Multisizer™ 4 COULTER COUNTER®

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The Higher Resolution for Particle Sizing and Counting

Discover the most versatile and accurate particle sizing and counting analyzer on the market. Using the Coulter Principle, also known as Electrical Sensing Zone (ESZ), the Multisizer 4 COULTER COUNTER6 provides size distribution in number, volume and surface area in one measurement, with an overall sizing range of 0.4 µm to 1600 µm. Its response is unaffected by particle color, shape, composition or refractive index. The Coulter Principle is the leading technology in high resolution and accuracy and it is enhanced even further in the Multisizerc™ 4 by using a Digital Pulse Processor (DPP). DPP provides ultra-high resolution, multiple channel analysis and accuracy that is unattainable by other technologies. It all makes the Multisizer 4 indispensable for any research project involving sizing and/or counting. An equally powerful tool for quality control, the Multisizer 4 provides analysts with an easy-to-use system that is so technologically advanced, it can solve most particle sizing problems.

The Coulter Principle


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Particles suspended in a weak electrolyte solution are drawn through a small aperture separating two electrodes through which an electric current flows. The voltage applied across the aperture creates a “sensing zone”. As each particle passes through the aperture (or “sensing zone”) it displaces its own volume of conducting liquid, momentarily increasing the impedance of the aperture. This change in impedance produces a tiny but proportional current flow into an amplifier that converts the current fluctuation into a voltage pulse large enough to measure accurately. The Coulter Principle states that the amplitude of this pulse is directly proportional to the volume of the particle that produced it. Scaling these pulse heights in volume units enables a size distribution to be acquired and displayed. In addition, if a metering device is used to draw a known volume of the particle suspension through the aperture, a count of the number of pulses will yield the concentration of particles in the sample.

The Coulter Principle Goes Digital

While retaining and enhancing the analog circuits developed and refined by Coulter over many years - and the Digital Pulse Processor (DPP) used for the first time in the Multisizer 3 - the new Multisizer 4 incorporates the latest advances in both analog and digital circuits. High-speed digitalization of the signal enables the use of multiple parameters for more accurate particle characterization. Plus the possibility of dynamic size measurement is a reality on the Multisizer 4. The measurement data for each particle is analyzed and stored. The data can be analyzed and formatted in numerous ways, or stored and re-analyzed at a later date - no need to analyze the sample again.

Proven Technology



More than half a century of experience counting and sizing particles and cells


More than 6,000 documented references using the Coulter Principle and nine approved ASTM methods
Technology defined by the International Standard ISO 13319


Accurate sizing, counting and high resolution technology preferred by the industry for particle counting and size distribution


It provides size, based on direct measurement of a real parameter of a particle - its volume. Color or refractive index does not affect results


Capable of counting and sizing particles at concentration levels not detected by other technologies


Dynamic size measurement. Pulse time stamp allows size change measurement in real time

Superior Instrument Design




 Ease-of-use. Instrument operation is completely controlled from the computer. Intuitive software with wizards are ideal for beginners, while simple menus assist experienced operators


Volumetric metering pump is compatible with both aqueous and organic fluids
Extended dynamic range
Environmentally friendly, mercury-free metering system
Improved performance in dusty environments


Sample management system using Smart Technology provides a great level of consistency for running the analyses
EZAccess fluid management system
Electronic aperture blockage detection
Automatic startup user-selectable routine

Quality Assurance Friendly System

User-defined Standard Operation Procedure
Multiple security levels
Software enables 21 CFR Part 11 compliance



Powerful and flexible software allows the processing and presentation of data to fit all needs, including industrial applications, biological applications, academic applications, research and quality control


Automated calibration and calibration verification ensures reliable results for both size and counts


V-Check validation package offers a comprehensive solution for today’s quality assurance requirements
Certification program to ensure instrument performance

Digital Pulse Processor

In a traditional counter, analog circuits are designed and constructed to perform a set number of functions in real time. The definition of “pulse” needs to be set in advance so that measurements can be made while particles travel through the aperture. Each pulse is analyzed; its parameters are stored, then “forgotten” - to be replaced by the next pulse arriving in the analyzer. This type of device undoubtedly operates at amazingly high speed, and for simple counting or sizing purposes, it is often adequate. However, for advanced applications of the Coulter Principle, digital technology has obvious advantages.


The proprietary technology of digital pulse processing (DPP) employed in the Multisizer™ 4 involves sampling analog signals at a rate of millions of times per second. The digital values come from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which receives the analog output from the signal amplifier. The accuracy and resolution of the digital values depend on the fidelity of the amplifier and the number of bit of the ADC. Differently from analog instruments that capture and report a single value for each pulse, e.g. the peak height, the DPP yields a stream of values with magnitudes that rise and fall as particles pass through the aperture. Instead of a single number, multiple parameters that describe the entire pulse are saved. The DPP affords maximum flexibility in analyzing the data.


The data no longer must be processed and compressed on the fly. Instead, the pulse data generated by each particle is stored and saved without loss of information. They can be “rerun” any number of times using different analysis parameters. Furthermore, the pulses can be re-examined at any time after analysis, using software alone without the need to change hardware. In analog systems the number of channels is set in a chosen range of size for each measurement.


This means that once the data has been obtained, the resolution is fixed. Increasing the resolution in a part of that size range can only be done by re-measuring the sample under a higher resolution setting. With the DPP, the data is always at a higher resolution. The grouping of data into channels is entirely for convenience or display. Channels are defined solely by the software algorithm and can be changed at any time - even after analysis. The ability to reanalyze the data in a narrower size range at a higher resolution is one of the most useful features of the DPP.



Smart Technology

The Smart Technology designed into the Multisizer™ 4 makes it the most reliable and easy-to-use Coulter Counter instrument on the market today. Its design ensures the repeatability and uniformity of analysis conditions for all samples and therefore ensures reliable results. EZAccess, a new reagents management system, provides easy handling of reagents and waste on the Multisizer 4.
Regulatory Compliance with 21 CFR Part 11

The Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures Rule (21 CFR Part 11) was established by the FDA to define the requirements for submitting documentation in electronic form and the criteria for approved electronic signatures. This rule, in effect since August 20, 1997, does not stand in isolation; it defines the standards by which an organization can use electronic records to meet its record-keeping requirements. Organizations that choose to use electronic records must comply with 21 CFR Part 11. It is intended to improve an organization’s quality control while preserving the FDA’s charter to protect the public. Since analytical instrument systems like the Multisizer™4 generate electronic records, these systems must comply with the Electronic Records Rule. By selecting the 21 CFR Part 11 option in the software, the system automatically reconfigures to comply with these regulations. In addition to 21 CFR Part 11, the software offers other security levels you may customize to your individual needs.
V-Check Program

The V-Check Program is a comprehensive package that covers appropriate aspects of a product’s life cycle, from instrument development to verification (e.g. SQ, DQ, IQ, OQ). The V-Check Program contains the necessary documentation for instrument validation. It consists of a number of functional inter-linked components, which have been designed to give you assurance that the product is fit for its designed purpose and will deliver consistent performance. Where other instrument manufacturers leave off, Beckman Coulter and its V-Check Program assist with ongoing quality checks of the instrument - demonstrating the value of a manufacturer who not only understands your needs, but is also willing to develop a partnership for the future.
Industries and Applications

The Coulter Principle has been used to characterize thousands of different industrial and biological particulate materials. There are over 6,000 bibliographic references using the Coulter Principle.
Abrasives

Chromatographic Material Food Industry Paper Industry


Air Contamination Clays Fish Farming Pharmaceuticals
Bacteria Cosmetics Fuel

Petrochemical Industry
Beverages Crystals

Hydraulic Fluids Pesticides
Biomedical CMP Lubricants Photo Industry
Biotechnology Environmental Metals Oils


Construction Industry Emulsion

Marine Biology Toners
Cell Biology

Electronic Industry Microspheres Vaccines
Ceramics

Filtration & Filter Efficiency

Paints & Pigments

Water Contamination

User-Friendly and Intuitive Software

The Multisizer™ 4 software is easy to use for both beginners and experienced users alike. For beginners, the setup of test procedures and the reporting of the results is made simple through wizards included in the software. For experienced users, the Multisizer 4 software provides user-friendly dialog boxes with quick access to all settings. “Create Sample Specifications” is a new feature that allows users to set their desired specifications for a sample. Results out of specifications will be highlighted by the software.The software provides size and pulse data in numerous formats. A broad range of statistical parameters are automatically calculated by the Multisizer software. All the results are presented in a customized report.

Specifications


Overall Particle Size Range:
0.4 µm to 1600 µm in diameter.
0.033 fL to 2.145 x 109 fL or µm3 in volume


Aperture Diameter:
20 µm to 2000 µm apertures (nominal diameters)

Aperture Dynamic Range:
Standard 1:30 (by diameter) Total 1:40 (by diameter) Standard 1:27,000 (by volume) Total 1:64,000 (by volume)

Aperture Range:
Total range: 2% to 80% of aperture diameter. Standard Range: 2% to 60% of aperture diameter. Extended Range: 60% to 80% of aperture diameter

Resolution:
User selectable

Number of Channels: Pulse data is digitized and can be processed to achieve up to 400 size channels for a selected pulse range. Number of channels and range can be reprocessed as necessary.

Electrolyte Solutions:
All aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions recommended for use with aperture technology will be suitable for use with the Multisizer 4. Electrolytes should be compatible with glass, fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers and stainless steel

Digital Pulse Processor:
Proprietary high-speed digitalization of the signal.

Pulse Data:
Time stamped pulses up to 525,000 per single analysis

Size Distribution Data:
Size distribution by diameter, volume and area for number, number%, number/ml, volume, volume%, volume/ml, surface area, surface area% and surface area/ml

Pulse Distribution Data:
Pulse distribution by time, sequence and width for pulse height diameter, pulse height volume, pulse height volt, pulse width, pulse area, average pulse height diameter, average pulse height volume and average pulse width. Number distribution by width

Linearity:
± 1% for diameter ± 3% for volume

Aperture Current Range:
30 µA - 6000 µA in 0.2 µA steps

Aperture Current Accuracy:
± 0.4% of setting

Polarity Error:
Less than 0.5%

Time Mode:
0.1 to 999 seconds, selectable in 10 ms increments. Typically, time analysis is 10 to 90 seconds

Total Count Mode:
50 to 500,000 counts

Modal Count Mode:
10 to 100,000 counts

Volumetric Mode:
Continuously selectable from 50 µl to 2000 µl

Metering System:
Mercury-free, wide range metering pump

Volumetric Pump Accuracy:
Better than 99.5%

Regulatory Compliance:
The software enables 21 CFR Part 11 compliance

Dimensions and Weight:
Weight, dimensions and power (excluding computer)

Unpacked weight: 45 kg (99 lb)
Width: 64 cm (25 in)
Depth: 61 cm (24 in)
Height: 51 cm (20 in)
Input voltage within set ranges: 100 - 120 VAC; 230 - 240 VAC ± 10%; single phase

Supply Frequency:
47 to 63 Hz inclusive

Power:
Less than 55 volt-amps (watts)

Fuse Types:
250 V, IEC (5x20 mm), Time delay (TD), 2.0 A

Environmental Conditions:
a) This instrument is safe for indoor use only. b) Installation category: 11 c) Pollution degree: 1

Operating Temperature:
5°C to 40°C

Relative Humidity:
10% to 80% without condensation

Altitude:
Up to 2000 m (6560 ft)