BLASE MICRO Microbubble measurement system Microbubbles, measured in real time.

An inline cell quantifies number concentration, particle size
and size distribution the moment the bubbles are generated.

Request information Watch the demo
Particle size
5–450µm
Number concentration
〜105particles/mL
Inline cell thickness
approx. 1mm
Measurement
Real time

The entry model of the BLASE Series. Where BLASE MINI, BLASE and BLASE X address ultrafine bubbles, BLASE MICRO is dedicated to the microbubble range — an accessible configuration that puts a number on your bubbles.

The challenge

You can see them — but quantifying them is another matter.

Microbubbles rise, collapse or dissolve into the liquid over time, so the state of a sample at generation and after collection can differ.

  • The eye cannot quantify it

    Microbubbles can be seen, but their count, size and distribution are difficult to grasp quantitatively — leaving comparisons between devices and conditions to subjective judgement.

  • The sample changes once collected

    Rising and dissolution progress from the moment the liquid enters a container. You cannot say which moment the value represents, and the data is not reproducible.

  • You improved it — now prove it

    Improve the generator and you still have no shared yardstick to show anyone. Internal approval and customer proposals both come down to numbers.

BLASE MICRO observes and measures microbubbles in real time, the moment they are generated.

Features

Evaluating microbubbles quantitatively.

Inline, real-time measurement

An inline cell observes and measures microbubbles in real time, the moment they are generated. From the generator to the tank and on to BLASE MICRO — built into the pipework, with no sampling step.

A dedicated resin cell is paired with proprietary image processing. Liquid flows through the cell in a single upward direction, and at approximately 1 mm thick the cell is structured so that large bubbles do not readily adhere inside it.

  • No sampling or dilution step
  • Unidirectional flow limits bubble retention
  • Track change during continuous operation
Inline measurement system diagram Water sent from the microbubble generator to the storage tank is drawn inline into BLASE MICRO, measured, and discharged. Storage tank Microbubble generator BLASE MICRO Drain
Inline measurement system diagram

Bubble analysis by proprietary image processing

Captured microbubbles are detected and analysed by a proprietary image-processing system that reads bubble shape, and each particle is sized individually. Expressed as number concentration and size distribution, they can then be evaluated quantitatively.

What the eye can only confirm is resolved into figures, particle by particle.

  • Particle size from per-bubble contour detection
  • Concentration and distribution quantified automatically
  • Compare trial conditions on one yardstick
Illustration of particles detected from a captured image and assigned a size Captured image Detected and sized 26.114.0 34.518.2 42.716.4 22.328.9 11.59.8 Figures are particle size [µm] (illustrative)
Every detected particle is sized individually

Measurement across a broad range

Number concentration and particle size are measured across a broad 5–450 µm range, handling anywhere from zero to on the order of 100,000 (105) microbubbles, with concentration obtained in a short time.

For R&D, generator evaluation and a wide range of other applications.

  • Number concentration and particle size across a broad 5–450 µm range
  • Number concentration obtained in a short time
  • From 0 to approx. 100,000 (105) microbubbles
Measurement particle size range of BLASE MICRO UFB range BLASE MINI / BLASE / X 5 – 450 µm Microbubble range / BLASE MICRO 0.1µm 1µm 10µm 100µm 1000µm Logarithmic scale (schematic)
Where the measurement range sits

Results

Measure it, and the report is ready.

Live / Original / Result views, a particle size histogram, and report output. Measurement through to aggregation is completed within the dedicated application.

Microbubble Measurement Screen illustration

Live / Original / Result (detected)

Analysis view with detected microbubbles labelled by particle size 24.112.5 36.217.6 27.89.4 15.344.7 20.129.0 13.133.9 30.614.8 23.438.6 18.911.2 1.00 mm

Count / Concentration / Cal. Curve

Histogram of particle counts by size 30002100 1200300 0 050 100150 200 size [µm] count [particles]
Concentration8.31 e+04 particles/mL
Mode / Mean20.7 / 29.1 µm
D10 / D50 / D9011.5 / 24.1 / 49.7 µm
Specific Interfacial Area3.42 e+02 m²/m³
The image above is a still illustration of the analysis screen. Displayed items and values vary with the sample and conditions.
  • Number concentrationConcentration（Volume / Cal. Curve）
  • Representative sizeMode / Mean
  • Size distributionD10 / D50 / D90
  • Specific interfacial areaSpecific Interfacial Area
  • HistogramCounts by particle size
  • ReportExport of measurement results

Demonstration

Watch a measurement run, start to finish.

Microbubble measurement system — demonstration

Pressing play connects to YouTube.

Specifications

BLASE MICRO

BLASE MICRO unit: PISCO 6 mm push-in fittings on the vented end, BLASE MICRO and SCHWALBEL logos on the long side, four height-adjustable feet.
BLASE MICRO main unit (vent side)
Measurement target Microbubbles (fine bubbles in liquid)
Particle size range 5 – 450 µm approx.
Number concentration 0 to approx. 100,000 (105)
Measurement method Bubble-shape detection by proprietary image processing (Schwalbel Vision)
Measurement cell Dedicated resin inline cell / approx. 1 mm thick / unidirectional bottom-to-top flow
Output items Number concentration, particle size (Mode / Mean), size distribution (D10 / D50 / D90), specific interfacial area, histogram, report export
Safety Class 1 laser product (laser light is not exposed externally)
Dimensions and mass Please contact us
Power supply Please contact us
Design and manufacture Japan (short lead times on service parts)

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

Line-up

For microbubbles, BLASE MICRO.

The BLASE Series comprises four models. The ultrafine bubble range is covered by BLASE MINI, BLASE and BLASE X.

Model Target Method Typical use
BLASE MICROThis page Microbubbles
5–450 µm		 Bubble-shape detection by
proprietary image processing		 R&D, generator evaluation,
inline real-time observation
BLASE MINI Ultrafine bubbles Wide-field optics with
dedicated application		 Simplified measurement, inline deployment
BLASE Ultrafine bubbles Particle analysis software Short-time measurement at low concentration;
high concentration measured after dilution
BLASE X Ultrafine bubbles Particle tracking analysis
(PTA method)		 Short-time measurement from low to high concentration, R&D

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

  • FBIA-registered test laboratory

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

  • Designed and built in Japan

    Design through manufacture completed domestically, with short lead times on service parts so your equipment keeps running.

  • Class 1 laser product

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

  • Electrical, mechanical and software in-house

    Schwalbel handles control design, mechanical design and software development in-house — so integration into existing equipment can be discussed as one conversation.

Process

From enquiry to delivery, in four steps.

  1. Enquiry / information request

    Start with a conversation. 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

Frequently asked questions

Can it also measure ultrafine bubbles?

BLASE MICRO is dedicated to the microbubble range (approx. 5–450 µm). For ultrafine bubble measurement, please consider BLASE MINI, BLASE or BLASE X. Tell us your application and we will recommend the right model.

Can it be built into our existing equipment and pipework?

We propose configurations using an inline cell. The optimal arrangement depends on your installation, so send us your pipe specification, flow rate and available space and we will assess it individually.

Can we start with measurement as a service?

Yes — we offer a measurement service. You are welcome to begin with a sample evaluation before considering equipment. Please get in touch via the enquiry form.

How does BLASE MICRO differ from the other models?

The target bubble range and the measurement method differ. BLASE MICRO detects microbubbles directly through proprietary image processing that reads bubble shape, whereas the ultrafine bubble models use particle analysis and particle tracking (PTA method).

What does maintenance and support look like?

Because design and manufacture are carried out in Japan, service parts are available on short lead times. We are happy to advise on operation after installation.

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.

Whatever your requirement or question, please get in touch. Our specialists advise free of charge.

Enquiries by telephone

03-6304-0333

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

Purpose of enquiry

Telling us what you need to measure, the expected particle size and concentration, and your installation environment lets us respond far more concretely.

Personal information you provide is used solely to respond to your enquiry and for related communication. Please see our privacy policy for details.

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

Request information