersion	1.1-8000 µm; dependent on particle shape
LD light sources	650 nm laser diode, 5 mW; 405 nm LED, maximum 10 mW
DIA cameras	2 cameras; CMOS; up to 300 frames/s; minimum digital resolution 0.3 µm
DIA parameters	More than 30 image-analysis parameters
Wet dispersion system	30 W, 20 kHz ultrasonic probe; 5 fill levels; 15 circulation speeds; maximum flow approx. 10 L/min; capacity approx. 150 mL or more
Dimensions	720 mm (W) × 565 mm (D) × 470 mm (H), excluding pipework, protrusions and accessories
Weight	Approximately 56 kg
Power	AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 300 VA
PC interface	1 × USB 3.1, 5 Gbps or faster

Specifications vary by configuration and are subject to manufacturer change. Confirm the final configuration in the quotation.

Accessories and sampling options

Wet circulation system. Automated filling, circulation, ultrasonication and rinsing; measurement and result display can be completed in approximately 60 s, depending on the method.

Powderjet Dry Powder Feeder. Powder analysis by free fall or forced dispersion with compressed air; accessories support adhesive, magnetic, poorly flowing or limited-quantity powders.

MiniFlow. Automated small-volume circulation for organic solvents; approximately 35 mL dispersant requirement and integrated ultrasonic probe.

Fraction Cell. 5, 10 or 15 mL cells for rare samples, volatile solvents or full sample recovery; LD range 0.01-1000 µm.

High Concentration Cell. Measures inks, paints, pigments, emulsions and battery slurries with little or no dilution.

Paste Cell. For undiluted samples or particles in viscous media, including polymers and magnetic powders.

Configure Partica for your samples and method

The appropriate configuration depends on size range, concentration, dispersion medium, particle shape and data-integrity requirements. Send the APEL Laser team a description of your sample, estimated range, solvent or powder state and analytical objective. We can recommend the suitable model, cells and accessories and discuss the feasibility of a demonstration measurement.

Request a Partica configuration

Frequently asked questions

What does HORIBA Partica measure?

In the LA-1000 configuration, Partica measures size distribution by laser diffraction and individual particle size, shape and images by DIA. LA-970 is the laser-diffraction configuration.

What is the measurement range?

The total range reaches 0.01-8000 µm for LA-1000 and 0.01-5000 µm for LA-970. The effective range depends on technique, wet/dry dispersion and particle shape.

Can it analyse both liquids and powders?

Yes. The system accepts liquids and slurries, while the Powderjet accessory supports free-fall or compressed-air dispersion of powders.

Why combine LD and DIA?

LD rapidly provides the global size distribution, while DIA shows morphology and individual particles. Together they help distinguish primary particles from agglomerates and reveal rare contaminants.

Can it measure concentrated slurries or pastes?

Yes, using the optional High Concentration Cell and Paste Cell, subject to sample compatibility and method limits.

Is it suitable for regulated environments?

The software includes data-integrity functions and features supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Method and system validation remain the responsibility of the user laboratory.

How does it differ from Partica LA-960V2?

LA-960V2 is an established laser-diffraction analyser. The new Partica LA-1000 platform adds dynamic image analysis and two cameras for simultaneous size and shape characterization.