PULUODY PMT-2 Online Ultra-Pure Water Liquid Particle Counter

Overview

The PULUODY PMT-2 Online Ultra-Pure Water Liquid Particle Counter is an industrial-grade, real-time particulate monitoring instrument engineered for continuous, non-invasive measurement of submicron particle contamination in ultra-pure water (UPW) and other low-conductivity, low-viscosity process liquids. It operates on the principle of light extinction (obscuration) combined with dual-laser narrow-beam scattering detection—leveraging eighth-generation sensor architecture developed by PULUODY Analytical Testing Group (UK). Unlike conventional offline particle counters requiring manual sampling and batch analysis, the PMT-2 integrates directly into UPW distribution loops, rinse tanks, or point-of-use delivery lines to provide statistically robust, time-synchronized particle concentration data (particles/mL) across the critical 0.1–1.0 µm size range. Its design meets the stringent requirements of semiconductor front-end fabrication, pharmaceutical water-for-injection (WFI) systems, and advanced flat-panel display manufacturing—where even transient particle excursions above ISO Class 1 (≤1 particle/m³ ≥0.1 µm) can trigger costly process downtime or yield loss.

Key Features

• True online operation with continuous, automated sampling via precision metering plunger pump and electromagnetic flow regulation—ensuring volumetric accuracy better than ±1%.
• Dual-laser narrow-beam optical detection system optimized for high-sensitivity counting of particles as small as 0.1 µm (c), minimizing Mie scattering interference and improving signal-to-noise ratio in transparent, low-refractive-index media.
• Configurable detection thresholds: standard 0.1–1.0 µm; optional user-defined ranges including 0.1–0.5 µm or 4–70 µm (c) for multi-stage filtration validation.
• Integrated analog output (4–20 mA) compatible with DCS/SCADA systems for real-time alarm triggering and trend logging without third-party gateways.
• IPAD-enabled wireless data acquisition platform supporting remote configuration, live histogram visualization, and export of raw count data in CSV/Excel format.
• Compliance-ready firmware with audit trail, electronic signature support, and user-access-level controls aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 expectations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PMT-2 is validated for use with ultra-pure water (resistivity ≥18.2 MΩ·cm), deionized water, aqueous cleaning agents (e.g., SC1, SC2), dilute acid/base solutions, and low-viscosity organic solvents used in photolithography and wafer cleaning. It complies with pharmacopoeial standards for particulate matter testing—including United States Pharmacopeia , European Pharmacopoeia 2.9.19, Japanese Pharmacopoeia JP 6.07, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition Volume IV. For industrial applications, it satisfies ISO 21501-4 (Calibration and verification of liquid-borne particle counters), ASTM F3231-20 (Standard Guide for Monitoring Particulate Contamination in UPW Systems), and SEMI F63 (Specification for Ultrapure Water Used in Semiconductor Processing). All calibration procedures follow JJG 1061–2010 (Chinese National Metrological Verification Regulation) or traceable NIST-certified latex sphere reference materials.

Software & Data Management

The instrument runs V8.3 Integrated Analysis & Calibration Software, which separates measurement execution from calibration management—a design feature that eliminates cross-contamination of operational parameters during routine sensor verification. The software provides real-time particle size distribution histograms, cumulative count plots, pass/fail status against configurable ISO Class or USP limits, and automatic generation of GLP-compliant test reports. Data integrity safeguards include immutable timestamped logs, operator ID authentication, and version-controlled method templates. Raw datasets are stored locally on internal SSD storage (≥64 GB) and can be synchronized to network drives or cloud-based LIMS platforms via Ethernet/Wi-Fi. Export formats include CSV, PDF, XML, and direct ODBC connectivity for enterprise analytics tools.

Applications

• Semiconductor manufacturing: In-line monitoring of UPW supply lines feeding CMP, etch, and photolithography tools to ensure ISO Class 1–3 cleanliness compliance.
• Pharmaceutical aseptic processing: Continuous verification of WFI and purified water quality upstream of sterilizing filters and filling lines per USP and EU GMP Annex 1.
• Flat-panel display production: Detection of abrasive particles in photoresist developers and ITO etchants that cause micro-scratches on TFT arrays.
• Nanofiltration and ultrafiltration validation: Quantitative assessment of membrane integrity and pore-size consistency using challenge suspensions of monodisperse polystyrene latex.
• Medical device manufacturing: Verification of particulate cleanliness in saline rinses, silicone lubricants, and polymer coating solutions prior to packaging.
• Research laboratories: High-resolution particle kinetics studies in colloidal stability experiments and nanoparticle synthesis reactors.

FAQ

What is the minimum detectable particle size, and how is it verified?
The PMT-2 achieves a certified lower detection limit of 0.1 µm (c) using NIST-traceable 0.102 µm polystyrene latex standards per ISO 21501-4 Annex B. Verification requires daily zero-count checks and weekly calibration with reference spheres.
Can the PMT-2 operate in hazardous area environments?
No—the unit is rated for Class I, Division 2 (non-hazardous) environments only. Explosion-proof variants require custom engineering and ATEX/IECEx certification.
Is offline (portable) mode supported for field diagnostics?
Yes—via integrated battery-powered operation and handheld sampling probe, enabling grab-sample analysis at remote locations or validation of point-of-use filters.
How does the system handle particle coincidence errors at high concentrations?
The dual-flow control architecture dynamically adjusts sample volume and laser dwell time to maintain coincidence error below 2.5% up to 1000 particles/mL, as validated per ISO 21501-4 Clause 6.5.
Does the software support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box?
Yes—audit trail, electronic signatures, role-based access, and data encryption are enabled by default and configurable via administrator credentials.