Malvern Zetasizer uV User Manual

zetasizer

μV

user manual

Malvern

Zetasizer μV

User Manual

MAN0428 Issue 1.0 December 2008

Malvern Malvern Instruments’ policy of continual product development we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of this, or any other document after the date of publication. We therefore disclaim all liability for any changes, errors or omissions after the date of publication. No reproduction or transmission of any part of this publication is allowed without the express written permission of Malvern Instruments Ltd.

Head office:

Malvern Instruments Ltd. Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1XZ United Kingdom.

Tel + [44] (0)1684-892456 Fax + [44] (0)1684-892789

Zetasizer is a registered trademark in the UK and /or other countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd. Malvern and the green “hills” logo are registered trademarks in the UK and/or other countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd.

Instruments makes every effort to ensure that this document is correct. However, due to

Windows 2000 and XP are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. Zetasizer, NIBS and M3-PALS are registered trademarks of Malvern Instruments. Tygon is a registered trademark of Cole Palmer Instruments Company Limited.

Printed in England

Addendum to manual

Addendum number ADD0076-1.0

Date 04/02/2009

Manual number MAN0428-1.0

Manual name Zetasizer μV User Manual

This addendum presents new information for taking measurements at ambient temperatures while using the Flow-mode facility on the Zetasizer

The information below should be inserted as a third paragraph in the Sample -

Temperature section on page 9.16, and as a fifth paragraph in the Flow-mode SOPs section on page 9.33.

Note

To improve the stability of temperature control when using the system as a Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) detector, the measurement temperature should be set to be 5°C or greater, above or below the ambient temperature.

μV instrument.

Addendum 0076-1.0 Page 1

Page 2 Addendum 0076-1.0

Addendum to manual

Addendum number: ADD0081-1.0

Date: 26/05/2010

Manual number: MAN0428-1.0

Manual name: Zetasizer V User Manual

This Addendum presents new information for operating the Zetasizer V instrument. The content should be read in-place of, or in conjunction with, the sections indicated in the respective manual. The information detailed will be incorporated into the next manual release for the instrument.

The Zetasizer μV measurement range - Read in place of relevant section on page 2-1 of the Zetasizer μV User Manual.

The Zetasizer μV measurement range

The Zetasizer V measurement specifications are described below:

 Size range maximum (radius): 0.15nm to 1micron

 Molecular weight range: 342Da to 2x10

(est from hydrodynamic diameter)

Molecular weight range: 980Da to 2x10 (calculated from Debye plot)

For full measurement specifications refer to Appendix 1.

Addendum 0081-1.0 Page 1

Choosing the correct cell - Read in place of relevant section on page 4-3 of the Zetasizer μV User Manual.

Choosing the correct cell

Caution!

Due to the risk of melting, polystyrene cuvettes must not be used for measurements above 70°C.

Malvern offers a range of cells for performing measurements with the Zetasizer The choice of cell is dependent upon the type of measurement being performed and the sample that will be measured. The choices for each measurement type are outlined below with some discussion on their use.

Size measurements - Read in place of relevant section on page 4-4 of the Zetasizer μV User Manual.

V.

Size measurements

Disposable polystyrene (DTS0012)

Typical solvent Water, Water/ethanol

Optical quality Good to very good

Minimum Sample volume

Advantages Low cost

Disadvantages Not resistant to organic

Material Polystyrene

1ml

Single use disposable (no cleaning)

solvents

Unsuitable for use at high temperatures (above 70°C)

Page 2 Addendum 0081-1.0

Specification - Read in place of relevant section on page A-1 of the Zetasizer μV User Manual.

Specification

Parameter Specification

Size range maximum (radius) * 0.15nm to 1micron

Molecular weight range ** (est from hydrodynamic diameter)

Molecular weight range ** (calculated using Debye plot)

Minimum sample volume 2µL

Sensitivity at minimum volume 0.1mg/ml of 15kDa protein

High concentration Yes - optically clear samples

SEC detector mode 8µl flow cell

Laser 60mW, 830nm

Temperature range 2°C to 90°C ±0.1 °C

Temperature accuracy 0.1°C at 25°C, 0.2°C at 2°C, 0.5°C at 90°C

Compatible cell temperatures 2°C to 90°C -- Glass and quartz cells

Weight 14kg

Dimensions W:D:H, 350mm x 410mm x 170mm

Power 90V-260V AC, 50/60Hz, 100W

Dry air 100kPa (1bar), 4mm o.d. tubing

Computer interface USB

Measurement technique Dynamic light scattering (90 degrees)

Detector Avalanche photodiode, Q.E. >50% at

Product laser class Class 1 compliant,

Condensation control Purge facility using dry air

Ambient operating conditions

- Humidity

342Da to 2x10

980Da to 2x10

2°C to 70°C -- Plastic disposable cells

830nm

IEC 60825-1(1993)+A1(1997)+A2(2001)

+10 to +35 °C (+50 to 95 °F) 10 to 90% (non-condensing)

* Peak mode range (radius), 0.3nm - 0.5 microns, sample dependent ** Sample and dependent

Addendum 0081-1.0 Page 3

Page 4 Addendum 0081-1.0

Table of contents

Part 1 - Operator’s Guide

Introduction to this manual

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

How to use this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Access to the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Assumed information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Where to get help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

What is the Zetasizer μV?

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

What does the Zetasizer μV do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

What are Particle Size and Molecular weight? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

How does the Zetasizer μV work?

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

How is a Zetasizer measurement performed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

What does the Zetasizer consist of? - Identifying the hardware . . . . 3-5

Navigating the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

A Tutorial - Making a measurement

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Quick guide to making a measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Powering up the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Sample preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Choosing the correct cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Filling the cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Inserting the cell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Making an SOP measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Making a manual measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Zetasizer μV Page i

Table of Contents Zetasizer μV

The Measurement display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Records and Reports - Viewing the Results

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Displaying the results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Sample Preparation

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Preparing the sample - Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Preparing the sample - Molecular weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Count rate meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Part 2 - Supervisor’s Guide

Security

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Initial start-up - set up the administrator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Enabling security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

User groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Measurement file window - Workspaces

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Measurement file window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Using SOPs

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

The SOP Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

Creating an SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8

Measurement type selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9

Size SOPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10

Molecular weight SOPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25

Flow-mode SOPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33

Trend SOPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35

Page ii MAN 0428

Zetasizer μVTable of Contents

Extracting an SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37

Modifying an SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38

Distributing an SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38

Advanced features

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Solvent Builder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2

SOP Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Result averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

Editing the result . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10

Exporting results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Flow-mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16

Options dialogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21

Expert Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25

Creating Custom Reports

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

Opening an existing report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

Creating a new report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

Adding elements to the report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Setting up the report elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5

Selecting elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13

Aligning and sizing elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14

Saving a report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14

A finished report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15

Viewing the new report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15

Other information shown on a report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16

Protecting a report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16

Protein Utilities

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Debye plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Molecular weight calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-7

Concentration utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-10

Zetasizer μV Page iii

Table of Contents Zetasizer μV

Scattering functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-11

Size theory

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

What is Dynamic Light Scattering? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

Operation of the Zetasizer μV - Size measurements . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6

Molecular Weight theory

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1

What is Static light scattering? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1

The Debye plot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4

Part 3 - Appendices

Specification

Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Chemical compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Unpacking instructions

Installation

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Installing the Zetasizer μV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Changing the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Regulatory Statements

Disposal of Electrical & Electronic Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

FCC Notice (US only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

Canadian Regulatory Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

VCCI acceptance (Japan only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

Page iv MAN 0428

Part 1 Operator’s Guide

Introduction to this manual

Introduction

This manual covers the operation and maintenance of the Zetasizer μV particle analyser.

Note

The Zetasizer model, Serial number, software and firmware version can be found by left-clicking the μV icon in the right corner of the status bar.

The aim of this manual is to:

 Identify what the instrument is.

 Explain in simple terms how it works.

 Explain how the instrument should be used to make a measurement.

 Identify the user maintenance procedures.

How to use this manual

Read this manual together with the Essentials manual, which describes Site Requirements, Health and Safety and Maintenance information.

Warning!

The instrument and the samples to be measured may be hazardous if misused. Users must read the Health and Safety information in the Essen- tials manual before operating the system.

Zetasizer μV Page 1-1

Chapter 1 Introduction to this manual

We recommend reading both these manuals fully before starting the first measurement, though if more familiar with particle size analysers, jump straight to Chap- ter 4. This chapter gives practical details on making measurements.

This manual is divided into three sections as follows.

Part 1 – Operator’s guide

This guide and the Essentials manual contain all the information required for the operator to use the Zetasizer μV instrument.

Topics covered are: What is the Zetasizer μV instrument, what are the components of the Zetasizer μV, what it does, instructions on using the instrument and the software, basic measurement and maintenance procedures.

Part 2 – Supervisor’s guide

The Supervisor’s guide concentrates on the administration of the Zetasizer μV and covers some of the more advanced features. It also provides a greater insight into the measurement procedures and expands on the analysis theories.

Topics covered are: security aspects, use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), organising measurement files and discussion on the analysis theories used – Size and Molecular weight.

It is recommended that the supervisor should also read Part 1 – Operator’s guide.

Part 3 - Appendices

This contains supplementary information not necessary for the general operation of the system.

More detail on the Zetasizer software can be found by using the on-line Help within the software.

Page 1-2 MAN 0428

Introduction to this manual Chapter 1

Access to the instrument

Within this manual, reference is made to the various people who will have access to the instrument.

Malvern personnel

Malvern personnel (service engineers, representatives, etc.) have full access to the instrument and are the only people authorised to perform all service procedures that may require the removal of the covers.

Warning!

Removal of the main covers by unauthorised personnel, even a supervisor, will invalidate the warranty of the instrument.

Supervisor

The supervisor is responsible for the management and safety of the instrument and its operation. The supervisor also trains the operators. They can perform all user maintenance routines identified in the Essentials manual.

Under no circumstances, should the supervisor remove the main cover of the instrument.

Operator

An operator is a person trained in the use of the system. The operator can perform all user maintenance routines identified in the Essentials manual, except changing the fuse.

Under no circumstances, should the operator remove the main cover of the instrument.

Warning!

Failure to follow these guidelines could result in exposure to hazardous voltages and laser radiation.

Assumed information

Naming convention

The Zetasizer μV will either be referred to in full, or as “the instrument”.

Zetasizer μV Page 1-3

Chapter 1 Introduction to this manual

The combination of the Zetasizer μV instrument, the computer and Zetasizer software may be referred to as the “the system”.

Cells and Cuvettes

Any device for holding and measuring the sample in the instrument will generally be referred to as a “cell”. This includes dip cells and all kinds of cuvettes used (i.e. glass, small volume, disposable) unless a proper description is more appropriate.

Solvents and dispersants

To reflect the intended protein analysis applications of the system, the term “solvent” is used throughout this manual to refer to any fluid used to disperse a sample’s particles for measurement. However, solvent can also be taken to mean “dispersant” where this is more applicable to the sample type.

Menu commands

Menu commands from the Zetasizer software are referred to in the form main menu-menu item. As an example, the command Tools-Options refers to select-

ing the Options item in the Tools menu. Menu commands are shown in bold text.

Where to get help

Manuals and Help files

The primary sources of help for the Zetasizer μV are the Essentials manual, this manual and the on-line help system within the software. This manual is designed to give an overview of the system as a whole, while the on-line help system is designed to give detailed information on the Zetasizer software.

Each dialogue within the Zetasizer software has a Help button that gives information specific to that dialogue.

Essentials Manual

This manual covers:

 Site requirements – all the physical requirements for positioning the system.

Information is given on; services requirements (air, water, number of power sockets, etc.), environmental requirements (temperature, humidity etc.) and physical requirements (space requirements etc.).

 Health and safety – this must be read by all users of the system. It details all

safety issues for the optical unit and all accessories.

Page 1-4 MAN 0428

Introduction to this manual Chapter 1

 Maintenance – for both the optical unit and accessories.

Help desk

All queries regarding the system should initially be directed to the local Malvern representative. Please quote the following information:

 Model and serial number of the instrument (located on the rear panel).

 The Zetasizer software version (select Help-About within the software).

Contact the United Kingdom help desk if the local Malvern representative is not available. The direct line to the United Kingdom Helpdesk is +44 (0) 1684 891800. This help line is primarily English speaking.

Remote support

Malvern Instruments offers a remote support service over the Internet. Benefits include fast and efficient fault diagnosis, reducing downtime and costs.

On-line user training is also available, plus software updates. A direct Internet connection must be available to make use of this facility.

Malvern Website - www.Malvern.com

The Malvern website offers a comprehensive range of particle characterisation resources for use by customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Resources include software downloads, frequently asked questions, a knowledge base and application notes, plus information on other particle characterisation solutions that Malvern can provide.

Zetasizer μV Page 1-5

Chapter 1 Introduction to this manual

Page 1-6 MAN 0428

What is the Zetasizer μV?

Introduction

This chapter gives a brief overview of the Zetasizer μV instrument and simple explanations about the measurement technique.

What does the Zetasizer μV do?

The Zetasizer μV instrument provides the ability to measure two characteristics of particles or molecules in a liquid medium.

These fundamental parameters are Particle size and Molecular weight. By using the unique technology within the Zetasizer μV, these parameters can be measured over a wide range of concentrations. The Zetasizer μV also has the ability to perform Trend measurements, including the determination of the Protein melting point.

The Zetasizer μV features pre-aligned optics, plus the precise temperature control necessary for reproducible, repeatable and accurate measurements. In addition, the facility is included for measurements of other key parameters such as concentration.

The Zetasizer range has been designed with simplicity in mind, so that a minimal amount of user interaction is necessary to achieve excellent results. The use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) alleviate the need for constant attention.

The Zetasizer μV measurement range

The Zetasizer μV measurement specifications are described below:

 Size range radius: 0.3nm to 0.5μm

 Molecular weight range: 380Da to > 20MDa

Zetasizer μV Page 2-1

Chapter 2 What is the Zetasizer μV?

10 100

Time

10 100

Time

What are Particle Size and Molecular weight?

This section describes the basics of Particle Size and Molecular weight are and why they are important. Greater detail on the instrument’s measurement techniques is given in the chapters that cover theory (Chapter 13 and Chapter 14).

What is Size?

The Particle Size measured in a DLS instrument is the diameter or radius of the sphere that diffuses at the same speed as the particle being measured.

The Zetasizer μV determines the size by first measuring the Brownian motion of the particles in a sample using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and then interpreting a size from this using established theories - see Chapter 13.

Brownian motion is defined as:

“The random movement of particles or molecules in a liquid due to the bombard-

ment by the solvent molecules that surround them”.

The particles in a liquid move about randomly and their speed of movement is used to determine the size of the particle or molecule.

Small particles moving quickly

1000

Size nm

Large particles moving slowly

1000

Size nm

ill 6722

It is known that small particles move quickly in a liquid and large particles move slowly. This movement is carrying on all the time, so if we take two ‘pictures’ of the sample separated by a short interval of time, say 100μS, we can see how much the particle has moved and therefore work out how big it is.

If there has been a minimal movement and the particle positions are very similar, then the particles in the sample will be large; similarly if there has been a large amount of movement and the particle positions are quite different, then the particles in the sample are small.

Page 2-2 MAN 0428

What is the Zetasizer μV? Chapter 2

1.0081.008

15.999

Using this knowledge and the relationship between diffusion speed and size, the size can be determined.

The above is a very simplistic explanation. A more detailed explanation can be found in Chapter 13.

What is Molecular weight?

The Molecular weight of a substance is the weight in atomic mass units (amu) of all the atoms in one molecule of that substance. Mathematically the molecular weight can be calculated from the molecular formula of the substance; it being the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms making up the molecule.

If we take as an example the molecular formula H

O (water) we can work out the

molecular weight.

 In each molecule of water there are two atoms of hydrogen (H

) and one atom

of oxygen (O).

Now the atomic weight of hydrogen is 1.008 amu and that of oxygen is 15.999.

Therefore the Molecular weight of water is 18.015 i.e.(1.008 x 2)+15.999.

18.015

ill 6721

This is a calculation using a known molecular formula and applying the values from the periodic table.

With the Zetasizer μV instrument, the molecular weight can now be determined by use of Static Light Scattering (SLS) measurement techniques.

This technique is explained in Chapter 14.

Note

Malvern uses Daltons as the unit of molecular weight. Results are displayed in kiloDaltons (kDa).

Zetasizer μV Page 2-3

Chapter 2 What is the Zetasizer μV?

Why do we want to know it?

We need to know the molecular weight, so we can determine how many grams there are in 1 mole of a substance. The mole is the chemistry standard term for ‘1 molecular weight’, e.g. one mole of water is 18.015g.

Page 2-4 MAN 0428

How does the Zetasizer μV work?

Introduction

Previously we identified the instrument and described the various measurement processes that can be performed. This chapter introduces the hardware and software features that the instrument incorporates.

The initial section, “How is a Zetasizer measurement performed?”, will briefly describe the following:

 What is involved in making a measurement?

 What are the major components of the system?

 How the software performs the task?

This is followed by two sections identifying the major hardware components and the software used.

The complete measurement process for size and molecular weight measurements will be described in later chapters.

Zetasizer μV Page 3-1

Chapter 3 How does the Zetasizer μV work?

How is a Zetasizer measurement performed?

The Zetasizer system comprises the Zetasizer instrument  and a computer with the Zetasizer software installed into the cell area on the top of the instrument

. A cell  is filled with the sample and loaded

.

ill 6744

The software is used to control the measurement of the sample, there are two basic ways to make a measurement:

 SOP measurements. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is like a tem-

plate that pre-defines all the measurement settings. This ensures that measurements made on the same type of sample are made in a consistent way. SOPs reduce the requirement for repetitive user input and the risk of introducing errors. SOPs can be created or modified as required.

To perform an SOP measurement, select Measure-Start SOP from the menu bar and select an SOP to use. With an SOP chosen the Measurement

display will appear (see below). The measurement is begun by pressing the

Start button.

 Manual Measurement. A manual measurement is where all the measure-

ment parameters are set immediately before the measurement is performed. This is ideal if measuring many different types of sample, or experimenting with the measurement parameters.

Page 3-2 MAN 0428

How does the Zetasizer μV work? Chapter 3

To perform a manual measurement, select Measure-Manual from the menu bar. A manual measurement dialogue window will appear where the measurement settings can be chosen, and if required saved as an SOP. After

choosing these, begin the measurement by simply pressing the Start button on the Measurement display (below).

Once the measurement is complete the results can be viewed; either in a Record

view

, by selecting one of the Malvern pre-set reports , or a user defined report

.

Zetasizer μV Page 3-3

Chapter 3 How does the Zetasizer μV work?

UPDATE

ill 8300

The measurement results will be automatically saved to a measurement file.

Note

The measurement file must be selected before the measurement is started as the measurements will be saved in the file currently open.

Page 3-4 MAN 0428

+ 214 hidden pages

Malvern Zetasizer uV User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual