PULUODY PMT-2QLZ Deionized Water Liquid Particle Counter

Overview

The PULUODY PMT-2QLZ Deionized Water Liquid Particle Counter is an advanced optical particle counter engineered for ultra-high-sensitivity particulate contamination monitoring in ultrapure water (UPW), deionized water (DIW), and low-conductivity process liquids used across semiconductor fabrication, flat-panel display manufacturing, pharmaceutical water systems, and nanofiltration validation. It employs a proprietary 8th-generation dual-laser narrow-beam light scattering detection architecture—originally developed by the UK-based PULUODY Analytical Testing Group—to resolve sub-100 nm particles with high signal-to-noise ratio and minimal coincidence error. Unlike conventional single-wavelength counters, the dual-laser configuration enables simultaneous intensity and scatter-angle discrimination, improving sizing fidelity and reducing false counts from refractive index variations or dissolved organic aggregates. The instrument operates on the principle of single-particle optical sensing (SPOS), where individual particles passing through a tightly focused laser interrogation zone generate discrete scattering pulses proportional to their effective cross-sectional area. This enables direct, real-time enumeration and size binning without reliance on statistical inversion algorithms—critical for regulatory traceability in GMP and ISO-compliant environments.

Key Features

• 8th-generation dual-laser narrow-beam optical sensor with optimized beam geometry for enhanced resolution down to 0.1 µm (c) in DIW matrices
• Dual-stage flow control: precision metering piston pump coupled with electromagnetic flow regulation ensures volumetric accuracy better than ±1% across variable viscosity ranges
• Modular design supporting both online (in-line or side-stream) and offline (portable or benchtop) operation modes
• V8.3 integrated software platform with independent calibration and analysis modules—eliminating cross-contamination between metrological verification and routine testing workflows
• Touchscreen HMI with optional wireless keyboard/mouse support for flexible lab or cleanroom deployment
• Configurable analog output (4–20 mA) with programmable alarm thresholds for integration into SCADA, DCS, or MES systems
• Compliance-ready data structure supporting audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signatures per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PMT-2QLZ is validated for use with low-conductivity aqueous media including deionized water (resistivity ≥18.2 MΩ·cm), ultrapure water (UPW), semiconductor cleaning solutions (e.g., SC-1, SC-2), and dilute polymer solutions. It meets critical industry standards for particle counting instrumentation, including ISO 21501-4 (calibration and verification of liquid-borne particle counters), JJG 1061 (Chinese national metrological verification regulation), and ASTM F3239 (standard guide for monitoring UPW in semiconductor facilities). Its detection capability aligns with USP and requirements for subvisible particle testing in injectables and ophthalmic preparations, as well as ISO 14644-1 Class 1–5 cleanroom water supply monitoring protocols. All calibration procedures utilize NIST-traceable polystyrene latex (PSL) reference standards, with optional certification against ISO 21501-4 compliant reference materials.

Software & Data Management

The V8.3 software suite provides full lifecycle data governance—from method setup and sensor calibration to report generation and long-term trend analysis. Calibration routines are isolated from operational test sequences to prevent drift-induced bias during extended monitoring campaigns. Each measurement session automatically logs timestamp, operator ID, sample ID, environmental parameters (if connected to optional temperature/conductivity sensors), and raw pulse-height histograms. Reports comply with GLP/GMP documentation requirements, exporting particle concentration (particles/mL) and ISO 4406 or NAS 1638 contamination codes in PDF, CSV, and XML formats. Audit trail functionality records all user actions—including parameter modifications, calibration events, and data deletions—with immutable timestamps and digital signatures. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are supported via secure HTTPS protocol.

Applications

This instrument serves as a primary quality assurance tool in applications demanding stringent particulate control: continuous online monitoring of UPW distribution loops in 300 mm wafer fabs; validation of point-of-use filters in photolithography toolsets; batch release testing of medical-grade DIW for dialysis or bioprocessing; qualification of nano-filtration membranes in pharmaceutical water-for-injection (WFI) systems; and failure analysis of silicon wafers following chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). Its portability supports mobile audits across multiple cleanroom zones, while its low-flow sampling mode (0.3 µm particles indicating filter breach or pump seal wear.

FAQ

What calibration standards are supported?
The PMT-2QLZ supports calibration using NIST-traceable PSL spheres, ISO 21501-4 certified reference materials, and compliance with JJG 1061 metrological verification procedures.
Can it be integrated into existing factory automation systems?
Yes—it features a 4–20 mA analog output with configurable alarm relays and Modbus TCP/IP support for seamless integration into PLC, DCS, or MES platforms.
Is the software compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—V8.3 implements role-based access control, electronic signatures, and tamper-evident audit trails meeting Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.
What is the minimum detectable particle size in deionized water?
The standard configuration achieves reliable detection at 0.1 µm (c) in DIW with conductivity <0.1 µS/cm; custom configurations extend lower size thresholds upon request.
Does it support both batch and continuous sampling modes?
Yes—users may select discrete batch analysis (offline) or uninterrupted continuous monitoring (online) with programmable sampling intervals and auto-flush cycles.