Zeta-APS Particle Size and Zeta Potential Analyzer

• By combining Acoustic-Attenuation Spectroscopy and Electroacoustic techniques, simultaneous Particle Size Distribution (PSD), and Zeta Potential (ZP) measurements are made without the need for sample dilution which avoids errors, is faster and simpler and does not change the sample's actual PSD and/or ZP.
• Simultaneous measurement of Percent Solids, pH, Conductivity, Temperature, Sound-Attenuation and Speed Spectra.
• Patented PSD algorithm does not require users to guess or know a priori the sample's PSD shape, e.g., Gaussian, lognormal, unimodal, bimodal, etc.
• Wide particle size range of analysis: 5 nm to over 100 microns.
• Measurements can be made on a wide variety of samples, including aqueous, as well as, non-aqueous samples such as pigments (organic or inorganic), inks, minerals, emulsions, metal oxides, catalysts, nanoparticles, pharmaceuticals, biodispersions, and many others.
• Particle size measurements do not require minimum particle/solvent density difference.
• PSD of samples of low ZP, e.g. near their IEP, can be accurately determined.
• Absolute PSD data is provided. There is no need to calibrate with particle size standards.
• Easy analysis of opaque and/or highly viscous samples.
• On-board sample mixing during measurement that prevents particle settling.
• Ability to pump samples during measurement for easy analysis of highly-viscous samples.
• Automatic PSD (inertia)-based correction on ZP data. This correction is necessary due to particle-inertia effects on ZP measurement.
• Automatic Iso-Electric Point (IEP) determination thanks to its automated Potentiometric and Volumetric Titration capability.
• Patented hardware design provides reliability, and ease of use with minimal maintenance.
• Suitable for R&D, Production, and on-line environments, as well as, advanced R&D applications.

The patented Zeta-APS performs simultaneous Particle Size and Zeta Potential measurements on undiluted and/or opaque samples.

How to Work
The Zeta-APS combines acoustic attenuation spectroscopy and electro-acoustics in order to produce simultaneously particle size distribution (PSD) and Zeta potential (ZP), as well as, percent solids data without the need for sample dilution. The Zeta-APS also measures sound speed spectra, pH, conductivity, and temperature of samples in the particle size range of 5 nm to 100 microns.

Particle Size
As sound travels through a slurry or colloid, it becomes attenuated. The attenuation level is affected by the particle size. The Zeta-APS measures very accurately acoustic attenuation over the 1-100 MHz frequency range. Because sound travels through most media, Zeta-APS acoustic attenuation measurements can be made on high-concentration and/or opaque samples. Particle settling is not a problem since samples can be stirred or pumped during the measurement. Zeta-APS sample analysis is quick and easy without requiring particle dilution which is time consuming, error prone, and may alter the actual sample PSD. Simply pour, or pump if so desired, your sample in the Zeta-APS sample cell and the Zeta-APS' intuitive software does the rest in less than 10 minutes.
The Zeta-APS uses software developed and patented to calculate detailed PSD data without the need for assumptions regarding the PSD shape. Typically, ensemble-type instruments require that either the software or the operator assume or guess whether the PSD is unimodal, bimodal, lognormal or Gaussian. Such assumptions render the data unreliable. The Zeta-APS' innovative patented hardware design simplifies operation while minimizing maintenance. This platform is thus suitable for R&D, as well as, repetitive QC measurements. The Zeta-APS is also ideal for process online operation.

Zeta Potential
The Zeta-APS measures Zeta potential by the Electrokinetic Sonic Amplitude (ESA) Electro-acoustic method invented and patented by Matec Applied Sciences. ESA, which does not need to use optical/laser means, consists of applying a highfrequency electric field to the sample and measuring the resulting sound wave amplitude and phase angle. The ESA measurement is being used worldwide, in both academic and industrial institutions, for the measurement of a wide variety of opaque, translucent, aqueous, and non-aqueous samples without the need to perform sample dilution. ESA applications include QC/Plant/R&D automated Iso-Electric Point (IEP) determination (used in conjunction with the ESA automatic titrator), surfactant/dispersant/flocculant effect studies, surface modifications, core-shell systems, and many others.

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