A 12-year evolution – Part 2 : Choose the right tools for the job

Time to accessorize
In this second entry to our new blog series to celebrate the world-leading Mastersizer 3000, we focus our attention on its accompanying range of dispersion accessories.
(Oh and if you missed Part 1, you can find it here).
Flexibility for sample presentation is so important as samples come in many different forms – from wet suspensions or slurries to dry powders – and they each have different behaviors. Fortunately, the Mastersizer 3000 provides users with incredible flexibility in terms of the samples they can measure because of the different sample accessories on offer.
And who knows more about these accessories than our very own applications specialists? Foods, battery precursor materials, ceramics – you name it, they have probably tested it using the Mastersizer 3000!
I recently caught up with Jenny, Ben, Tina, Greg and John from the applications support teams at our headquarters in Malvern, UK to learn more.
Let’s ask the experts
Could you tell me more about the team here today?
So we’re here to discuss the Mastersizer 3000’s dispersion accessories. I gather you all use a wide range of them in your work. Can you tell me more about them and how they differ?
Jenny: We also have our more manual accessories, the long-serving Hydro SM, and the Hydro EV which can take beakers of different sizes. We’ve heard many guesses as to what the E might stand for. Drum roll please…. it’s exchangeable volume. The Hydro SV takes just 6 mL of dispersant, while the Hydro EV can accommodate 1 L beakers!
John: And for dry dispersion, we have options too. The Aero S is our fully automated dry dispersion accessory for the Mastersizer 3000, with the Aero M available for the Mastersizer 3000E. The Aero S features a modular design, allowing for a wide range of powders to be measured, with a range of trays and venturi types available.
How would you typically advise a customer on the best accessory for their application? What are the key considerations?
Wet dispersions extend the range of products that can be analyzed using the Mastersizer 3000 – not only can we still measure dry powders by dispersing them in a suitable liquid, but we now have the option of looking at emulsions and suspensions. In addition, the use of liquid dispersants allows us to reduce the attractive forces between the smallest of particles, meaning that we can now disperse nanoparticles which would otherwise form clusters if measured dry. This additional interaction can help us successfully disperse sticky or clumpy samples, which would be more challenging to do dry.
And what are the key features of these accessories that make the Mastersizer 3000 the best fit for our customers?
Jenny: Plus, up to three accessories can be connected to the MS3000 optical bench at one time and are controlled through the software. Simply swap the measurement cell to move between measuring wet and dry – the MS3000 software recognizes what’s been connected and even remembers the last settings used!
Do you have a favorite accessory to use? Why?
Ben: Dispersion units aren’t the only accessories for the Mastersizer 3000. The Hydro Insight can help provide valuable information on particle shape, aid with the method development of your Mastersizer 3000 measurements and troubleshoot unexpected results.
The world is becoming more and more automated. How is the Mastersizer 3000 and its accessories keeping up with this trend?
Greg: It is available with both Hydro LV and Hydro MV. It removes potential sampling errors with its plunger and flush feature to make sure all the sample is analyzed.
Tina: The system was developed by our Process and Automation Solution (PAS) team working across our two sites in Malvern and Almelo and this team has a huge wealth of experience in the automation of other products such as the Insitec and products for XRD/XRF technologies.
And what are the go-to resources for learning more about the Mastersizer 3000’s dispersion capabilities?
Tina: And for more information on the Mastersizer Auto-Lab, please check out our website and watch the demo video. We are also able to do remote demos or demos in-house on the system so please request a demo via our website or a Malvern Panalytical sales representative.
The team
- Dr Jenny Burt – Senior Application Specialist
- Dr Ben Lynch – Application Specialist
- Tina Rowney – Product Technical Specialist, PAS
- Gregory Hughes – Application Specialist, PAS
- Dr John Ddungu – Product Technical Specialist – Laser Diffraction