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Contadores de partículas automáticos (laser) são muito versáteis e são usados com uma grande quantidade de líquidos. Para medições confiáveis, o líquido deve ser transparente. A turbidez causada por contaminação de partículas, líquido de duas fases ou líquidos muito escuros podem alterar os resultados absorvendo o feixe de luz ou gerando ruido de sinal.

Sim, existem líquidos que não podem ser analisados com o contador automático de partículas ou que exijam preparação especial:

• Líquidos de duas fases
• Emulsões
• Líquidos extremamente contaminados 

Líquidos de duas fases e emulsões necessitam de um princípio diferente de medição, como a microscopia (i.e., com o PAMAS FastPatch2GO), enquanto líquidos muito contaminados podem ser analisados com contadores de partículas através de uma diluição apropriada (i.e., diluição automática com o PAMAS S50DP).
Mais informações, aqui.

A faixa de aplicação para os contadores de partículas depende do modelo de equipamento. Contadores portáteis e online são geralmente projetados para fluidos semelhantes e miscíveis – por exemplo, diferentes tipos de óleo ou líquidos compatíveis com óleo, como o combustível diesel.

Para diferentes tipos de amostras, contadores de laboratório o PAMAS SBSS são ideais. Graças ao seu design de fluxo simples, são fáceis de limpar e podem ser usados ​​de forma flexível para uma ampla gama de fluidos, incluindo óleos e meios à base de água.

A resolução entre partículas de tamanhos muito próximos pode ser influenciada por dois parâmetros:

• Tamanho de célula de medição:
  Afeta a detecção óptica das partículas e, portanto, a qualidade do sinal. Uma célula menor de tamanho pode, em princípio, resulta em uma melhor resolução óptica, caso o fluxo de análise seja reduzido.
• Faixa de calibração adequada:
  Determina quais diâmetros de partículas devem ser abrangidos pela faixa de medição. Uma faixa de calibração menor aumenta a resolução eletrônica, desde que o sensor esteja otimizado para ela.

Uma distinção precisa entre partículas de tamanho semelhante só é relevante para aplicações específicas, como testes de filtros ou análise granulométrica.

Se houver problema de conexão do seu contador PAMAS com o  S40_Download2 software, favor seguir três etapas:

1. Verificar o manual do usuário
   
   Consulte a seção relevante do manual do usuário (por exemplo, Apêndice C da Série S40 “Download de Software”) para obter informações básicas sobre como configurar a conexão.
    
2. Verificar possíveis problemas

• O driver USB foi instalado corretamente?
  → Encontre instruções e guia de instalação aqui (75AP101 PAMAS driver instalação).
• A porta COM foi instalada corretamente e está ativa?
  → Encontre instruções e guia de instalação aqui (75AP101 PAMAS driver instalação, pesquisar em: Load VCP).
• O S40 está configurado para ser usado com o software?
  → O contador de partículas PAMAS deve estar configurado em S40 mode para permitir comunicação apropriada com o software S40_Download2.
  → Verifique a configuração descrita no manual do usuário (i.e., S40 Series, Capítulo 8.4 Configuração Avançada (Conf. Admin), Seção Simulation S31/P40).

Observação:
Se você encontrar problemas relacionados à porta USB, trocar o cabo ou usar uma porta USB diferente no computador pode ajudar. Se os problemas persistirem, entre em contato com o Serviço de Atendimento ao Cliente da PAMAS.

 

The connection depends on the specific model:

• PAMAS SVSS / SBSS (e.g., for measurements with PMA or USP software)
  For these particle counters, a USB-to-serial adapter (RS232) and a serial cable or a serial cable with an integrated adapter are required (both included in delivery).

Connection steps:

1. Connect the particle counter to your PC via the serial cable (9-pin D-Sub connector) and the USB adapter.
2. Driver installation: Under Windows, the necessary driver is usually installed automatically. If not, you can download the driver from the manufacturer's website (Axagon®  or Digitus®) or via the USB flash drive which was supplied with your particle counter.
    

• PAMAS S40 / S4031 (e.g., for measurements with PMA or for the S40_Download2 software)
  For these particle counters, no extra adapter is required, as they have a built-in USB-to-serial adapter. Only a USB cable with a USB-B connector is needed to connect to the PC (included in delivery).
  Connection steps:

1. Connect the particle counter to your PC via the USB cable.
2. Driver installation: The necessary drivers are located on the supplied USB flash drive or for download from the PAMAS website here. When installing the drivers via the Device Manager, note that the installation must be done in two stages. First, install the USB driver, and then install the serial (COM) driver. Step-by-step instructions can be found here (75AP101 PAMAS driver installation).
    

• PAMAS AS3 (for measurements with AutoSampler3 software)
  For the PAMAS AS3, two USB-to-serial adapters (RS232 + RS485) with corresponding USB cables are usually required (both included in delivery). Alternatively, an Ethernet-to-serial adapter or a computer with an integrated PCI-to-serial adapter (PCI-Express card) can be used.
  Connection steps:

1. Connect the particle counter’s robot via the RS232 cable on the back to the RS232 converter.
2. Connect the particle counter’s counting unit via the RS485 cable on the back to the RS485 converter.
3. Connect both converters to the computer via USB cables.
4. Driver installation: Under Windows, the necessary drivers are usually installed automatically. If needed, the necessary drivers are on the supplied USB flash drive or can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website here and can then be installed manually via the Device Manager.
5. For the Ethernet-to-serial adapter or the PCI-to-serial adapter, no USB cables are required; just connect the cables on the back to the respective ports on the adapter. The corresponding drivers and required configuration software can be found on the manufacturer's website here, here and here.
    

• PAMAS FastPatch 2 GO (for measurements with PxF FastPatch software)
  For this particle counter, two USB cables (3.0 + 2.0) are required (both included in delivery and permanently mounted). The supplied laptop has all necessary drivers and programs pre-installed.
  Connection steps:

1. Connect the particle counter's camera via the USB 3.0 cable to a USB 3.0 port on the laptop.
2. Connect the particle counter’s X-Y table via the other USB cable to the laptop and power the adapter externally (power supply included in delivery).
3. If necessary, install the "IDS peak" program for the camera and "SwitchBoard" program for the X-Y table. These programs are on the supplied USB flash drive.
4. If needed, manually install the drivers for the camera and X-Y table via the Device Manager. The drivers are on the supplied USB flash drive.
    

• PAMAS 4132 (for measurements with Beta Test software)
  For this particle counter, an Ethernet cable is required (not included in delivery).
  Connection steps:

1. Connect the particle counter to the local network via the Ethernet interface.
2. Start the Beta Test software and enter the pre-configured IP address of your particle counter into the appropriate fields (Upstream/Downstream).
3. If necessary, change the network configuration of your particle counter using the Pamas.Configurator software (see description below at PAMAS 4132).
    

• PAMAS S50(P/DP) / OLS50P / OLS4031 (for measurements with POV or PCT software)
  For these particle counters, a USB-to-serial adapter (RS485) and a serial cable are required (both included in delivery).
  Connection steps:

1. Connect the particle counter to the RS485 adapter via the serial cable (9-pin D-Sub connector).
2. Connect the RS485 adapter to the PC via USB.
3. Driver installation: The driver installation should occur automatically under Windows. If needed, the necessary drivers are on the supplied USB flash drive or can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website here and can then be installed manually via the Device Manager.
    

• PAMAS 4132 / S50(P/DP) / OLS4031 / OLS50P (for changing the counter configuration with the PAMAS.Configurator Software)
  Typically, the counter configuration does not need to be changed, as the particle counters are delivered pre-configured.
  IMPORTANT: If your requirements change over time and reconfiguration is necessary, USB-A to Mini-USB cables and the PAMAS.Configurator software are required (not included in delivery).
  Connection steps:

1. Connect the particle counter to the PC via the USB cable.
2. Driver installation: The necessary drivers are sent out after request. When installing the drivers via the Device Manager, note that the installation must be done in two stages. First, install the USB driver, and then install the serial (COM) driver. Step-by-step instructions can be found here (75AP101 PAMAS driver installation).

Regular calibration is the only guarantee for reliable measurements, as well as the comparability of results over multiple years and with other users. Unlike a broken ruler, you cannot visually tell if a particle counter is still delivering reliable results just by looking at it.

No, the validity of a calibration does not depend on how frequently the particle counter is used. According to common calibration standards such as ISO 11171 and ISO 21501-3, recalibration is required at intervals of no more than 12 months – regardless of whether the device is used daily, occasionally, or not at all.

Depending on customer preferences and the model, the following options are available:

• A trained service technician comes on-site for calibration (typically for laboratory particle counters like PAMAS SVSS / SBSS / AS3).
• The particle counter is sent to the responsible PAMAS service center (typically for portable or online models like PAMAS S40 / S4031 / 4132).

Usually, the responsible PAMAS service center coordinates communication regarding appointment scheduling. If you have any questions about calibration, feel free to contact us at info@pamas.de.

The "Shipping instructions" with document number 75AP110 can be found on your PAMAS USB flash drive or here.

The required sample volume depends on the particle counter model and the specific application. Portable particle counters typically require several 100 ml, while laboratory instruments often operate with approximately 50 ml or less. With suitable accessories, measurements with just a few hundred microliters are possible using the PAMAS SVSS.

Many PAMAS devices offer the flexibility to adjust the sample volume to your needs within the device’s technical limits. One exception is pharmaceutical applications according to pharmacopoeia methods, where sample volumes are usually strictly defined.

In principle, many different types of containers can be used for sampling – as long as they are clean and have been properly sealed. For some particle counter models, a maximum container size must also be considered. To ensure reliable measurement results, the container should be sealed immediately after sampling to prevent potential contamination.

Sample preparation has a significant impact on the measurement results. Without proper or correct preparation, the results will not reflect the actual particle content.
More information here.

Particles outside the calibration range affect the measurement result differently depending on their size. To illustrate this, here is an example with a standard 50/50 sensor and a calibration range of 2–50 µm.

• Larger particles:
  Particles that are larger than the calibration range will still be detected because the measurement channels count all particles that are larger than the respective channel threshold. This means that even a 200 µm particle will be counted and appears in all measurement channels. Only when a differentiated statement about the actual size of larger particles (e.g., 190 µm vs. 200 µm) is required, the calibration range and possibly the sensor need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Smaller particles:
  Particles smaller than the calibration range typically have no direct impact on the measurement result. However, if their concentration is very high, it can affect the noise behavior and even negatively influence the lowest measurement channel due to increased counts.

The higher the concentration of particles, the more likely it is that two or more particles are in the measurement cell at the same time and are counted as one particle. This is known as "coincidence". As the concentration increases, this coincidence error also increases.
More information here.

Depending on the model, the following options are available:

• A syringe module ensures precise control over volume and flow rate.
• A pump can provide continuous flow for measurements or online applications involving high sample volumes.
• By integrating the sensor with a flow controller into existing circuits, customized applications can be implemented.

The head-pressure ensures that no vacuum or negative pressure is created in the lines, preventing air bubbles from forming, depending on the viscosity and flow rate of the liquid.

• PAMAS SBSS with syringe module: The head-pressure ensures that the sample is pushed through the sensor rather than being sucked in.
• PAMAS particle counters with a pump: The head-pressure ensures optimal flow of the sample to the pump.

The effect depends on the water content:

• Undissolved (free) water droplets form two separate phases in an oil sample, making it impossible to be correctly analysed by optical particle counters, as this would distort the measurement result (see also here).
  Such samples can be correctly measured using a microscope, like the PAMAS FastPatch 2 GO.
• Slightly cloudy oil samples can be clarified by dilution with a moisture-masking liquid (e.g., Aerosol OT), allowing them to be measured correctly.