LS™ 13 320 Series Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzers

The Beckman Coulter LS 13 320 Series is a system of multifunctional particle characterization tools. Its patented state-of-the-art, laser-based technology permits analysis of particles without the risk of missing either the largest or the smallest particles in a sample.

The LS 13 320 technology is based on theories of light scattering. The LS 13 320 differs from other laser-based instruments by virtue of its wide dynamic size range, number of size channels and sample measurement options.

Click on the following video links to learn more on the LS 13 320:

High-Bandwidth Videos

Ease of Use

Life Science Industry

Scalable Security

Theory of Operation

Low-Bandwidth Videos

Ease of Use

Life Science Industry

Scalable Security

Theory of Operation

The LS 13 320 Series particle size analyzers are the most capable and sophisticated particle size analyzers available on the commercial market today. In fact, many of the sub-systems are so unique they're patented, e.g. the patented polarization intensity differential scattering (PIDS) technology and the patented Tornado dry powder dispersing system. The LS 13 320 uses reverse Fourier optics incorporated in a patented fiber optic spatial filter system and a binocular lens system. This enables the LS 13 320 to optimize light scattering measurement across the widest dynamic range, from 40 nm to 2000 µm, in a single scan with no extrapolation.

Reproducibility is one of the most important factors in laser diffraction particle size analysis. Tighter product specs allow manufacturers of bulk and particulate materials to have a higher quality product. And while the industry standard for reproducibility is 2%-4% under ideal conditions, the LS 13 320 Series, typically, has better than 1% reproducibility.

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 and ensure your analyses are the same run after run by using the advanced SOP routine. Every element of the analysis from method set-up to the final printout can be locked into a user definable SOP. The SOM covers all those aspects of the analysis relating to the instrument settings. These files can be e-mailed to other users ensuring conformance and harmony regardless of location.

The LS 13 320 comes with a configurable security system. The user can choose between 4 levels of security. From No security to High security, the choice is yours. Choosing High Security configures the software to be compliant to 21 CFR Part 11, the FDA regulation covering electronic signatures and records.

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 LS 13 320 Series 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.

You can simply pick the 21 CFR 11 button to ensure the correct options are chosen; as we say, you're one click away from compliance.

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.