Bettersizer ST – Compact Laser Particle Size Analyzer

In industrial production, where large quantities of raw materials are processed daily, quality control processes must be carried out without any disruptions. Laboratory equipment in such places must not only be accurate, but also extremely robust, dust-resistant and easy to operate even for operators with minimal experience. These are the needs that the Bettersizer ST meets - a simplified, yet incredibly powerful laser particle size analyzer. Its developers focused on the reliability of the design and measurement speed, which is why this model has become one of the most popular choices in the world's production laboratories, where hundreds of routine tests are performed per day.

At the heart of this instrument is the patented DLOS (Dual Laser Orthogonal System) optical configuration. Using two solid-state laser sources positioned at different angles, the Bettersizer ST is able to capture light scattering signals over an extremely wide angle without using any moving optical parts. This gives the instrument a huge advantage over its competitors, as the absence of mechanical components in the optical path guarantees that the system will not become out of alignment even when exposed to external vibrations, which are common in factories. Advanced detectors continuously record scattering, and the software instantly calculates the particle distribution, providing clear graphical and numerical results in less than one minute.

Special attention in the design of the Bettersizer ST is paid to full process automation. The device is equipped with an integrated intelligent wet sample dispersion system consisting of a circulation pump, automatic water inlet and outlet valves and a powerful ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic function is critical when working with fine powders that tend to clump into agglomerates. The operator simply adds the dry sample to the liquid container, and the device performs everything else - from ultrasonic homogenization, measurement to complete system cleaning - according to a pre-selected program. This level of automation ensures that workers in different shifts will receive identical and comparable results.

The device software is designed based on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) principle. This means that an individual measurement algorithm can be created for each manufactured product, which records the pump speed, ultrasonic treatment time and optical material parameters. The laboratory technician then only needs to run the required SOP with a single mouse click. In addition, the software has an integrated automatic laser alignment function (Auto-alignment), which checks and calibrates the optical axis before each measurement, thus guaranteeing long-term system stability and accuracy, in accordance with the international ISO 13320 standard.

The compact design of the device allows it to easily fit even in the most busy laboratories where work space is limited. Stainless steel parts and chemically resistant tubes ensure that not only water but also various organic solvents can be used for dispersion, if the tested substances are soluble in water. This further expands the scope of the device’s applicability. The investment in the Bettersizer ST pays off very quickly due to low operating costs, minimal maintenance requirements and high work productivity, allowing for effective control of production processes in real time.