Liquid Particle Counters: 5 Facts You Never Knew About! (Pros & Cons)

Particle Counters are one of the devices which are used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetic, and food to maintain a hygienic environment. Be it a liquid particle counter or any other form they separate molecular and smaller level of contaminations found in the medium for which these machines are specifically designed for.

A guest post by Hasan Khan.

Hence, when you decide to install a particle counter there are various factors that need to be considered. Price, quality, services, warranty, and the laser involved in the particle counter are few of the most important consideration before investing your money into one.

Apart from the features above the traditional and latest form of particle counters which are in use for quite a long time have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages as well. Hence, before buying and using one it is important to be aware of each type, their pros, and their cons.

1.    Perks of bottle sampling:

The method of bottle sampling used in liquid sampling has various perks along with the control of the consistency of the sample. It let the scientist manage the thickness of the liquid according to the demand of the test. Moreover, it also counters any interference that might occur during the analysis and make the process feasible.

However, with its perk, as it’s a handheld procedure it does have few of its shortcoming along with the higher chances of contamination being present when the apparatus is changed. The readings might not be as accurate as it can be in other advanced methods. Lastly, this procedure is considered time-consuming as well.

2.    Time Consuming:

One of the big disadvantages of the traditional method was that it was quite time-consuming; previously the plates and disks were placed in the rooms where the scientists or observers were conducting the experiments. The disks are placed at the areas of concentration for the particles to accumulate. This entire procedure makes it quite time-consuming and can take up to 7 hours. In result, it affects the overall efficiency.

3.    Cost effective:

The traditional method showed a bit of improvement in form of air particle counters, these were less time consuming than the placement of plates, however, they still needed more time. Nevertheless, the collecting method through the air stream makes it more convenient for collecting the samples and doesn’t affect the quality. The prominent advantage of the above two methods was despite being quite a time taking and with the risk of compromising on the quality of the sample each was quite cost-efficient.

4.    Laser Counters:

Laser particle counters were a huge advancement in the family of particle counters. The light beam is used for the purpose of experiments and distinguishing different sorts of particles and molecules into categories based on their importance and usage. Laser counter makes the procedure quite simpler as compared to the traditional method hence, increasing the efficiency. However, there is still a need to test to separate the needed microorganisms.

5.    Use of Sensors:

Another perk of the particle counter is they use sensors, microbe sensors use the lasers and fluorescent lights for illuminating the particles as well. Unlike the laser counters, these are not efficient enough to separate important and by-products but they are used in the initial stages of detection and their economical price as compared to the laser counter make them beneficial for the small scale industries.

Conclusion:

Particle counting is one of the procedures that has been in use for years in many industries. As the procedure help in the evaluation of the quality of the samples and products in the manufacturing industry, therefore, it is important to be aware of the pros and the cons related to the usage of these technologies.

Especially in the industries where water is involved there are higher chances of contamination and liquid particle counters like various other apparatus that help with temperatures and humidity helps in maintaining the needed sanitation.

Hence, before installing the technology it’s important that you gather all the information about the companies offering the facility, about the services that could be provided and the life of the machine and its working according to the demand of the industry that you are working in for better results.