Particle Size Analysis in Highly Concentrated Suspensions and Emulsions | NIMBUS

The NIMBUS is a compact table-top measurement instrument for particle size analysis of less than 0.1 µm to 3,000 µm in highly concentrated suspensions and emulsions with ultrasonic extinction.

NIMBUS is the efficient application of the tried and tested ultrasonic extinction technology for the analysis of individual fluid samples with low viscosity in the lab. The acoustic measurement process provides outstanding abilities for particle size analysis, even in highly concentrated suspensions and emulsions not directly accessible to light-optical methods. Using sound waves means that analyses can be performed in their original state regardless of the transparency of the material system – without dilution or extensive sample preparation.

NIMBUS holds between 250 ml and 1,000 ml and carefully circulates the sample volume in a controlled circuit. The sample is scanned with low-energetic ultrasound and depending on the product, the system supplies a particle size distribution resolved across 31 categories every 60-120 seconds to determine the concentration of the solid particles of the droplet volume.

The particular strength of the ultrasonic extinction is the use of an acoustic measuring principle. The sound waves are coupled into the suspension or emulsion to be analyzed via a piezoelectric high-frequency transducer as a scan with 31 discrete frequencies. After travelling through the dispersion, the sound energy is collected via a second piezoelectric transducer. The so-called attenuation or ultrasonic extinction results from the ratio of coupled-to-received energy. A particle or droplet size distribution is calculated from the measurement of the attenuation spectrum. The extinction function required for the evaluation depends on the material and is determined and preset for each sample type.

A carefully operating centrifugal pump in the NIMBUS measuring circuit ensures continuous circulation and dispersion of the sample. The sample is guided in a stainless-steel piping through the measurement zone to ensure a consistently high-quality analysis without material build-up or sample carryover. Thanks to the lowerable bottom of the basin, quick draining and cleaning are possible in just a few seconds.

NIMBUS is a robust measuring system with a high chemical resistance to aggressive media, and is used at product temperatures up to 50 °C. All components coming into contact with products are adapted to the respective requirements and are designed in resistant materials.

Feature Highlights

Particle size, particle size distribution and concentration

For fluid suspensions and emulsions with particle concentrations up to 40 volume percent

For analyses in laboratories | off-line

Highly resolution measuring range from < 0.1 µm to 3,000 µm | 31 measuring points

Analysis volume of 250 ml to 1,000 ml in a closed sample circuit

No extensive sample preparation | Measuring the sample in its original state

Particle Size Analysis with Nimbus

NIMBUS with open lid and visible sample storage tankA look at the storage tank with the level sensor and impeller of the lowerable centrifugal pump integrated in the ground