Herolab PM-200 – Liquid Particle Counter

The PM-200 counts particles in liquids and assigns them to optical size classes. Light obscuration detects individual particles passing through the measurement cell. This does not establish suitability for airborne particle monitoring or chemical identification of the particles.

The pharmaceutical testing configuration covers 1–50 µm, linear, with up to 8 fixed particle size channels. The general liquid analysis configuration covers 0.9–139 µm with up to 256 freely selectable particle size channels. These ranges refer to latex calibration. The sample medium and test method determine the appropriate selection.

The pharmaceutical analysis software supports measurements according to USP requirements and company-specific methods. For your particular pharmacopoeial test, the method version, sensor, calibration, qualification and documentation requirements are assessed together.

The platform is described for pharmaceutical solutions and contamination control of water, beverages and process liquids. Colour, turbidity, high viscosity, gas bubbles and chemical compatibility can limit suitability. Challenging samples require assessment before the configuration is selected.

Containers, sample feeding and preparation must suit the test protocol. Contamination and introduced air bubbles should be avoided. Mixing, degassing or dilution is used only when suitable for the sample and method; no universal sonication, filtration or dilution procedure is prescribed.

The total volume required is greater than the portion evaluated: initial feed, flushing, repeat measurements and the test protocol must be considered. Please specify the volume actually available. A universal minimum volume is not promised without confirmation of the proposed configuration.

The maximum particle concentration is 100,000 particles/mL for the pharmaceutical configuration and 120,000 particles/mL for the general liquid analysis configuration. Higher concentrations can cause overlapping signals. Dilution must suit the method, with the calculation back to the original concentration included in the analysis.

The instrument measures 405 × 260 × 260 mm (H × W × D), weighs 12 kg and uses a 230 V AC supply. A suitable PC is required for control and analysis. The quotation specifies PC provision, interface, operating system, software version and licence scope; an existing PC is assessed for suitability.

No. Where required, the functions of the offered software revision, including user permissions, audit trail, electronic signatures, backup and archiving, must be explicitly assessed. Operational controls, validation and SOPs form part of the overall system. A software name alone is not evidence of compliance.

An automatic sample changer with a rotary tray for 20 sample bottles is available as an option. It is included when listed in the quotation. Container format and software integration are matched to the selected configuration.

The quotation lists sample delivery, sensor, measurement and analysis electronics, software licence, syringe and required connections. The PC, magnetic stirrer, 20-position sample changer, bag sampling, funnel feed and further accessories are listed according to your selection. Reference materials and services are agreed separately.

The stated particle size ranges refer to latex calibration. Required reference materials, count checks, certificates and intervals are selected according to the sensor and test method. You can request IQ/OQ documents or related services as a separate requirement.

Cleaning, flushing media, syringe replacement and maintenance follow the approved instructions for the supplied version and sample compatibility. No general approval for solvents, sonication or autoclaving should be inferred. Work on the sensor or electronics is limited to expressly authorised procedures.

For a quotation, useful details include the sample medium, relevant particle sizes, particle concentration, available volume, test method, throughput and software requirements. For repeat orders, add the instrument and sensor model, serial number and any known part number, version and quantity. PM-200 is the model designation; the quotation specifies the selected configuration and binding order line.