Multisizer™ 3 COULTER COUNTER®



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The Highest Resolution for Sizing & Counting Particles

The most versatile and accurate particle sizing and counting analyzer available today. Using The Coulter Principle, also known as ESZ (Electrical Sensing Zone Method), the Multisizer 3 COULTER COUNTER provides number, volume, mass and surface area size distributions in one measurement, with an overall sizing range of 0.4 µm to 1,200 µm. Its response is unaffected by particle color, shape, composition or refractive index. The Coulter Principle is the absolute leading technology in high resolution and accuracy and it is further enhanced in the Multisizer 3 by using a Digital Pulse Processor (DPP). You will get the ultra-high resolution, multiple channel analysis and accuracy not provided by any other technology. It all makes the Multisizer 3 indispensable for any industrial or life science research project involving sizing and/or counting. Equally a powerful tool for quality control, it provides the analyst with a system which is easy to use, yet so technologically advanced that it is able to solve most particle sizing problems.

The Coulter Principle

Particles suspended in a weak electrolyte solution are drawn through a small aperture, separating two electrodes between which an electric current flows. The voltage applied across the aperture creates a "sensing zone". As particles pass through the aperture (or "sensing zone"), they displace their own volume of electrolyte, momentarily increasing the impedance of the aperture.


This change in impedance produces a pulse that is digitally processed in real time. The Coulter Principle states that the pulse is directly proportional to the tri-dimensional volume of the particle that produced it. Analyzing these pulses enables a size distribution to be acquired and displayed in volume (µm3 or fL) and diameter (µm). In addition, a metering device is used to draw a known volume of the particle suspension through the aperture; a count of the number of pulses can then yield the concentration of particles in the sample.

Proven Coulter Technology Ensures Your Results are Accurate & Reliable ...


 Nearly half a century of experience counting and sizing particles and cells

Used in approved ASTM methods



Technology defined by the International Standard ISO 13319 (ISO 13319:2000: Determination of particle size distributions -- Electrical sensing zone method)



The highest resolution available in the industry for particle counting and size distribution. It provides a direct measurement of a real parameter of a particle: its volume


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

Color or refractive index does not affect results

Improved Instrument Design



 Easy to operate. Instrument completely controlled through the computer with user-friendly software




Digital Pulse Processor. Real-time measurements. Detection of any change in the sample over the length of the analysis. The pulse distribution offers information about the sample behavior such as cell volume, dissolution, agglomeration, etc.

Suitable for both aqueous and organic electrolytes

Environmentally friendly, mercury-free metering system


New aperture system (no grease) makes it easy to reconfigure for a desired size range

Resolution can be selected from 4 to 300 channels at any selected range

Automated Quality Assurance Functions Put You in Control of the Results


 User defined Standard Operation Procedures

Multiple security levels

Enables 21 CFR part 11 Compliance


Powerful and flexible software allows the processing and presentation of data to fit all needs
Trending capability allows for easy and quick monitoring of any process
Certification Program to ensure instrument performance
V-Check (IQ, OQ, PQ) instrument validation

Overlay & Size Trend -- MCV (Mean Cell Volume) Changes

Change in cell volume is an important factor involved in many biological processes.

Cell Growth
Cell Cycle
Cell Death
Compensation for Osmotic Stress
Pathogenesis
Phagocytosis

The Multisizer 3 is capable of detecting cell size and volume changes even if they happen over a few seconds or in a period of several hours. Using the Overlay function allows for visualization and comparison of cell populations with different sizes.

High Sensitivity -- Solid Contaminants in Liquids

The determination of particle size and number is used to establish the level of insoluble material contaminating liquids. Usually the concentration of non-soluble contaminants is too low to be characterized with any other technology, but with the Multisizer 3 purification processes can easily be monitored.

Multi-Tube Overlap -- Determining Bacterial Aggregation in a Culture

Bacterial aggregates can reduce the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. A combination of detergents and filters can be used to decrease the amount of 'clumps'. The percentage of 'clumps' relative to single cells can be determined by using two different apertures. The Multi-Tube Overlap function merges the results into a single continuous distribution.

Size Interpolation -- ISO Solid Contaminant Code for Hydraulic Fluids and Lubricants

The Multisizer 3 software can be used to create sample data reports that will arrange the data to conform to a set of user defined boundaries, also called “channels”, “bins”, or “size classes” (this is similar to how particle data points are reported when different size sieves are used). The ISO Solid Contaminant Code for Hydraulic Fluids and Lubricants is based on the number of particles larger than a series of given sizes. The Size Interpolation function allows the arrangements of the data to classify oils and lubricants as defined by this international standard.

Standard Operating Procedures -- Consistency and Uniformity for Analysis and Results

The easy creation of SOP’s allows the standardization of analysis methods and the reporting of results. The use of SOP’s guarantee consistency and uniformity regardless of the number of applications, operators, instruments and locations involved.

Particle Count / Size Distribution -- Control of Particle Size of Raw Material

Traditionally volume % size distribution is used to characterize powders because the results are comparable to sieve results, an old technology used for many years. If the size distribution is not Gaussian, the fine particles of the main population are not shown when using volume %. If the presence of fine particles could affect the quality of a product or process, the Multisizer provides both, volume % and number % size distributions.

Digital Pulse Processing (DPP) -- Real-Time Size Change Detection

The use of a Digital Pulse Processor (DPP) allows the detection of changes in cells or particles in real time, even if it takes place over a few seconds. Using pulse data it is also possible to study the rate of dissolution for a population of particles.The change in the pulses generated during an analysis where particles are dissolving shows how the mean size of the population changes as the dissolution process advances. The use of a Digital Pulse Processor (DPP) also allows storing all the original information from the pulses generated at the moment of the analysis. High-speed digitization of the signal allows the use of pulse area analysis and other techniques for additional particle characterization. This information may be used at a later time to recalculate the size distribution for a different range, number of channels, or even to change the calibration constant, thus eliminating the need for re-analysis of the sample. In addition to the size distribution, the DPP data also calculates the pulse distribution. By looking at the pulse distribution graph, it is possible to know if the sample preparation was stable over the length of the analysis. An unevenly distributed pulse pattern is an indication of changes in the dispersed sample that otherwise would not be possible to detect with the size distribution graph.

Powerful and Flexible Software

The user-friendly and flexible software that is packaged with the Multisizer™ 3 provides the operator with a vast array of information at the click of a mouse. The software allows the customization of SOPs, SOM and printed reports. Whether for Biological, Industrial, Quality Control and/or Research applications, the Multisizer™ 3 software will satisfy any requirements for the presentation of results.

Regulatory Compliance 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, which has been 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 such as the Multisizer™ 3 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 that may be customized by the user.

V-Check Program

Beckman Coulter Inc. is regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP's) for medical devices. This gives Beckman Coulter a unique understanding of the strict requirements that users in regulated industries are subjected to. As a result, Beckman Coulter has established a comprehensive program to address all aspects of the instrument validation. The V-Check program is a comprehensive package that addresses all appropriate aspects of a product’s life cycle, from instrument development to ongoing performance verification (SQ, DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ). The V-Check program contains all the necessary documentation for instrument validation. This documentation is required to show auditors and investigators proof of proper instrument validation. It consists of a number of functional inter-linked components, which have been designed to give the user assurance that the product is fit for the purpose that it has been designed for and will perform on a consistent basis for these tasks. Where other instrument manufacturers leave off, Beckman Coulter and its V-Check program assist with ongoing quality checks of the instrument (PQ). This proves that it is important to consider products from a manufacturer who not only understands your needs, but is also willing to develop a partnership for the future.

Product Part Numbers

Part No

6605697

Description

MultisizerT 3 COULTER COUNTER®

Reagents & Controls

Part No

177495

6600703

6600704

6600705

6600706

6600707

6600708

6601329

6602790

6602792

6602793

6602794

6602796

6602797

6602798

6602799

6602800

6602801

6602802

7546138

8321272

8546719

8546929

8546930

8546931

Description

Aperture Instrument Concentration Control (1 x 20 ml)

Dispersant IA Nonionic (5 x 15 ml)

Dispersant IB Nonionic (5 x 15 ml)

Dispersant IC Nonionic (5 x 15 ml)

Dispersant IIA Anionic (5 x 15 ml)

Dispersant IIIA Cationic (5 x 15 ml)

Dispersant Mixed (5 x 15 ml)

Standards Mixed Kit: 1 ea.: 2 µm, 5 µm, 10 µm, 20 µm, 43 µm (5 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 1 µm, Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 2 µm, Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 3 µm, Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 5 µm, Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 10 µm, Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 15 µm, Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 20 µm, Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

LS30 Standards, nominal 30 µm Latex Particle (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 43 µm Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

LS65 Standards, nominal 65 µm Polystyrene Latex Particle (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Standard, nominal 90 µm Polystyrene Latex Particles (NIST Traceable) (1 x 15 ml)

Zap-Oglobin II (USA Only) (International, contact your local distributor) (1 btl.)

Organic Fluid Kit (1 kit)

ISOTON® II Diluent (USA Only) (International, contact your local distributor) (20 L)

COULTER CLENZ® (USA Only) (International, contact your local distributor) (500 mL)

COULTER CLENZ® (USA Only) (International, contact your local distributor) (5 L)

COULTER CLENZ® (USA Only) (International, contact your local distributor) (10 L)

Consumables

Part No

8320515

8320516

8320517

8320518

8320519

8320520

8320521

8320522

8320523

8320932

8320525

8320527

8321693

8321694

8321695

8321696

383480

8320592

Description

20 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

30 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

50 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

70 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

100 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

140 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

200 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

280 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

400 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

560 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

1000 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

2000 µm, Aperture Tube (1 ea)

50 µm, Aperture Tube, High Resolution (1 ea)

70 µm, Aperture Tube, High Resolution (1 ea)

100 µm, Aperture Tube, High Resolution (1 ea)

140 µm, Aperture Tube, High Resolution (1 ea)

200 µm, Aperture Tube, High Resolution (1 ea)

Accuvettes (200/pk)

Specifications


Overall Analysis:
0.4 µm to 1200 µm in diameter.
0.0336 to 904.8 x 106 fL or µm3 in volume.

Power Consumption:
Less than 250 volt-amps (Watts)

Operating Temperature:
5°C to 40°C

Relative Humidity:
10% to 80% without condensation

Dynamic Range of Aperture:
30:1 by Diameter, 27,000:1 by Volume

Orifice Tube Sizes: 20 µm to 2000 µm apertures (nominal sizes). Each size allows the measurement of particles in a range of 2% to 60% of aperture diameter.

Resolution:
User Selectable

Number of Channels:
Pulse data is digitized and can be processes to achieve up to 300 size channels for any sleeted range.