Industry
Information
Cosmetics

Why particle characterisation is important in the cosmetics industry

Particle characterisation techniques, such as laser diffraction and flow imaging microscopy, assess the size, shape, and distribution of particles in cosmetics. These analyses ensure uniformity, stability, and efficacy of products, aiding in quality control and formulation optimisation to meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards in the industry.

Analysing particle size

Analysing particle size involves techniques like laser diffraction to ensure uniformity, stability, and efficacy, meeting quality standards and consumer expectations in the cosmetics industry.

Powder Flow analysis

Powder flow analysis evaluates the flow properties of powders using techniques like flowability testing and caking, ensuring consistent manufacturing and optimal product performance.

Using Rheometry to test your cosmetics

Utilising rheometry, cosmetics undergo viscosity and flow analysis, ensuring product consistency, stability, and performance, crucial for meeting consumer expectations and regulatory standards in the cosmetics industry.

Using particle shape analysis

Particle shape analysis assesses the geometry of particles, ensuring product efficacy, texture, and stability, vital for formulating high-quality cosmetics that meet consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

Case study

We encountered difficulties in maintaining the desired viscosity and texture of our hair gel formulations across production batches. This lead to performance issues and customer dissatisfaction.

At this point we turned to particle characterisation specialists – Meritics for their expertise.

Meritics advised us of the best way to address these challenges, was to implement viscometry as part of our quality control process. Investing in a rotational viscometer allowed us to measure the viscosity of our hair gel formulations accurately.

Dealing with Meritics was easy, we sent in an initial email with our query, their friendly staff asked us to send in some samples for them to test. The results were clear and concise, just what we needed to add to our production.

Instruments to support the cosmetics industry

Applications to support the cosmetics industry

Industry Information
Water Treatment

Why particle characterisation is important in water treatment

Particle characterisation is crucial for designing effective filtration and purification systems. It helps identify particle size, shape, and distribution, enabling the selection of appropriate treatment methods. Accurate characterisation ensures efficient contaminant removal, optimal chemical dosing, reduced operational costs, and compliance with water quality standards.

Surface Plasmon Resonance

Surface plasmon resonance detects contaminants at low concentrations, enabling real-time monitoring and efficient removal of pollutants, improving water quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

BET analysis

BET analysis measures surface area of adsorbents in water, optimising the selection and performance of materials for efficient contaminant removal, enhancing purification processes and ensuring water quality.

Image Analysis

Image analysis enables the detection and quantification of contaminants and microbial activity, improving monitoring accuracy, optimising treatment processes, and ensuring compliance with water quality standards.

Case study

A manufacturing plant producing electronics components faced significant challenges with wastewater containing heavy metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). Traditional monitoring methods were insufficient for real-time detection and quantification of these contaminants at low concentrations, posing environmental and regulatory compliance risks.

The integration of SPR technology for real-time monitoring of heavy metal contaminants in wastewater demonstrated significant improvements in detection sensitivity, treatment efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This case study highlights the potential of SPR as a vital tool in advanced water treatment systems, ensuring environmental safety and operational efficiency.

Instruments to support the water treatment industry

Applications to support the water treatment industry

Industry Information
Ceramics

Meritics particle characterisation solutions for the Ceramics Industry

Particle characterisation is vital for ceramic industries as it dictates product quality, performance, and processing efficiency.

Particle Size Analysis using Laser Diffraction

Understanding particle size distribution ensures uniformity in properties like strength and shrinkage, crucial for product consistency. Meritics supply particle sizing solutions to customers working with both traditional and advanced ceramics

Particle Shape Analysis using Flow Imaging Microscopy

Particle shape influences packing density and flowability, impacting processing methods and final product properties. Meriitics offer a wide range of shape analysers, we offer stand alone units, modules to compliment your particle sizing and counting instrumentation and sizing instruments with shape analysis built in.

Surface Area Analysis using BET Analysers

Surface area measurement guides in optimising material reactivity and porosity, essential for functionalities like adsorption and catalysis. Meritics offer comprehensive range of surface area analysers.

Case study

We take pride in our reputation for producing high-quality ceramic tiles for both domestic and international markets. However, like any manufacturer, we faced challenges in maintaining consistent quality across our product line despite stringent quality control measures.

Our primary challenge was to reduce defects such as surface imperfections, color variations, and dimensional inconsistencies, which led to increased waste and customer dissatisfaction.

To tackle these challenges head-on, we decided to integrate image analysis technology into our quality control process.

Using Meritics specialist knowledge in particle characterisation instruments we were able to find the best solution to suit our needs. This was a FlowCam 5000, which measures particles in the range of 3 μm to 300 μm

By harnessing the power of image analysis technology, we transformed our quality control process, achieving greater accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Instruments to support the ceramics industry

Applications to support the ceramics industry

Industry Information
Polymers and Plastics

Why particle characterisation is important in the polymers and plastics industry

Meritics provides tailored particle characterisation solutions for the polymers and plastics industries, offering advanced techniques such as laser diffraction and flow imaging microscopy to analyse particle size, shape, and distribution. These solutions optimise material performance, processing, and quality control in polymer and plastic manufacturing processes, ensuring product excellence.

Laser diffraction

Laser diffraction particle size analysis enhances polymer and plastic production by accurately measuring particle size distribution, optimising formulations, and improving product performance and quality control processes.

Flow image microscopy

Flow imaging microscopy analysis aids polymer and plastic production by providing real-time visualization of particle characteristics, facilitating process optimisation, and ensuring product quality and consistency.

BET surface area analysis

BET surface area analysis supports polymer and plastic production by accurately measuring surface area, aiding in material characterisation, formulation optimisation, and enhancing product performance and quality control processes.

Viscometry

Using a viscometer in polymer and plastic production enables precise characterisation of material flow and viscoelastic properties, optimising processing parameters and ensuring product consistency and performance.

Case study

As a leading manufacturer of composite materials, ensuring consistent resin quality is essential for our production processes. Dynamic viscosity is a critical parameter influencing resin flow behavior and final product properties.

We encountered challenges in accurately measuring and monitoring changes in the dynamic viscosity of our resin formulations during processing. Variations in viscosity could lead to inconsistencies in product performance and quality.

To address these challenges, we implemented a viscometer as a key tool in our quality control process. This instrument provided real-time monitoring of resin viscosity, allowing us to make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal processing conditions.

Instruments to support the polymers and plastics industry

Applications to support the polymers and plastics industry

Industry Information
Mining and Minerals

Why particle characterisation is important in the mining and minerals industry

Meritics Ltd’s particle characterisation solutions offer precise analysis for mining and minerals industries, aiding in optimal resource utilisation. By providing detailed particle size distribution and shape analysis, they enhance process efficiency, quality control, and product development. From ore characterisation to tailings management, Meritics empowers clients with invaluable insights for informed decision-making.

Particle size

Particle size analysis in mining optimises extraction processes, improves resource utilisation, ensures product quality, and enhances environmental management, facilitating sustainable and efficient operations.

Pore Analysis

Pore structure analysis in mineral analysis evaluates porosity, permeability, and surface area, crucial for understanding adsorption, chemical reactions, and storage capacity, aiding in resource assessment and processing optimisation.

Zeta potential measurements

Zeta potential analysis in mining assesses particle surface charge, vital for understanding aggregation, flocculation, and dispersion in mineral slurries, optimising processing efficiency, and improving product quality.

Particle shape analysis

Particle shape analysis aids in characterising minerals by evaluating morphology, angularity, and surface texture, crucial for understanding flow properties, handling, and processing behaviour in mining operations.

Case study

As the UK’s leading independent supplier of limestone-based products, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality materials for various industries, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Ensuring the consistent quality of our limestone powder, granules, and aggregates is paramount. We faced challenges in maintaining the desired particle size distribution across our product range, which could impact performance and customer satisfaction.

To address these challenges, we implemented particle size analysis as a fundamental component of our quality control process. Investing in advanced particle size analysis equipment allowed us to accurately measure and monitor the particle size distribution of our limestone products.

Particle size analysis has become an invaluable tool in our quality control arsenal, enabling us to deliver superior limestone products that meet the stringent requirements of our diverse customer base. By maintaining optimal particle size distribution, we ensure the performance, reliability, and consistency of our materials across various applications.

Instruments to support the mining industry and analysis of minerals

Applications to support the mining industry and analysis of minerals

Industry Information
Agriculture

Why particle characterisation is important in the agriculture industry

Particle characterisation is significant in agriculture as it contributes to understanding and optimising various aspects related to soil, fertilisers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs. The properties of particles in these materials play a crucial role in determining their effectiveness, impact on crops, and overall agricultural productivity.

Laser Diffraction in Pesticides

From the key active ingredients to the final pesticide product, particle size is known to play a critical role in the residual period, the biological activity, and the stability properties of pesticides.

Laser Diffraction analysis of soils

Laser diffraction analyses soil particle sizes swiftly and accurately, aiding in soil classification, fertility assessment, and understanding soil structure for optimal crop growth and environmental management in agriculture.

Case study

To continue to be the world leaders in Animal Health and Micro Nutrition products it is important to us to continually develop new and improved solutions. Our product is slow release, from between 12 hours to as much as 240 days. We rely on particle size analysis data to ensure our product is the optimum size for slow release. For this we turned to Meritics for their guidance. Now, with our Beckman Coulter LS13320XR we are able to test every batch as it is manufactured and our R&D team are now onboard using it to develop new products.

Instruments to support the agriculture

Applications to support agriculture

Industry Information
Additive Manufacturing

Why particle characterisation is important in additive manufacturing

Particle characterisation is of paramount importance in additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, where precise control over material properties at the micro and nanoscale is crucial for achieving desired outcomes. Understanding the characteristics of particles in raw materials, such as powders or liquid resins, is essential for optimising the AM process and ensuring the quality and performance of the final printed products.

Understanding Particle Size

Particle size affects powder flow, surface finish and print consistency in additive manufacturing. Fine particles enhance resolution and quality but may encounter process challenges, coarse particles can lead to poor flow and uneven layer deposition.

Meritics offer a range of particle size analysers from Nanoparticle size analysers capable of analysing down to 10nm to Laser Diffraction Analysers analysing up to 3500 µm.

Analysing Powder Flow

Powder flow directly impacts the uniformity and consistency of material deposition. Proper flow minimises defects and optimises part quality. Poor powder flow can lead to irregularities compromising the structural integrity and surface finish of printed parts.

Meritics are proud to be the UK distributors of Mercury Scientifics full Powder Flow Analyser range.

Assessing the Surface Area

Surface area analysis helps understand powder characteristics, affecting powder flow, melting behavior, and part properties in additive manufacturing. It guides material selection and process optimisation for enhanced print quality.

See below the range of Surface Area Analysers Meritics offer

Case study

We wanted to test the impact of re-using the ‘waste’ metal powders from our DMLS process. Using the Mercury Scientific Revolution we were able to test, virgin powder, used powder and 50:50. The results showed us what we expected to see that the used powder didn’t flow as well and caked more than the virgin powder. From this we have been able to set standards within our production and can test the flowability using our Revolution before re-use and determine whether a batch needs to be re-processed.

Instruments to support additive manufacturing

Applications to support additive manufacturing

Industry Information
Abrasives

Why particle characterisation is important in the abrasives industry

Particle characterisation is crucial in the field of abrasives, where the properties particles directly influence their performance in various applications. Understanding the size, shape and other characteristics is essential for optimising abrasive materials, developing efficient manufacturing processes, and ensuring the desired performance. Meritics provide solutions for several aspects of the abrasives industry.

Laser Diffraction

The primary method of choice for the characterisation of abrasive materials is particle size analysis by laser diffraction. Meritics offer a wide range of laser diffraction instruments depending on your specific needs.

Flow Imaging Microscopy

Automated image analysis provides not only particle size distribution, but also particle shape information. The additional morphology information is important for abrasives because the presence of sharp edges typically enhances performance.

How Meritics can help

Meritics specialises in materials characterisation, providing advanced solutions for analysing materials’ properties. Their expertise includes precision measurement of particle size, shape, and surface characteristics, crucial for optimising performance and quality. By offering state-of-the-art instruments and tailored analytical services, Meritics ensures reliable, accurate data to enhance abrasives production and application.

Case Study

Above images: Left, 40X magnification on FlowCam Nano, mixed diamond powder, particle property shown is Diameter ESD. Right, 20X magnification on FlowCam 8000 mixed diamond powder particles

This FlowCam was used to analyse their diamond powder to compare the morphological properties of their different lots. Using VisualSpreadsheet software, we could take thousands of FlowCam images like the ones shown here and show valuable morphological data for their lots. FlowCam confirmed what the customer expected: lots that behaved similarly had similar morphological characteristics, and lots that behaved differently had very different morphological characteristics.

Instruments to support the analysis of abrasives

Applications to support the analysis of abrasives

Industry Information
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Why particle characterisation is important in the pharmaceutical industry

Particle characterisation is vital to ensure product quality, efficacy, and safety. It enables precise control over particle size, shape, and distribution, influencing drug performance, stability, and bioavailability. Comprehensive characterisation supports formulation optimisation, process validation, and regulatory compliance, ensuring patient well-being.

Particle shape and light obscuration analysis in pharmaceutical manufacturing

Meritics offers comprehensive particle shape and light obscuration analysis solutions tailored for pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring precise characterisation of particles crucial for product quality and regulatory compliance.

Texture analysis 

Meritics provides advanced texture analysis solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring precise characterisation of drug formulations crucial for optimizing product performance and ensuring patient safety and efficacy.

Particle Analysis in Vaccine Manufacturing and Development

Particle size analysis in vaccine manufacturing and development ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines by characterising particles, optimising formulations, and ensuring regulatory compliance for global public health.

Case study

As a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering high-quality medications, ensuring the purity and stability of our active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is of utmost importance to us.

We faced challenges in detecting and quantifying aggregation and agglomeration phenomena in our APIs, which could compromise their efficacy, safety, and stability.

To tackle these challenges, we sought guidance from specialists at Meritics, who suggested and provided a demonstration of the FlowCam LO. This instrument combines flow imaging microscopy and light obscuration analysis, enhancing our quality control procedures.

Instruments to support pharmaceutical manufacturing

Applications to support pharmaceutical manufacturing

Industry Information
Advanced Materials

Why particle characterisation is important in advanced materials industries

Particle characterisation is fundamental in the field of advanced materials, where precise control and understanding of properties contribute to the development of innovative materials. Meritics has a number of particle characterisation solutions industry.

Flow Imaging Microscopy

Flow imaging microscopy enables real-time visualisation and analysis of particle morphology, size distribution, and aggregation dynamics, facilitating precise control over material synthesis, formulation, and performance optimisation.

Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analysis

Particle size analysis in advanced materials ensures precise control over particle dimensions, aiding in tailoring material properties for specific applications such as nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and composite materials, enhancing performance and functionality.

Pore Size Analysis

Pore size analysis in advanced materials enables characterisation of pore structure and distribution, crucial for optimizing material properties like permeability, adsorption capacity, and mechanical strength in diverse applications.

Powder Flow Analysis

Powder flow analysis assesses flow properties crucial for manufacturing processes like compaction, granulation, and coating, ensuring consistency and efficiency in producing high-performance materials.

Surface Area Analysis

Meritics have a range of surface area analysers. Used in advanced materials to quantify available surface area, vital for optimising adsorption, catalysis, and reactivity in applications such as catalysts, batteries, and gas storage materials, enhancing performance and efficiency.

Case study

We use the BeDensi T Pro Series. This improved battery capacity, cycle life, and overall efficiency. As a result, the batteries exhibited enhanced energy density and prolonged lifespan, meeting stringent performance requirements, therefore advancing sustainability and technological innovation.

Instruments to support advanced materials

Applications to support advanced materials

Industry Information
Environmental Sector

Why particle characterisation is important in the environmental sector

Particle characterisation techniques commonly used in environmental sciences include laser diffraction for particle size analysis, flow imaging microscopy for soil sciences and pollen viability, surface area analysis analyse soil and dynamic light scattering for measuring particle size distribution in various samples such as soil, water, and air pollutants.

Laser diffraction particle size analysis in soils

Laser diffraction particle size analysis in soils accurately measures particle size distribution, providing essential data for soil classification, engineering evaluations, and environmental assessments in various soil-related applications.

Flow Imaging Microscopy 

Flow imaging microscopy can be used to assess pollen morphology, size, and integrity, enabling precise determination of pollen viability and fertility, vital for agricultural breeding and plant reproduction studies.

Using zeta potential in soil analysis

Zeta potential analysis in soils assesses the surface charge of soil particles, informing on soil aggregation, nutrient adsorption, and soil-water interactions crucial for soil fertility and management strategies.

Surface area measurements to support environmental studies

Surface area measurements quantify the available surface area of particles, aiding in understanding adsorption phenomena, pollutant interactions, and remediation strategies in various matrices.

Case study

Our client is dedicated to studying nanoparticle behaviour in natural ecosystems. Understanding the interactions between nanoparticles and environmental components is crucial for assessing potential risks and developing effective mitigation strategies.

They faced challenges in accurately characterising the surface charge of nanoparticles, which is essential for predicting their fate, transport, and ecological impacts. Conventional techniques lacked the sensitivity and resolution needed to study nanoparticles in complex environmental matrices.

The BeNano 180 Zeta Pro played a pivotal role in advancing their research efforts by providing precise and sensitive measurements of nanoparticle zeta potential. By better understanding nanoparticle interactions in natural ecosystems, they aim to promote environmental sustainability and protect ecological integrity.

Instruments to support the environmental sector

Applications to support the environmental sector

Industrial Information
Food and beverage

Why particle characterisation is important in the food and beverage industry

Particle characterisation techniques aid food and beverage manufacturers in ensuring product quality and consistency. By assessing parameters like particle size, shape, and distribution, these techniques optimise formulations, enhance texture, and improve stability, contributing to better sensory attributes and prolonged shelf life of food and beverage products.

Using particle size analysis in food and beverage industries

Particle size analysis in food and beverage industries ensures product consistency and quality, optimising formulations for texture, stability, and sensory attributes, crucial for meeting consumer preferences and regulatory standards.

Shake things up with powder flow analysis

Powder flow analysers assist powdered shake manufacturers in optimising blending and packaging processes, ensuring uniform powder flow properties crucial for consistent product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Particle shape analysers for beverage manufacturers

Flow imaging microscopy aids whiskey production by analysing suspended particles, ensuring clarity, quality, and consistency in the final product, essential for maintaining brand reputation and consumer satisfaction.

Texture analysers for food manufacturers

Texture analysers are employed in food production to assess product consistency, firmness, and chewiness, ensuring desired sensory attributes and quality across various food products for consumer satisfaction.

Case study

A customer came to us with two samples of the same children’s chocolate milk product taken on two separate days. Their quality control had identified that the two samples differed in colour and one did not taste as smooth on the tongue, it seemed almost gritty in texture.

We ran the samples on the LS13320XR with the ULM module to show the particle distributions. The quality department were able to use this data to understand the differences between the two samples and where in one case the product was perfect, the size distribution showed a smooth curve, just like you can imagine the product tasting. The other sample produced a similar distribution, with a small amount coarse particle size present as an additional peak.

We worked with the customers R&D group to optimise their homogenisation process and hence improve product control; this was then passed no to QC to help with their pass/fail criteria.

The customer was so impressed with the ease of which they were able to obtain this data they purchased an instrument and are now using it as a quality control checks, on a daily basis and by R&D when required, to ensure their product is conforming to their standards every day.

Instruments to support the food and beverage industry

Applications to support the food and beverage industry

Industry Information
Automotive

Why particle characterisation is important in the automotive industry

Particle characterisation is a crucial process in the automotive industry that involves the analysis and understanding of the properties and behaviour of particles present in various automotive components. These particles can be found in engine lubricants, brake pads, fuel, and many other materials used in cars.

Image Analysis

Automated image analysis has been developed to provide users with a more accurate measurement of their particles. This is particularly used for particles which are not spherical, for example glass fibres to ensure they are the correct diameter and length.

Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analysis

Particle size analysis in the automotive industry ensures optimal performance of lubricants, fuel additives, and coatings. Precise measurements enhance engine efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve overall vehicle reliability and longevity.

Surafce Area Analysis

Surface area analysis in the automotive industry ensures material quality and performance, optimising coatings, catalysts, and filtration systems for enhanced efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability in vehicles.

Case study

We are continually looking to enhance the durability and safety of our vehicles. One aspect of this is optimising the quality of glass fibres used in composite materials. Using the Pi Sentinel PRO shape analyser, we are able to scrutinise the morphology of individual fibres to ensure uniformity and strength.

By utilising Image Analysis coupled with the image processing algorithms in the software, the we are able to precisely measure key parameters such as length, diameter, and aspect ratio of the fibres. This allows us to identify any irregularities or inconsistencies in fibre shape that could compromise structural integrity.

Instruments to support your industry

Applications to support your industry

Industry Information
Paints, Pigments, Inks and Coatings

The importance of Particle Charaterisation in Paints and Pigments

Particle characterisation plays an essential role in the production of paints and pigments by providing detailed information about the particles which can be used to control production processes and ensure consistency in the quality of the final product. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of particle characterisation in the paint and pigment industry, looking at how it contributes to the quality control of products and the overall performance of the process.

Particle Size in pigments

Particle size, for example, plays a significant role in determining the appearance, texture, and durability of paints and pigments. Smaller particles tend to improve the overall quality, as they allow for a smoother finish and better colour distribution. On the other hand, larger particles can result in uneven coverage and a rough texture, affecting the aesthetic appeal and longevity of the paint or pigment.

Additionally, understanding the composition and distribution of particles is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality control in the production process. By characterising particles, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the desired specifications and perform consistently over time.

Particle characterisation solutions Meritics offer

Various methods are employed for particle characterisation, including microscopy, laser diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. These techniques provide detailed information about particle size distribution, shape, and surface properties, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions about formulation and production processes.

Case study

A printer toner manufacturer came to us wanting a faster solution for quality control checks on their printer toner.

They had previously been using a microscope which was effective but time consuming. We demonstrated the FlowCam and they were blown away by the speed at which it captured, processed and then analysed their data.

The uniformity of the printer toner particles is of great importance to the manufacturer because a better grading of toner produces a better end-customer experience; as printer heads don’t get clogged as much, leading to less maintenance, more reliable printers and more sales.

They purchased an instrument and we helped with their method development and helped them to set up their Quality Control filter to enable them to run very simple overall quality report on every particle on every run.

Instruments to support your industry

Applications to support your industry

Industrial
Information
Soils and Sediments

The importance of particle characterisation in Soils and Sediments

From the dirt beneath our feet to the sediment that lines the bottom of rivers and oceans, soils and sediments are vital parts of our environment. However, few of us give much thought to the tiny particles that make up these materials. 

By characterising particles, scientists can determine important factors such as porosity, permeability, and compaction, which are essential for understanding soil and sediment behaviour. This information is crucial for a wide range of applications, including agriculture, geotechnical engineering, environmental science, and mineral exploration. Various methods are used including sieving, microscopy, particle size analysis, and sedimentation techniques. These techniques provide valuable insights into the characteristics of the particles, enabling scientists to make informed decisions and predictions. Understanding particle characterisation is vital because it helps us comprehend the fundamental properties of soils and sediments. It allows us to better understand how these materials behave under different conditions, such as erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient retention. This knowledge is essential for developing effective soil management strategies, predicting natural hazards, and assessing the impacts of human activities on our environment.

Particle Size Analysis

 Soil studies span a range of applications including agriculture, architectural planning, and historical environmental studies. Characterisation of soils by particle size distribution gives major insight into the deposition history of the sample. Beckman Coulter laser diffraction instruments are successfully applied in industry and academic research, obtaining close correlation with earlier methods in sizing soils. The latest instrument in the series, the LS 13 320 XR, yields highly reproducible results—and extremely fast analysis—in Phi notation in a few seconds.

Case study

Particle characterisation plays a crucial role in various real-world applications, and numerous case studies have demonstrated its value in understanding soils and sediments.
One such case study involved the development of effective soil management strategies in agriculture. By characterising particles, scientists were able to predict nutrient retention and erosion, allowing for the implementation of measures to maximise crop yield and sustainability.
In geotechnical engineering, particle characterisation was instrumental in assessing soil stability and designing structures. Case studies showed that understanding particle characteristics helped evaluate the feasibility of construction projects and mitigate potential risks.

Instruments to support the Soils and Sediments industry

Applications to support your industry

Industrial Information
Construction

The importance fo Particle Characterisation in the Construction Industry

Particle characterisation is essential in the construction industry, as it is a key factor in determining the suitability of raw materials and components used to make buildings, bridges, roads and other structures. It involves analysing the physical characteristics of the particles, such as size, shape, surface area, porosity and density.

Meritics Particle Sizing solutions for Construction

Meritics provides tailored particle size analysis solutions for construction, optimising material quality and ensuring consistent particle size distribution to enhance the durability and performance of construction projects.

Using Flow Imaging Microscopy to analyse particle shape for the Construction Industry

Meritics offers specialised particle shape analysis solutions for construction, enabling precise characterisation of aggregate shapes to enhance material performance and optimize construction processes.

Surface Area Analysis using BET Analysers

Meritics delivers surface area analysis solutions for construction, facilitating accurate assessment of material surface properties to optimise performance and durability in construction applications.

Density analysis solutions for the Construction industry

Meritics provides density analysis solutions for the construction industry, enabling precise measurement of material density to ensure compliance with specifications and optimise construction material performance.

Case study

We specialise in building high-quality roads and highways for various clients. Ensuring the proper composition of construction materials is crucial for the durability and performance of our roads.

One of the challenges we faced was achieving consistent and optimal particle size distribution in our construction aggregates, particularly in materials such as crushed stone and gravel used in asphalt and concrete mixtures. Variations in particle size distribution can impact the workability, strength, and longevity of the pavement.

To address this challenge, we decided to integrate particle size analysis into our quality control process. Meritics helped us to choose the Bettersizer 2600 as it has modules for both wet and dry methods of analysis. By accurately measuring and monitoring the particle size distribution of our construction aggregates, we are able to ensure compliance with specifications and improve the overall quality of our roads.

Instruments to support your industry

Applications to support your industry