RTSizer

Real-time Sizing Software

The Insitec instrument is controlled by software called RTSizer (short for "Real-time Sizer"). RTSizer is used to :

• set up the instrument for measurement
• controls the instrument during measurement
• converts the measured diffraction pattern into a particle size distribution
• displays and archives the measured results

The software works with MS-Windows NT based operating systems (Windows NT4 / 2000 / XP). Although it contains many of the features of laboratory based analyzers, its main differentiating feature is that it is a real-time based system ie measurements are taken periodically over short periods of time and are calculated and displayed very shortly afterwards. This gives continuous measurement, which the software is designed to continue doing, even whilst the operator is reviewing historical data within the same program.

The main window gives three main views concurrently, one of the particle size distribution, one is a report of the measured parameters and the third is a process time history chart which displays user-defined measured process variables against time.

RTSizer has a control panel, which displays the current configuration and status of the instrument. This is a very powerful diagnostic tool which can be used to identify problem causes should they occur.

RTSizer can be controlled remotely by other programs such as the SCADA system, Intellution iFix, which is used in Malvern Link. This allows full bi-directional communication with the analyzer from the operator's control screen.

The Insitec measurement system is controlled by Malvern's RTSizer software package which analyzes and displays the measured data. The software measures the complete particle size distribution continuously and thus provides information on any standard size parameters, including Dv10, Dv50, Dv90, % < X µm and D[4,3], on a second to second basis. Results are displayed both as standard particle size distributions and as trend charts. Particle size distributions can be displayed as an average for a given time period, and as RTSizer is a real-time NT-based system, historical data can be viewed and used while the measurement is underway.

RTSizerX
An open system
The active-X component RTSizerX allows the measurement system to be commanded programmatically via languages such as C++, VB, or by modern SCADA packages. It provides a list of properties and methods which can be used to:

• Start and stop a measurement
• Request any size parameter in real-time e.g. % < 32µm or a median size
• Retrieve instrument status and error messages
• Connect several instruments to the same SCADA package
• Set up a remote link to a SCADA package on a separate PC via a local area network

Software Suite
The following software are pre-installed as standard with each process system (and also on CD-ROM). They are compatible with Microsoft Windows NT4.0 and 2000 for use on Intel compatible PC and available in English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese languages.

• RTSizer for instrument configuration, data acquisition and particle size analysis; includes high concentration software module, patented technique to enable measurement under high or fluctuating process loadings (5-95% transmission)
• Malvern Link for instrument control and operator interface, including license for award winning Intellution iFix SCADA software.
• PCAnywhere for remote diagnostics. (Requires access to a telephone line)

Standard documentation
The following documents are supplied on CD-ROM in PDF format and available in English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese languages.

• Installation manual
• User manuals