Laboratory analysis using Laser Granulometry

Particle size analysis is a method used to measure and characterize particles in terms of size, shape, surface area, porosity, and other physical characteristics. It identifies the types of materials or particles present in a sample and assesses how they interact with one another. This information can be used for various purposes, including ensuring product safety and quality control, developing industrial processes that use particle technology to mix, separate, or coat materials, and studying the behavior of particulate systems. Particle size analysis can also help determine how different particles affect filtration performance or how two different powders may blend. It can be used to measure sedimentation rates and differentiate between particle sizes before subjecting them to further analysis. 

Sieve analysis is a physical process that uses sieves to separate particles according to their size. The particles are poured onto a sieve, which is gently shaken, allowing the smaller particles to pass through while the larger ones remain on top. This method works well for measuring the size of small particles but is not practical for larger particles. 

Sedimentation analysis uses centrifugal force to separate particles according to their specific gravity. Samples are placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speed until the heaviest particles settle at the bottom of the tube or container. This method is more accurate for larger particles than sieving because it separates them according to their actual weight rather than size alone. 

Particle size analysis is widely used across a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, food processing, agriculture, and petrochemical production. Pharmaceutical companies use particle size analysis to ensure product quality by determining the particle size distribution of active ingredients in tablets or capsules. The food industry uses particle size analysis to measure the particle size distribution of grains or flour for baking purposes. Particle size analysis can be used in agriculture to monitor soil erosion and sedimentation rates. Petrochemical companies can also use particle size analysis to study the emulsification or dispersion behavior of their products. 

Laser diffraction particle size analysis can generally measure particles ranging from a few dozen nanometers to several millimeters, depending on the equipment and dispersion mode (dry or wet).

The results include the complete particle size distribution (frequency and cumulative curves), as well as characteristic values such as D10, D50, and D90, which represent the distribution of particle sizes.

Yes, the method is governed by ISO 13320, which defines requirements for accuracy, repeatability, and measurement conditions.

The technique does not distinguish differences in particle shape or density. To supplement the analysis, it is often recommended to use microscopy (SEM) or surface area measurements (BET).

Dry dispersion is used for free-flowing, non-agglomerated powders, whereas wet dispersion is preferred for fine, cohesive, or sensitive particles that require effective deagglomeration.

• Powder analysis by XRD or SEM-EDX microscopy : complementary techniques to particle size analysis for studying the crystallographic composition (XRD) and the particle morphology (SEM-EDX).
• Surface analysis and measurement by BET : characterization of the specific surface area of powders, essential for correlating particle size, reactivity and porosity.
• Particle and contamination analysis : detection and identification of unwanted particles in matrices, combined with particle size analysis to control product quality.
• Hydroxyapatite powder characterization (NF ISO 13779-3) : particle size and chemical control of HAp powders used in biomedical applications, ensuring biocompatibility and regulatory compliance.
• Nanomaterial characterization : analysis of nanoparticle size and distribution, complementary to laser particle size analysis for materials at the nanoscale.
• Porosity and permeability studies : evaluation of porous properties (He, Hg), helping refine the interpretation of particle size analysis results in terms of surface area, density and internal structure.

Using a laboratory for laser diffraction particle size analysis addresses concrete industrial challenges related to powder control. 

In the pharmaceutical sector, particle size and distribution directly influence the bioavailability of active ingredients, dissolution rate, stability of dosage forms, and batch homogeneity. 

In cosmetics, particle size determines powder texture, application fineness, emulsion stability, and the sensory quality of products. 

In both cases, rigorous control helps ensure regulatory compliance (with standards such as ISO 13320), support the R&D development of new formulations, and optimize manufacturing processes by reducing the risks of non-compliance and quality deviations.