WTW PC-2200/2300 Laser Particle Counter

Overview

The WTW PC-2200/2300 Laser Particle Counter is a benchtop optical particle counter engineered for high-reproducibility quantification of suspended particulates in liquids using single-particle light scattering (SPLS) detection. Based on the principle of laser diffraction and Mie scattering theory, the instrument illuminates individual particles flowing through an optically defined sensing zone; scattered light intensity is converted into equivalent spherical diameter via calibrated photodetector arrays. Designed specifically for routine water quality analysis and process fluid monitoring, it delivers rapid, non-invasive enumeration across 12 user-definable size channels within the 0.5–100 µm range—covering colloidal, silt, sand, and coarse particulate fractions relevant to drinking water, wastewater, pharmaceutical process streams, and hydraulic fluids. Its compact footprint and integrated power supply enable deployment in field laboratories, mobile units, or controlled cleanroom environments without external cooling or purge gas requirements.

Key Features

• Self-calibration capability enabled by three factory-certified, argon-sealed NIST-traceable calibration standards—each containing monodisperse polystyrene microspheres with documented size uncertainty ≤±2% and certified concentration stability exceeding 10 years
• Optimized optical path design minimizing refractive index artifacts and background noise, supporting accurate measurement in low-conductivity media (e.g., deionized water, organic solvents) and mildly corrosive solutions (pH 2–12)
• Integrated SuperCount software providing real-time visualization of particle count, arithmetic mean diameter, volumetric mass distribution, cumulative percentage distribution, standard deviation of size population, and derived total suspended solids (TSS) estimates per ISO 11926
• Modular sample interface accommodating standard 15–60 mm ID glass vials—ensuring zero cross-contamination between samples due to absence of internal wetted flow paths or reusable tubing
• Rugged aluminum chassis with EMI-shielded enclosure meeting IEC 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility in industrial laboratory settings

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PC-2200/2300 accepts aqueous and non-aqueous transparent or translucent liquids including potable water, filtered effluents, hydrocarbon-based hydraulic oils, HPLC-grade solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, THF), dilute acid/base solutions, and cell culture media. It complies with ASTM D6978-05 (standard practice for calibration of liquid-borne particle counters), ISO 21501-4 (determination of particle size distribution by light scattering), and supports audit-ready data integrity under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with SuperCount’s optional electronic signature and audit trail module. All calibration documentation—including certificate of analysis, uncertainty budget, and traceability statement—is supplied with each instrument shipment.

Software & Data Management

SuperCount operates on Windows-based platforms and supports direct USB connection. It records time-stamped raw pulse data alongside processed metrics, exporting ASCII, CSV, and PDF reports compatible with LIMS integration. The software enforces ALCOA+ principles: attributable (user login), legible (UTF-8 encoding), contemporaneous (system clock synchronization), original (uneditable raw data archive), accurate (checksum-verified export), complete (full channel histogram retention), consistent (version-controlled firmware/software pairing), enduring (encrypted local database), and available (role-based access control). Batch-level metadata tagging (sample ID, operator, location, SOP version) ensures full traceability for GLP/GMP-regulated environments.

Applications

• Verification of filter integrity and performance in municipal water treatment plants and membrane bioreactor systems
• Monitoring particulate load in pharmaceutical parenteral manufacturing lines (vial/ampoule inspection per USP )
• Assessing sedimentation kinetics and floc size evolution during coagulation-flocculation studies
• Quantifying wear debris in turbine oils and gear lubricants per ISO 4406
• Evaluating clarity and particulate content of excipient solutions and buffer preparations
• Characterizing suspended mineral load in marine sediment cores and estuarine outflows
• Validating solvent filtration efficiency prior to HPLC injection
• Tracking corrosion product generation in closed-loop cooling tower circuits

FAQ

Does the PC-2200/2300 require periodic recalibration by a service technician?

No—users perform full system calibration in less than 10 minutes using the included argon-sealed standards. No third-party intervention is required under normal operating conditions.
Can the instrument measure particles in opaque or highly turbid samples?

It is optimized for transparent to moderately turbid liquids. For samples exceeding 5 NTU, pre-filtration or dilution is recommended to maintain signal-to-noise ratio and avoid coincidence error.
Is SuperCount software validated for use in regulated pharmaceutical environments?

Yes—when deployed with audit trail, electronic signatures, and change control logs enabled, it meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements for computerized system validation.
What vial types are compatible with the measurement chamber?

Standard cylindrical borosilicate glass vials with flat bottoms and inner diameters between 15 mm and 60 mm; quartz or polymer alternatives are not supported due to refractive index mismatch.
How does the system handle air bubbles during measurement?

The optical detection algorithm includes bubble discrimination logic based on transient scattering profile duration and amplitude decay characteristics, automatically excluding events shorter than 50 µs.