Measuring 1 µm PSL Standard with the HORIBA LA-960V2 HL Cell

Introduction

The High-concentration Low-viscosity Cell (HL Cell) is an accessory used with the Laser Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyzer LA-960V2. It is designed to measure particle size distribution in samples with low viscosity and high concentration. The HL Cell enables users to minimize the amount of material required per measurement and reduce dilution needs. Typical applications include measuring dyes, inks, or samples dispersed in volatile liquids.

Mono-disperse polystyrene latex (PSL) standards are frequently used to verify the accuracy and proper operation of laser diffraction particle size analyzers. As these materials differ from typical samples, specific conditions and procedures are necessary to ensure accurate results.

Figure 1 Description: The HL Cell for the LA-960V2 analyzer is depicted. It is a component used to hold the sample for measurement.

Analytical Test Method

Applicable instrument: LA-960V2 with HL Cell

Dispersant fluid: RO water

Set the following conditions:

Basic Measurement Conditions

• Sample Information:
  • Sample Name: (nominal size of standard)
  • Material: PSL
  • Source: (name of vendor)
  • Lot Number: (found on bottle)
  • Refractive Index: Single PSL in water
  • Form of Distribution: Manual
  • Iteration Number: 1000
  • Distribution Base: Volume

Advanced Measurement Conditions

• Measurement tab
  • Data acquisition times (Sample): 5000
  • Data acquisition times (Blank): 5000
  • Alignment before measurement: Yes

Test Procedure

1. Clean the HL Cell glass plates.
2. Place the cell plates into the cell frame with a 5 µm spacer between them. Screw the frame together tightly to secure.
3. Inject the HL Cell with deionized water using a syringe.
4. Insert rubber cell caps into each hole of the cell glass.
5. Place assembled cell into cell holder and slide tray into the measurement position within the LA-960V2.
6. Align the laser and verify that the cell is clean by inspecting the channel baseline for any channels reading above 500.
7. Take the system Blank.
8. Remove the HL Cell from the cell holder.
9. Clean and reassemble the HL Cell.
10. Combine 1 µm PSL with deionized water to make a 1:1 solution.
11. Inject the HL Cell with the diluted 1 µm PSL.
12. Insert the cell caps and place cell back into the holder within the LA-960V2.
13. Perform alignment of laser.
14. Take 3 measurements.
15. Remove the HL cell and clean it before the next measurement.

Results

Verify that the Mean Diameter is within the bottle tolerance for the 1 µm standard. Below is an example of a result from measuring the 1.0 µm PSL standard with the HL Cell.

Sample Name: 4010A 1.0 µm

Lot Number: 266060

Bottle tolerance: 1.025 µm ± 0.018 µm

Figure 2 Description: The graph displays the results of three PSL standard measurements performed on the LA-960V2 equipped with the HL cell. It shows particle size distribution curves, with the x-axis representing diameter in µm and the y-axis representing percentage. The results indicate mean diameters of approximately 1.02852 µm, 1.02904 µm, and 1.02917 µm, with an overall average of 1.02891 µm.