BLASE X Ultrafine bubble measurement system Bubbles you cannot see, as numbers.

Particle tracking analysis measures the number concentration and particle size of ultrafine bubbles around 100 nm — from low to high concentration, in a short time.

"Fine bubble" and "ultrafine bubble" are registered trademarks of the Fine Bubble Industries Association.

The top model of the BLASE Series. Particle tracking analysis measures ultrafine bubbles in a short time, from a low concentration of around 100,000 (105) to a high concentration of around one billion (109)1.

1 The measurable concentration range depends on water quality.

The challenge

A laser shows them.
It does not count them.

Ultrafine bubbles can be observed with a laser — but how they appear depends on the laser’s output and wavelength.

  • Appearance changes with conditions

    Change the output or wavelength and the same sample looks different. Comparisons between instruments and conditions become subjective.

  • Low concentrations are unstable

    The more dilute the sample, the fewer particles enter the field of view. In a narrow field, number concentration does not settle.

  • High concentrations take work

    Dense samples are usually diluted before measurement. Every added step is another assumption behind the value.

BLASE X captures a wide field and counts particles by tracking them. From low to high concentration, in a short time.

Features

Capture wide. Track. Count.

Proprietary image processing and a laser system, combined with particle tracking analysis software.

Particle tracking analysis (PTA)

Each imaged particle is tracked individually to obtain its size and the count. Ultrafine bubble measurement is defined by the Fine Bubble Industries Association (FBIA standard), which reviews measurement procedures and instruments.

  • Particle size from per-particle tracking
  • Number concentration and size shown in real time
  • One method from low to high concentration
Illustration of particle tracking analysis Particles captured as scattered light in a dark field are tracked one by one and assigned a trajectory and a particle size. LIVE FRAME 00412 SCALE 10 µm ID 0412 · 118 nm ID 0397 · 131 nm ID 0421 · 104 nm ID 0408 · 112 nm
Particle tracking analysis (schematic)

From low to high concentration

From around 100,000 (105) to around one billion (109)1. Wide-field image processing and proprietary control processing measure even dilute samples in a short time.

  • Measurable from a concentration of 1051
  • Wide-field image processing for low concentrations
  • Particle tracking and sizing in a short time
Measurement concentration range of BLASE X (log scale, schematic) 104 105 106 107 108 109 1010 Number concentration [particles] · log scale BLASE X Low High In a short time
Where the measurement range sits (schematic)

Wide field, short time, real time

A system that captures ultrafine bubbles over a wide field in a short time gives stable measurement. Bubbles invisible to the eye can be monitored in real time.

  • Proprietary image processing and laser system
  • Real-time monitoring and measurement
  • The measurement method proposed to suit your medium
System configuration A laser illuminates the sample cell, a wide-field camera images the scattered light, and particle tracking analysis outputs number concentration and particle size in real time. Laser CLASS 1 Sample cell Wide field Camera Imaging Particle tracking → concentration · size REAL TIME Beam Scattered light
System configuration (schematic)

1 The measurable concentration range depends on water quality.

Options

From cells to analysis software,
to suit the application.

A range of options and consumables is available, and we can propose a configuration for your application.

  • Flow cell

    Measure while the liquid sample flows through. No cell change between samples, and suction by syringe allows repeated measurement of the same sample.

  • Cell setPatent No. 7828128

    Window plate, cell stand and cell as one set. Prepare several sets and throughput rises for consecutive measurement of multiple specimens.

  • Cell

    Quartz cell with platinum deposition. Suppresses reflection from below, reducing unwanted scatter and noise.

  • Cell stand

    The base that holds the cell and window plate.

  • Window plate

    A transparent plate placed over the cell. The liquid spreads stably at the interface, making the measurement area uniform and repeatable.

  • PDF analysis app

    From measurement-result PDFs: CSV aggregation of number concentration, side-by-side comparison of different PDFs, and re-plotting of graphs.

  • PSL standard particles107 / 108

    For calibrating the BLASE series. Scattering intensity, particle characteristics and number concentration approximate UFB, enabling accurate calibration.

  • Field-of-view change

    The optical magnification is changed to match the particle quantity, so the field of view can be proposed to suit your needs.

Video

The measurement method,
on video.

A video explaining how ultrafine bubbles are measured with the BLASE Series.

【BLASE Series】ウルトラファインバブル計測方法

Pressing play connects to YouTube.

Specifications

BLASE X

A Class 1 laser product, designed so that laser light is not exposed externally.

BLASE X unit. Front panel: EMS, POWER, MONI①②, PW Adj. Side: FOCUS, X LOCK, UNLOCK BUTTON, SLIDE LOCK.
BLASE X main unit (right side)
BLASE X principal specifications
TargetUltrafine bubbles (fine bubbles in liquid)
Particle sizeAround 100 nm
Number concentrationAround 100,000 (105) to around one billion (109) — depends on water quality
MethodParticle tracking analysis (PTA). Proprietary image processing and laser system
DisplayReal-time monitoring; particle size and number concentration
Field of viewOptical magnification changed to match particle quantity (on request)
CellsFlow cell; cell set (window plate, cell stand, cell) — optional
CalibrationPSL standard particles (107 or 108)
SafetyClass 1 laser product (laser light is not exposed externally)
Dimensions and massPlease contact us
Power supplyPlease contact us
Measurement time and sample volumePlease contact us
Design and manufactureJapan

Do not defeat the safety mechanisms or disassemble or modify the unit. Specifications are subject to change without notice for improvement.

Line-up

For ultrafine bubbles,
BLASE X.

The BLASE Series comprises four models. The microbubble range is covered by BLASE MICRO.

See the series →
BLASE Series model comparison
Model Target Method Typical use
BLASE XThis page Ultrafine bubbles Particle tracking analysis
(PTA)
Short-time measurement from low to high concentration; R&D
BLASE Ultrafine bubbles Particle analysis software Short-time measurement at low concentration;
high concentration measured after dilution
BLASE MINI Ultrafine bubbles Wide-field optics with
dedicated application
Simplified measurement, inline deployment
BLASE MICRO Microbubbles
5–450 µm
Bubble-shape detection by
proprietary image processing
R&D, generator evaluation,
inline real-time observation
  • FBIA-registered test laboratory

    On 31 July 2025, registered by the Fine Bubble Industries Association as an official test laboratory for ultrafine bubble measurement.

  • Class 1 laser product

    Designed so that laser light is not exposed externally; safe under normal conditions of use.

  • Designed and built in Japan

    Design through manufacture completed domestically. We are happy to advise on operation after installation.

  • Electrical, mechanical and software in-house

    Developed by Schwalbel, which handles control design, mechanical design and software development in-house.

Process

From enquiry to delivery,
in four steps.

Start with a conversation. Our specialists advise free of charge.

  1. Enquiry / information request

    Contact us via the form or by telephone (+81 3-6304-0333). Our specialists advise free of charge.

  2. Requirements and preliminary study

    We discuss your objective, application and schedule and, where appropriate, carry out a preliminary study to determine whether the measurement you need is feasible.

  3. Quotation and contract

    We submit a requirements definition document and a quotation based on your needs.

  4. Measurement and delivery

    The equipment is delivered and functionally evaluated in your presence, concluding with acceptance.

A preliminary study requires several evaluation samples, and may incur a separate charge depending on its scope.

FAQ

FAQ

How does BLASE X differ from BLASE?

The measurement method differs. BLASE uses particle analysis software to measure low concentrations in a short time, and high concentrations after dilution. BLASE X uses particle tracking analysis (PTA) to measure from low to high concentration in a short time.

Up to what concentration can it measure?

From around 100,000 (105) to around one billion (109) ultrafine bubbles. The range depends on water quality, so please tell us about your sample.

Can it also measure microbubbles?

BLASE X is designed for ultrafine bubbles around 100 nm. For microbubbles (approx. 5–450 µm), please consider BLASE MICRO.

Can we start with measurement as a service?

Yes. As a test laboratory officially registered with the Fine Bubble Industries Association, we can begin with a sample evaluation before any equipment is considered.

What cells and consumables are available?

Flow cells, cell sets, cells, cell stands, window plates, the PDF analysis app and PSL standard particles, among others. We propose what suits your application.

Can it be installed at an overseas site?

This depends on the destination and specification. Please tell us the country of installation and the application via the enquiry form.

Contact

Please get in touch.

Tell us what you need to measure, the expected concentration and your installation environment, and we will propose the right model and configuration.

Enquiries by telephone

03-6304-0333

SCHWALBEL Inc. / Weekdays 9:00–18:00 JST (excl. public holidays and year-end)

Purpose of enquiry

Please include what you need to measure, the expected particle size and concentration, and your installation environment.

A member of our team will normally reply within two business days.

Request information