In many fields such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and new energy, the particle size distribution and shape characteristics of particles directly affect product quality - for example, the size of catalyst particles determines reaction efficiency, the morphology of drug crystals affects dissolution rate, and the particle size uniformity of battery materials affects electrode conductivity.Laser particle size and shape analyzer, as a high-precision instrument for simultaneously detecting particle size and morphology, is like a "microscope" and "measuring ruler" in the microscopic world, providing key data for particle characteristic analysis through scientific methods. Mastering its standardized usage method is the foundation for obtaining accurate results.

1、 Preparation before use: Dual calibration of environment and sample
The instrument should be placed on a stable experimental platform to avoid vibration interference, with an ambient temperature of 20-25 ℃ and humidity ≤ 80% to prevent optical components from getting damp. After booting up, the system first needs to be preheated to achieve a stable output state of the laser light source. At the same time, the automatic calibration program is started - the detection system is baseline calibrated using the built-in standard particles to ensure that parameters such as laser intensity and detector sensitivity meet the requirements. After calibration, it is necessary to check the purity of the dispersion medium to avoid impurities affecting the detection results.
2、 Sample preparation: dispersion is key
The representativeness of the sample directly affects the accuracy of the analysis, and the appropriate dispersion method should be selected based on the particle properties:
1. Dry dispersion: Load the sample into a dedicated sampler and disperse the particles through high-speed airflow generated by compressed air. Pay attention to adjusting the air pressure to avoid excessive impact and particle breakage.
2. Wet dispersion: The sample is added to a dispersion medium, and the aggregates are disrupted by ultrasonic dispersion or mechanical stirring. If necessary, a small amount of dispersant is added to enhance the dispersion effect. After dispersion, it is necessary to observe the uniformity of the sample suspension to ensure no precipitation or stratification.
3、 Detection operation: parameter setting and data collection
Import the prepared sample into the injection system and set the detection parameters on the instrument software interface:
1. Particle size analysis: Select the appropriate testing mode based on the expected particle size range of the sample, adjust the laser wavelength and detector angle;
2. Particle shape analysis: Set image resolution, shooting angle, and analysis indicators.
After starting the detection, the instrument collects data through laser diffraction principle (particle size) or high-speed camera+image recognition technology (particle shape): particle size analysis is based on Mie scattering theory, and the particle size is inferred by the intensity distribution of particle scattered light; Particle shape analysis extracts geometric parameters from thousands of microscopic images of particles. The software displays real-time particle size distribution curves and particle shape feature maps, and automatically generates statistical reports.
4、 Shutdown and Maintenance: Extend Instrument Life
After the detection is completed, stop the injection and clean the system, turn off the laser light source and circulation system, and finally disconnect the power supply. Daily maintenance requires regular cleaning of optical windows, calibration of dispersion system air pressure/flow rate, and recording of instrument operating status to ensure long-term detection accuracy.
The use of laser particle size analyzer combines science and details from sample dispersion to data interpretation. Standardized operation can not only obtain reliable particle characteristic data, but also provide scientific basis for product quality control and process optimization, which is a crucial technical support in scientific research and production.