Occhio 500o Series Static Particle Size and Shape Analyzer

Overview

The Occhio 500o Series is a high-precision static particle characterization platform engineered for simultaneous measurement of particle size distribution, shape parameters, and surface color in both dry and wet dispersions. Unlike dynamic or ensemble-based techniques (e.g., laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering), the 500o Series employs digital image analysis (DIA) based on static imaging—capturing high-fidelity, in-focus silhouettes or surface reflectance of individual particles under controlled optical conditions. Its core architecture integrates collimated 440 nm blue LED backlighting to eliminate diffraction artifacts, telecentric optics ensuring geometrically accurate projection, and a patented vacuum-assisted dry dispersion system that delivers monolayer particle presentation without mechanical shear or contamination. This principle enables traceable, morphology-resolved quantification compliant with ISO 13322-1 (dry mode) and ISO 13322-2 (wet mode), making it suitable for R&D, QC release testing, and regulatory submissions in pharmaceuticals, catalysts, advanced ceramics, and functional powders.

Key Features

• Three model variants optimized for distinct resolution and application needs: 500o (6.6 MP), 500o HR (10 MP high-resolution), and 500o XY (10 MP + dual-mode reflectance/transmission + Callisto 3D software)
• Collimated 440 nm blue LED illumination eliminates Mie scattering interference and ensures sharp particle contours independent of refractive index
• Zoom telecentric lens system with pixel resolution adjustable from 0.19 µm/pixel (HR/XY models) to 4.7 µm/pixel, enabling consistent magnification across FOV without perspective distortion
• Patented computer-controlled vacuum dispersion unit provides gentle, reproducible monolayer deposition—no fluidization gases, no residue, minimal maintenance
• Wet module features fully automated syringe-driven flow control via integrated three-way valve, precise liquid velocity regulation, and real-time transmitted light intensity adjustment
• Reflectance mode supports colorimetric analysis (CIE L*a*b*, hue/saturation), membrane pore assessment, and surface texture evaluation on opaque or non-transparent substrates
• Auto-calibration routines executed before each analysis: optical focus validation, intensity normalization, threshold optimization using maximum pixel value algorithm

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 500o Series accommodates a broad spectrum of industrial and scientific materials. Dry applications include cement clinker, alumina abrasives, SiC grinding media, polymer powders, toner pigments, pharmaceutical actives (e.g., milled APIs), catalyst supports (zeolites, silica gels), and hazardous powders requiring containment. Wet analysis covers latex emulsions, probiotic suspensions, microalgae cultures, and colloidal silica dispersions. Reflectance mode extends utility to filter membranes (pore size distribution), metal foams, sintered ceramics, and printed electronics substrates. All systems are supplied with full IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, supporting qualification under GMP environments. Software complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including role-based access control, immutable audit trails, electronic signatures, and data integrity safeguards aligned with ALCOA+ principles.

Software & Data Management

Callisto software (2D for 500o/500o HR; 3D-enhanced for 500o XY) provides SOP-driven workflow automation—from dispersion initiation and image capture to segmentation, feature extraction, and statistical reporting. Over 40 standardized shape descriptors are calculated per particle (e.g., circularity, aspect ratio, convexity, solidity, Feret diameters, area-equivalent diameter DA), alongside grayscale and RGB color metrics. Batch processing supports multi-sample comparison with customizable pass/fail thresholds. Raw images, metadata, and result tables are stored in vendor-neutral formats (TIFF, CSV, XML) with embedded calibration logs. Export modules integrate with LIMS and ELN platforms via secure API or direct database connectors. All software updates undergo version-controlled release validation and are documented per ICH Q5A and ISO 13485 guidelines.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical solid dosage development: correlation of granule morphology with flowability, compressibility, and dissolution kinetics
• Catalyst R&D: quantifying zeolite crystal habit, agglomerate fractality, and support pore accessibility
• Advanced materials QC: verifying sphericity of metal AM powders, aspect ratio of nanocellulose fibers, or angularity of fused alumina abrasives
• Food science: characterizing cocoa powder fat bloom, chocolate particle distribution, or coffee grind uniformity
• Coatings & inks: assessing pigment dispersion quality, agglomerate count, and chromatic consistency in toners and colorants
• Environmental monitoring: sizing airborne particulate matter collected on filters via reflectance imaging

FAQ

What standards does the 500o Series comply with?
It conforms to ISO 13322-1 (dry static image analysis) and ISO 13322-2 (wet static image analysis), and supports full compliance with USP & Ph. Eur. general chapters on particle characterization when used within validated SOPs.
Can the system analyze sub-micron particles in dry mode?
Yes—the 500o HR and 500o XY models achieve effective lower detection limits of 0.2 µm in dry mode using high-magnification telecentric optics and optimized contrast algorithms.
Is wet dispersion compatible with volatile or temperature-sensitive solvents?
The closed-loop syringe pump design minimizes solvent exposure and evaporation; optional Peltier-cooled stage integration is available for thermally sensitive suspensions.
How is focus maintained across heterogeneous samples?
Each particle is individually brought into optimal focus using Occhio’s proprietary “OptiFocus” algorithm, which dynamically adjusts Z-position based on local edge contrast—eliminating depth-of-field limitations common in conventional microscopy.
Does the software support custom shape parameter definitions?
Yes—Callisto allows user-defined mathematical expressions referencing any measured feature (e.g., “Elongation × Solidity”) and exports them as additional columns in result files.