Morphologi 4 provides detailed morphological descriptions of particulate samples through static image analysis, enabling a greater understanding of both sample and process. It can equally be used as an R&D tool to investigate challenging applications and in automated QC analysis where generation of robust, user-independent results and validation are required.
Download brochureThe Morphologi 4 measures the particle size and shape of dry powders, wet suspensions and particulates on filters. Designed to accommodate the diverse needs of a multidisciplinary R&D lab, it is the ideal replacement for costly and time-consuming manual microscopy.
The Morphologi 4 measurement procedure can be split into four sections:
Sample preparation
Spatial separation of individual particles and agglomerates is critical to representative results. The integrated dry powder disperser makes preparing dry powder samples easy and reproducible. The applied dispersion energy can be precisely controlled, enabling the measurement process to be optimized for a range of material types. Dispersion is achieved without explosively shocking the particles, avoiding the damage of fragile particles whilst ensuring strongly-agglomerated materials are dispersed. Accessories that fit directly in to the Morphologi 4’s automated stage are available for preparing suspended or filtered samples.
Image capture
The instrument captures images of individual particles by scanning the sample underneath the microscope optics. The Morphologi 4 can illuminate the sample from below or above, whilst accurately controlling the light levels.
Image processing
Use of either the automated ‘Sharp Edge’ segmentation analysis or the manually-controlled thresholding enables the detection of particles and the calculation of a range of morphological properties for each.
Results generation
Statistically representative distributions are constructed for each parameter from the thousands of particles that have been analyzed. Advanced graphing and data classification options in the software ensure that extracting the relevant data from the measurement is straightforward, via an intuitive visual interface. Individually-stored grayscale images for each particle provide qualitative verification of the quantitative results.
| Technology | Static automated imaging |
|---|---|
| Particle size | 0.5 μm – 1300 μm (upper limit may be extended for some applications*) |
| Particle properties measured | Size, shape, transparency, count, location |
| Particle size parameters |
Circle equivalent (CE) diameter, length, width, perimeter, area, maximum distance, sphere equivalent (SE) volume, fiber total length, fiber width
|
| Particle shape parameters |
Aspect ratio, circularity, convexity, elongation, high sensitivity (HS) circularity, solidity, fiber elongation, fiber straightness
|
| Particle transparency parameters | Intensity mean, intensity standard deviation |
| Integrated Sample Dispersion Unit |
For fully automated dispersion and measurement of dry powders. Manual or SOP control of
dispersion pressure, injection time and settling time
|
| Illumination | White light LED: brightfield, diascopic and episcopic; darkfield, episcopic |
| Detector | 18 MP; 4912 x 3684 pixel color CMOS array; pixel size 1.25 μm x 1.25 μm |
| Optical system | Nikon CFI 60 brightfield / darkfield system |
| Lens (and particle size range) |
2.5x: 8.5 µm – 1300 µm (nominal)
5x: 4.5 µm – 520 µm (nominal) 10x: 2.5 µm – 260 µm (nominal) 20x: 1.5 µm – 130 µm (nominal) 50x: 0.5 µm – 50 µm (nominal) |
| Dimensions (W, D, H) |
810 mm (W) x 520 mm (D) x 685 mm (H)
with carry handles: 1100mm (W) x 520mm (D) x 685mm (H)
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 76 kg (84kg including carry handles) |
| Power | 100-240 V ac 50/60 Hz (<100W load) |
| Notes | * Sample and substrate dependent |
|---|
Appropriate dispersion of the individual particles and agglomerates within a sample leads to robust and reliable results. Good spatial separation and representative sampling of the particles is required. To achieve this, a number of dispersion options are available with the Morphologi 4.
Easy, reproducible, automated sample dispersion
Morphologi 4 comes with an integrated dry powder dispersion unit. It enables simple, reproducible preparation of dry powder samples. A precise amount of sample is dispersed automatically using a unique compressed air dispersion mechanism controlled from within the software, for reproducible dispersions every time.
Optional accessories – for analysis of particles in suspension
A range of instrument accessories supports preparation of samples on microscope slides, in wet suspensions or on filters, extending the capability of the Morphologi 4 beyond the characterization of dry sample dispersions. Each accessory fits directly into the automated stage area and is easily selectable in the Morphologi software.
The thin-path wet cell is designed for both morphological and chemical characterization of up to 100 μL of sample. It is ideal for applications such as the identification of subvisible particles in therapeutics (described by guidance in USP <787> and USP <788>), especially when a traditional membrane filtering approach may risk changing particles of interest, such as protein aggregates.
The wet dispersion cell allows between 2 ml and 6 ml of sample to be analyzed. This is particularly useful for characterizing larger particles or where volumetric particle count is important.
‘Sandwiching’ a few μL of a suspension of smaller particles between a microscope slide and a cover slip is a traditional method of sample preparation for microscopy. Samples are presented in this form to the Morphologi G3-ID using either the 2-slide or 4-slide holder. Slides suitable for chemical identification applications are available.
The twin 35 mm petri dish holder provides an alternative means of measuring suspended particles that may be at risk of being deformed when dispersed into a cell.
Fused silica filters are designed to enable the analysis of filtered samples containing low-contrast particles, such as protein aggregates or contaminant particles. The fused silica filters are housed in a support for ease of handling, and are presented to the Morphologi in the fused silica holder, which can hold up to 2 filters.
Protect your investment and ensure optimized performance at all times with Malvern Panalytical's service plans.
When you purchase a Malvern Panalytical product we understand that this is just the first stage of a working relationship that will last for the lifetime of the instrument. Depending on your needs, Malvern Panalytical will provide the support for your business.
For laboratories where maximizing instrument up-time is critical to its daily performance. Our highest level of response and the 'all inclusive' price plan takes care of those unexpected repair bills should the unfortunate occur.
Enhance your laboratory productivity by maintaining instrument efficiency. Still receive that priority response, combined with specialist technical and software support, we'll keep your instrument performance on track to deliver.
For laboratories looking to optimize instrument performance, regular preventative maintenance is essential.
| Platinum Plan | Gold Plan | Bronze Visit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual PM/PV Test | yes | yes | no |
| Telephone / Email Support | yes | yes | no |
| Priority Response | yes | yes | no |
| Emergency Breakdown visits* | yes | yes | no |
| Parts Included | yes | no | no |
| Technical & Software Support | yes | yes | yes |
| IQ/OQ (Pharma)*** | yes | yes | yes |
*including labour & travel costs ***available at an additional cost
Morphologi 4 provides value in a wide range of applications, some of which are described below:
Pharmaceutical development
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and excipient particle size and shape are critical material attributes which must be understood and controlled during
formulation development
and process scale-up for both innovator and generic products. Morphologi 4 delivers the statistically-relevant particle size and shape information to enable this.
Spray drying
Spray drying techniques are employed across a range of manufacturing industries because of the high fluidity of the granules that they produce. This fluidity comes from the tight particle size distributions and specific
particle shapes
that are produced by the process. These morphological attributes can be monitored by Morphologi 4, which provides statistically-relevant data to support the optimization of the process and to enable manufacturers to confidently specify their product.
Energy storage/Batteries
Controlling the application of the electrode material in the battery manufacturing process, and the resulting film density and uniformity, is essential in optimizing
battery power and energy storage
. Morphologi 4 enables particle size and shape descriptions of the electrode material powder to be correlated with battery performance, to support product development and to ensure final product quality.
Powder metallurgy
Metal powder
properties, such as particle size and shape, are critical for powder metallurgy processes as they impact final component quality and performance. Morphologi is used by metal powder producers and component manufacturers to ensure an optimum, consistent and traceable powder supply with the desired packing and flow characteristics, to mitigate the risk of costly part failure.
Mining and minerals
The morphology of geological deposits helps trace the extent of natural disasters and predict the impact of future environmental events. Particle properties also determine the effectiveness of abrasive minerals for use in cutting and polishing tools. Morphologi 4 automatically generates the statistically-relevant particle data required to meet these challenges.
The only instrument that can measure the particle size range from low to high for polymer particles dispersed in water.
Ron Peters — DSM
Static image analysis ideal for R&D and QC. Automate your manual microscopy with advanced software and particle analysis with accessories for every sample.
