The Reasons Why Particle Size Analysis Is So Important
As you might already know, there are many ways to measure the properties and configurations of pretty much anything in existence, but measuring particles has long been quite difficult. You see particles are not geometrical shapes, and they are in truth irregular, foolish forms. For that reason it can be hard to measure or perhaps state an assumed measurement for a particular particle. For this reason 1 or 2 standards have been set in place for the measurement of any specific particle and we’ll cover a couple of them here.
First of all there's the particle size range which is measured in nanometers and millimeters. There is also the question of whether or not the examples need to be diluted before any specific measurements can take place. It can become rather difficult, and it’s no surprise that machines and analytical instruments have been crafted specifically for this purpose.
It seems we have come a ways since 1974 when the first available particle size analysis analyzer was released, which used laser diffraction to determine the particles inside. Presently there are numerous measurement devices available, and a healthy number of suppliers and makers making them. There are several techniques for researching particles such as laser diffraction, acoustic spectrometry, sift analysis, sedimentation research, and even electroresistance, which will fundamentally measure the variation of conductivity. There are some devices specializing in just one aspect, but there are the ones that integrate as many as possible into the mix.
There are numerous fairly new methods including microfluidics, which is now being introduced to researchers as a great alternative to a few of the more standard techniques. New instruments like advanced microscopes and fluids have to be used with this technology and it's said to not only be simpler to use bit also a faster technique of manufacturing accurate results.
Something to recollect is that there are different sized particle analyzers, all of which will be suited to a certain job. As an example, there are those that will measure 400 microns, and then there are those capable of processing up to 2500 nanometers. When you purchase a particle analyzer it'd be wise to think ahead to any expansions and new potential analysis into new particle sizes. For this purpose, you might need a device which can handle a little bit extra for the application in hand.
Jamie Belton writes for systematic mags and web sites and covers material like Coulter counter products and powder flow uses
Tags: coulter counter, particle size measurement, particle sizing, zeta potential