Meritics has confirmed its participation at CHEMUK 2026, taking place on 20th-21st May 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading exhibitions for the chemicals, process engineering, and formulated product sectors, CHEMUK continues to provide an important platform for manufacturers, researchers, and technology providers to explore the latest developments shaping the future of the industry.
As demand increases for tighter quality control, improved formulation stability, and enhanced process efficiency, particle characterisation technologies are playing an increasingly critical role throughout chemical manufacturing. At this year’s event, Meritics will showcase a portfolio of advanced analytical instrumentation designed to help laboratories and production facilities better understand material behaviour and optimise product performance across a wide range of applications.
A major highlight at the Meritics stand will be the Beckman Coulter LS 13320 XR, a highly versatile laser diffraction particle size analyser capable of measuring particles from the nanometre scale through to several millimetres in diameter. The system combines traditional laser diffraction with Beckman Coulter’s patented Polarization Intensity Differential Scattering (PIDS) technology, providing enhanced sensitivity and resolution in the submicron region.
Laser diffraction works by analysing the angular distribution of light scattered by particles suspended within a sample. Larger particles scatter light at smaller angles, while smaller particles scatter at wider angles. By applying Mie theory and advanced optical modelling, the LS 13320 XR delivers rapid and highly reproducible particle size distributions for powders, suspensions, emulsions, and dispersions. The addition of PIDS technology enables improved characterisation of fine and complex particle systems often encountered in chemical formulations, pigments, catalysts, and specialty materials.
Also on display will be the Bettersizer 2600 Plus, an advanced analytical platform that combines laser diffraction with dynamic imaging technology. While laser diffraction provides fast, statistically robust particle size distributions, the integrated imaging system captures high-resolution particle images, enabling simultaneous analysis of particle shape, aspect ratio, circularity, and agglomeration behaviour.
This combination of technologies is particularly valuable in industries where particle morphology significantly influences product performance. In coatings, pigments, and catalyst materials, for example, particle shape can directly impact flowability, packing density, dispersion stability, optical performance, and reaction efficiency. By combining size and shape analysis within a single system, the Bettersizer 2600 Plus provides a deeper understanding of material characteristics than conventional particle sizing alone.
Another important system featured at CHEMUK will be the BeScan Lab Stability Analyser, designed to rapidly assess the physical stability of emulsions, suspensions, and dispersions using Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS) technology. Stability remains one of the most significant challenges in chemical formulation, particularly in products containing high solid loadings or complex colloidal systems.
Unlike traditional visual stability testing, the BeScan Lab continuously scans samples throughout their entire height using transmitted and backscattered light. Even subtle changes in particle migration, sedimentation, creaming, flocculation, or coalescence can be detected long before visible phase separation occurs. This allows formulation scientists to accelerate development cycles, compare stabiliser performance, and predict long-term shelf stability without relying solely on lengthy storage studies.
Completing the line-up is the BeNano 180 Zeta Max, a multi-functional nanoparticle characterisation system designed for advanced colloidal and nanomaterial analysis. The instrument combines Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS), Static Light Scattering (SLS), and Phase Analysis Light Scattering (PALS) technologies to provide comprehensive measurements of particle size, zeta potential, molecular weight, and dispersion stability.
Dynamic Light Scattering measures fluctuations in scattered light caused by Brownian motion, enabling highly sensitive nanoparticle size analysis. Electrophoretic Light Scattering measures particle mobility within an electric field to determine zeta potential, a key indicator of colloidal stability and surface charge behaviour. These measurements are particularly important in advanced chemical systems where aggregation, flocculation, or instability can significantly affect product performance and manufacturing consistency.
Across the chemicals industry, the importance of accurate and reliable particle characterisation continues to grow. From coatings, pigments, inks, and agrochemicals to polymers, catalysts, battery materials, and specialty chemicals, manufacturers are increasingly focused on improving process control, reducing waste, and enhancing product functionality. Analytical technologies capable of delivering detailed insight into particle size, morphology, and stability are therefore becoming essential tools within both R&D and production environments.
CHEMUK 2026 will provide visitors with the opportunity to engage directly with Meritics’ technical specialists, discuss specific analytical challenges, and explore how advanced characterisation techniques can support formulation development, troubleshooting, and quality assurance.
With a packed programme of technical presentations, networking opportunities, and live demonstrations expected across the two-day event, CHEMUK once again promises to be a significant gathering for the UK chemicals sector. Meritics looks forward to welcoming visitors to the stand and demonstrating how modern analytical instrumentation can help manufacturers achieve greater confidence in their materials, processes, and final products.
For more information, attendees are encouraged to register for CHEMUK 2026 and visit the dedicated Meritics exhibition webpage, where additional instrument details and application notes will be available.
https://www.chemicalukexpo.com
https://www.meritics.com/chemuk-2026
Links to Instruments:
https://www.meritics.com/ls_13_320_xr_particle_size_analyser
https://www.meritics.com/bettersizer-2600_laser_diffraction_analyser
https://www.meritics.com/bescan-lab
https://www.meritics.com/benano_180_zeta_pro_zeta_potential_analyser