Tongxintianbo Automatic Particle Counter
| Brand | Tongxintianbo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Particle Size Range (Small/Medium) | 0.7–4 mm × 0.7–12 mm |
| Particle Size Range (Large) | 3–10 mm × 3–12 mm |
| Counting Speed | ≥1,000 particles / 3 min (at Speed Level 2) |
| Display | LED numeric display showing preset and real-time count |
| Operation | Microprocessor-controlled, adjustable speed, silent operation |
| Accuracy | High-precision optical counting |
Overview
The Tongxintianbo Automatic Particle Counter is an optically based, microprocessor-driven instrumentation system engineered for rapid, non-destructive, and high-reproducibility enumeration of discrete solid particulates. It operates on the principle of digital image segmentation and edge-detection algorithms applied to backlit particle silhouettes—enabling reliable discrimination and counting without physical contact or sample preparation. Designed specifically for routine quality control in pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing, seed grading laboratories, nutraceutical capsule inspection, and agricultural seed certification workflows, this instrument delivers traceable, operator-independent results under ambient laboratory conditions. Its architecture integrates a calibrated optical path, uniform LED backlighting, and real-time image processing firmware optimized for morphologically heterogeneous samples within defined dimensional envelopes.
Key Features
- Optical counting core with adjustable illumination intensity and contrast threshold to accommodate varying particle opacity, surface reflectivity, and color contrast against background
- Three-speed motorized conveyor belt (Level 1–3), allowing users to balance throughput and counting fidelity—Level 2 serves as the default validation speed per internal calibration protocol
- Dual-range mechanical feed aperture: configurable for small/medium particles (0.7–4 mm × 0.7–12 mm) or large particles (3–10 mm × 3–12 mm), with manual interchangeable guides to minimize misalignment and double-counting
- LED-based dual-display interface showing both user-defined target count and live cumulative count, with automatic stop-and-hold function upon reaching setpoint
- Fan-cooled, brushless DC drive system ensuring silent operation (<45 dB(A)) and long-term thermal stability during extended batch runs
- Robust aluminum alloy chassis with ESD-safe surface finish, compliant with ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom handling requirements for QC environments
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The instrument accommodates free-flowing, non-adhesive, non-fibrous solid particles that maintain discrete morphology under gravity-fed transport. It is routinely validated for use with coated tablets (e.g., film-coated paracetamol 500 mg), soybean and wheat seeds, gelatin capsules (size 00–3), and granulated excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose (PH101/102). Particles must exhibit minimal agglomeration and surface moisture content below 3% w/w to prevent bridging in the feed channel. While not certified to IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic immunity standards, it meets GB/T 14710–2009 environmental adaptability specifications for laboratory equipment in China. For regulated environments, raw count logs may be exported via USB 2.0 as CSV files for inclusion in audit trails supporting GLP and GMP documentation frameworks.
Software & Data Management
This model operates without proprietary PC software; all logic resides in embedded firmware (v3.2.1, field-upgradable via USB flash drive). Count records—including date/time stamp, operator ID (manually entered), sample ID, speed setting, and final count—are stored in non-volatile memory for up to 500 batches. Data export supports UTF-8 encoded CSV format compatible with LIMS platforms (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) and statistical process control tools (Minitab, JMP). Audit trail functionality includes immutable timestamped entries for parameter changes and manual overrides, satisfying basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 read-only data integrity expectations when paired with controlled access to the device’s USB port and operator logins.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Final container check of tablet/capsule fill counts prior to blister packaging or bottle capping
- Agricultural: Certified seed lot enumeration for compliance with ISTA Rule 5.4 (sample size and tolerance limits)
- Food & Nutrition: Portion control verification of snack nuts, dried fruits, or vitamin gummies in secondary packaging lines
- Chemical Manufacturing: Batch reconciliation of catalyst pellets or adsorbent beads prior to reactor loading
- Academic Research: Quantitative analysis of grain morphology distributions in plant phenotyping studies
FAQ
What particle shapes are supported?
The system performs optimally with convex, non-elongated particles (aspect ratio ≤ 3:1). Highly irregular or filamentous materials (e.g., crushed herbs, milled fibers) require pre-sieving and may necessitate manual verification.
Can it count transparent or semi-transparent particles?
Yes—provided sufficient contrast exists between particle silhouette and backlight; translucent gelatin capsules or clear polymer beads typically require reduced backlight intensity and adjusted edge-detection sensitivity.
Is calibration required before each use?
No routine recalibration is needed; however, daily verification using a NIST-traceable reference standard (e.g., 100 ± 1 polystyrene spheres, 3.2 mm diameter) is recommended per internal SOPs.
Does the instrument support network connectivity or remote monitoring?
No Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth interfaces are integrated; data transfer is exclusively via USB mass storage mode.
What maintenance intervals are specified?
Optical lens cleaning every 40 hours of operation; conveyor guide replacement every 12 months or after 5,000 cycles—whichever occurs first—using Tongxintianbo P/N TC-AG-2024.
