Particle Analysis

Services for sizing, distribution, identification, and surface area analysis of particles

Particle Sizing, Distribution, Counting, Property, and Identification Services


Particle size and particle distribution significantly impacts drug product efficacy as well as other organic, inorganic, and metallic materials. Triclinic Labs has significant experience in both wet and dry particle size and distribution analysis, method development, contaminant identification, property determination and support of the following monographs:.
  • USP <429> Laser Diffraction Measurement of Particle Size
  • USP <846> Specific Surface Area
  • USP <1174> Powder Flow

We offer both cGMP and non GMP testing services. Please see below for more detail about the services we offer.

Please contact us about cGMP Particle Size Method Development, Validation, and Release testing.

Techniques Availabe



Particle Size Analysis and
Particle Size Distribution -

Determine size and distribution of particles

Application AND Technique Description
In a laser diffraction particle size measurement, a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample and the angular variation in intensity of the scattered light is measured. Large particles scatter light at small angles relative to the laser beam and small particles scatter light at large angles. The angular scattering intensity data is then analyzed to calculate the size of the particles that created the scattering pattern using the Mie theory of light scattering. The particle size is reported as a volume equivalent sphere diameter. The particle-size distribution (PSD) of a powder, or granular material, or particles dispersed in fluid, is a list of values or a mathematical function that defines the relative amount, typically by mass, of particles present according to size (see figure below)

Particle Size Analysis
Instrument Used Model Notes
Malvern Mastersizer 3000 v.3.70
Malvern Access Configurator v.2.20

Particle Analysis Ranges:

Dry Range: 0.1 - 3500um

Wet Range:  0.01 - 1400um

Results from instrumental analysis includes a graphical representation of the particle size distribution as well as typical statistics such at d10, d50, d90, and d[4,3].
We offer cGMP method development, validation, and release testing. Contact us for details.

GMP SERVICES AVAILABLE

cGMP Analysis and Method Development Available





Hall Flow Rate Testing -

Powder flow rate and density

Application AND Technique Description
This technique determines both flow rate and apparent density. It is applicable to both free-flowing metallic powders and other fine powders testing. The testing is performed with a calibrated hall flowmeter funnel according to International Standards.

Used in: Powder metallurgy, metallic powders, food powders, cement powders, plastic powders, rubber powders, ceramic powders, pharmaceutical powders,foundry,casting,metalworking.
Instrument Used Model References
Hall FlowMeter AS-300  






Particle Charge Analysis -

Identify handling issues due to charge

Application AND Technique Description
Powders and other materials can acquire an electrical charge on the surface of their particles due to contact and movement against processing and handling equipment and containers. Contact, friction, and movement of particles within the material itself can also cause charge acquisition.

It is important to measure particle charge since this can lead to problems and unstable flow and powder behaviors. Charged materials stick to processing equipment and storage systems, can become airborne more easily, and can flow in different ways than materials with no charge.




Density Testing -

Density is the mass of a substance with regard to the space in which it occupies. It is important to determine the density when there are changes in vendor materials or in processing.

We offer the following density testing: (True, Apparent, Bulk, Tapped, Carr index)



Tapped and Bulk Density -

Explore powder flowability and settlement

Application AND Technique Description
The bulk density of a material is the ratio of the mass to the volume (including the inter-particulate void volume) of an untapped powder sample. The tapped density is an increased bulk density attained after mechanically tapping a container containing the powder sample. The tapped density is obtained by mechanically tapping a graduated measuring cylinder or vessel containing the powder sample. This technique is particularly useful in powder flowability studies and also in determining the amount of settlement.

The compressibility index and Hausner ratio are measures of the products ability to settle, and permit an assessment of the relative importance of inter-particulate interactions. In a free-flowing powder these interactions are less significant and the bulk and tapped densities will be closer in value. For poorly flowing materials, there are greater inter-particulate interactions and a greater difference between the bulk and tapped densities will be observed. The differences are reflected in the compressibility index and Hausner ratio.
Instrument Used Model References
Caleva TDT 12 WHO Reference for Bulk and Tapped Density

 

Other Testing Services Available:

  • Charge
  • Porosity
  • Release Testing

Contact us for further details or pricing.