When analyzing complex particle samples, laser diffraction is a proven method for determining size distributions. However, one of its inherent limitations is its inability to accurately detect smaller particles when larger ones are present. In this article — and in our video titled “It’s the Small Things That Matter” — we explain why this happens and how Hydro Insight provides the missing piece of the puzzle.
The Challenge: Laser Diffraction and Particle Size Contrast
Laser diffraction measures the intensity of scattered light to estimate particle size. But the light scatter from large particles is so dominant that it effectively masks the weaker signal from smaller ones. The result?
The system underestimates or completely misses the fine particle fraction — even though those smaller particles may be critical to your process or product performance.
The Solution: Adding Hydro Insight to your Malvern Mastersizer 3000
By integrating Hydro Insight, which is based on Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA), you can actually see and quantify the smaller particles. Unlike laser diffraction, DIA uses direct imaging to measure each particle individually, providing:
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High-resolution images for visual verification
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Number-weighted distributions that reveal the true particle population
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Volume-weighted distributions that align closely with laser diffraction results
Why Hydro Insight and Mastersizer 3000 Work Best Together
The Malvern Mastersizer 3000 remains the industry benchmark for laser diffraction particle sizing — offering fast, repeatable measurements. But by pairing it with Hydro Insight, users gain the full picture:
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Laser diffraction delivers precise volume-weighted data
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Hydro Insight reveals the shape, images, and count of small particles
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Together, they ensure complete confidence in your results
Seeing is Believing
Our video demonstration clearly shows how Hydro Insight detects the small particles hidden from laser diffraction. It’s visual proof that dynamic image analysis is the perfect complement to traditional laser diffraction — especially when sample heterogeneity matters.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
🎥 Here is a second video that goes into more detail on how the Hydro Insight is complimentary to the Malvern Mastersizer 3000
🎥To see an in-depth side-by-side analysis of the Hydro Insight with the Malvern Mastersizer 3000, please see this video below.
Learn More or Book a Demo
Visit www.ParticleShape.com to learn how Vision Analytical’s Dynamic Image Analysis solutions can enhance your existing Mastersizer system.
