A2PS M2 Optical Laser Droplet Sizing Probe
| Brand | A2PS / A2 Photonic Sensors |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | M2 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The A2PS M2 Optical Laser Droplet Sizing Probe is a fiber-optic-based, non-intrusive diagnostic instrument engineered for real-time, in-situ characterization of liquid sprays and atomized droplet fields. Unlike conventional ensemble-averaging laser diffraction systems, the M2 employs a focused laser beam coupled via single-mode optical fiber to a miniature probe head, enabling high spatial resolution measurement of individual droplet passage events through light scattering (forward and/or side-scatter detection). This principle—based on time-of-flight (ToF) and pulse-height analysis—allows simultaneous acquisition of droplet diameter (≥5 µm), axial velocity (up to 80 m/s), and relative number density within highly transient spray environments. The system is optimized for applications where minimal flow disturbance, high temporal resolution, and operation in harsh or confined geometries (e.g., injector near-field, combustion chambers, pharmaceutical nebulizers) are critical.
Key Features
- Fiber-coupled optical architecture: Enables flexible probe placement and immunity to electromagnetic interference.
- Non-intrusive, point-wise measurement: No physical obstruction to the spray field; preserves local flow structure and dynamics.
- Droplet sizing range: ≥5 µm (lower detection limit defined by optical signal-to-noise ratio and scattering cross-section).
- Velocity measurement capability: Up to 80 m/s using dual-pulse time-of-flight methodology with sub-microsecond timing resolution.
- High sampling rate: Capable of resolving individual droplets at frequencies exceeding 100 kHz under typical industrial spray conditions.
- Robust mechanical design: Stainless steel probe housing rated for temperatures up to 80 °C and compatible with pressurized or humid environments.
- Modular signal processing unit: Integrates analog front-end amplification, threshold discrimination, and digital pulse capture for offline statistical analysis.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The M2 probe is compatible with aqueous, organic, and low-viscosity Newtonian liquid sprays—including fuel injectors, agricultural nozzles, inhaler formulations, and cooling mist systems. It does not require calibration against reference standards for relative size/velocity trends but supports traceable calibration using NIST-traceable monodisperse latex spheres (for sizing) and rotating disk rigs (for velocity). The system complies with general electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and is designed to support GLP-compliant data acquisition when paired with validated software configurations. While not intrinsically certified for hazardous areas, explosion-proof enclosures are available upon request for Zone 1/2 installations.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition is managed via the vendor’s proprietary PC-based software suite, supporting real-time visualization of droplet size distribution (volume-weighted Dv10/Dv50/Dv90), velocity histograms, and number density time series. Raw pulse data (timestamp, amplitude, width) is exported in ASCII or HDF5 format for post-processing in MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), or commercial statistical platforms. Audit trails, user access control, and electronic signature functionality align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in regulated pharmaceutical or aerospace R&D environments. Software updates are distributed through secure vendor portals with version-controlled release notes.
Applications
- Fuel injection research: Quantifying primary breakup, Sauter mean diameter (SMD), and velocity slip in diesel and gasoline direct injection systems.
- Pharmaceutical aerosol development: Characterizing metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI) plume geometry and droplet kinetics.
- Agricultural spray optimization: Validating nozzle performance under variable pressure and fluid viscosity conditions.
- Industrial coating and cleaning nozzles: Correlating droplet spectra with surface coverage uniformity and drying kinetics.
- Combustion diagnostics: Measuring liquid-phase penetration and evaporation rates in gas turbine and rocket engine injectors.
- Academic fluid mechanics studies: Supporting validation of Euler–Lagrange CFD simulations with high-fidelity experimental boundary conditions.
FAQ
What is the minimum detectable droplet size?
The practical lower limit is 5 µm for water-like refractive index liquids under standard illumination and background noise conditions.
Can the M2 measure polydisperse sprays with high concentration?
Yes—within limits of optical obscuration; particle volume fraction should remain below ~10⁻⁴ to avoid pulse overlap and coincidence errors.
Is the probe suitable for hot or corrosive environments?
Standard probes operate up to 80 °C; high-temperature variants (up to 200 °C) and chemically resistant sapphire windows are available as options.
Does the system provide ISO or ASTM-compliant reporting?
Raw data meets the foundational requirements of ISO 9276-2 (representation of particle size distributions) and ASTM E799 (standard practice for spray characterization); final compliance depends on site-specific validation protocols.
How is synchronization with external triggers (e.g., injector solenoid signal) achieved?
The system features TTL-compatible trigger input/output ports and supports hardware-level synchronization with external event markers at sub-microsecond jitter.
