FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

F A Qs on Particle Size Analyzing

1. What is a particle? A particle is a minute object with a certain size and shape. Macroscopically it is very small, but microscopically, a particle contains numerous molecules and atoms. 2. What is particle size? Although this simply implies particle size is the size of an individual particle, determining absolute particle size can be difficult. 3. What is particle size distribution? The number of particles that fall into each of the various size ranges given as a percentage of the total number of all sizes in the sample of interest. 4. How to express particle size distribution? 1) Table: percentage of particles from the total within a size range; it includes differential distribution and cumulative distribution. 2) Figure: particle distribution by histogram and curves, etc. 3) Function: particle distribution functionally including R-R distribution and normal distribution. 5. What is particle diameter? It is the diameter of a particle normally expressed either in microns (10^-6m) or nanometers (10^-9m). 6. What is equivalent particle diameter? For certain physical characteristics a particle will have equivalent properties to a spherical particle, hence, equivalent diameter. Equivalent diameter can be divided into following measurements: 1) Equivalent Volumetric Diameter: diameter of a spherical particle having the same constitution and volume as the particle tested. Particle diameter obtained by laser methods is generally recognized as equivalent volumetric diameter. 2) Equivalent Sedimentation Speed Diameter: diameter of a spherical particle having the same constitution and sedimentation speed as the particles to be tested. Diameter measurements obtained by gravity sedimentation or centrifugal sedimentation belong under this category, also known as Stokes diameter. 3) Equivalent Resistance Diameter: Diameter of a spherical particle having the same constitution and resistance as the particle to be tested. Diameter measurements obtained by Coulter methods are consider equivalent resistance diameters. 4) Equivalent Projection Area Diameter: Diameter of a spherical particle having the same constitution and projected area as the particle to be tested. Image analysis is an equivalent projection area measurement.

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FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

7. Why introduce equivalent particle diameter? In practice, particles are not uniformly shaped therefore they are difficult to define in a single number. By correlating the particle to a sphere, one number can describe the size of a geometrically complicated particle. 8. What is D50? Also known as the median diameter or the medium value of the particle size distribution, it is the value of the particle diameter at 50% in the cumulative distribution. It is one of an important parameter for representing particle size. For example, if D50=5m, then 50% of the particles in the sample are larger than 5m, and 50% smaller than 5m. 9. What is average diameter? It is the weighted average of particle size. 10. What is D97? What is the purpose of it? It is the particle diameter value where 97% of the sample is smaller than that value. It is useful for determining the upper limit to the particle size distribution. 11. What are frequently used methods to test particle size? There are microscope imaging methods, sieve analysis, gravity sedimentation, centrifugal sedimentation, Coulter (resistance) analysis, laser diffraction/scattering methods, electron microscope, ultrasonic, gas sorption, etc. 12. Advantages & disadvantages of the above methods: 1) Microscope Imaging: Advantage: simple, direct test procedure, shape analysis available. Disadvantage: long test cycle, relatively poor representation, testing of ultra fine particles not possible. 2) Sieve Analysis: Advantage: simple, direct test procedure, low cost. Disadvantage: samples smaller than 40m can not be tested; test results are subject to deformation of sieve meshes. 3) Sedimentation (including gravity sedimentation & centrifugal sedimentation): Advantage: low price, continuous operation, high degree of accuracy and repeatability, relatively broad test range.

Disadvantage: long test cycle. 4) Coulter: Advantage: easy operation, short testing cycle, relatively high accuracy. Disadvantage: narrower size range, easily blocked apertures, electric conductivity of medium necessary. 5) Laser methods: Advantage: easy operation, broad test range, high degree of accuracy and repeatability, on-line test and dry test available. Disadvantage: test results are subject to distribution pattern, high cost of instrument.

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FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

6) Electron Microscope: Advantage: capable of measuring particles of nanometer size, high resolution. Disadvantage: possible alteration of particles during sample prep, small representation of overall sample, and high cost. 7) Ultrasonic: Advantage: direct test on highly concentrated liquid. Disadvantage: low resolution. 8) Gas absorption: Advantage: low cost of instrument, sample dispersion not an issue, testing on magnetic powders capable. Disadvantage: only average particle size available, particle size distribution unobtainable.

13. What are differential distribution and cumulative distribution? Differential distribution is the percentage of particles from the total that are within a specified sized range; for example, 30% within 1-10um range, 50% within 10-20um range, and 20% within 20-30um range. Cumulative distribution is the sum of the differential distributions. The cumulative distribution is obtained by accumulation of differential distribution, for instance, 80% of the particles are smaller than 20um. 14. What is repeatability? Repeatability is the relative error among multiple results from the same sample. 15. How is repeatability obtained?

( xi x ) 2 n 1

In which, n is number of tests (normally n>=10); xi is test results for each time; x is average value of multiple tests; is standard deviation; Thus relative error of repeatability is:

100%

16. What will affect repeatability? 1) Stability of the instrument or test method 2) Whether dispersion of the sample is fully obtained or not. 3) Whether the sampling is representative of the overall material? 4) Whether the operational procedures are standardized or not? 5) Working condition including voltage, temperature, clean environment, etc

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FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

17. What is the accuracy of an analyzer and how is it obtained? It is the error between values for the test results generated by the instrument and the known value of the standard sample. It is obtained by:

Dx = x 100%

In which, x is the average value of multiple D50; D is standard value of standard sample; is error of accuracy

18. Principle of laser particle size testing: Laser particle size analyzers work according to the optical properties peculiar to lasers, such as monochromaticity and collimation, to cause diffraction and scattering. The diffraction and scattering phenomenon take place when the laser beam illuminates the dispersed particles in the liquid. The diffracted or scattered light passes through the Furier lens to form a bull's-eye-shaped ring of light on the focal plane. The radius of the light ring is related to the size of the particles and the density of the diffracted light is related to the number of the relevant particles. The diffraction and scattering signals from the particles are received through the circular array of the photoelectric receiver on focal plane. Then the signals are transferred to the computer through an A/D transfer. Lastly, the data is processed using Mie scattering theory or Fraunhofer diffraction theory. The particle size distribution of the sample is thus obtained as per the illustration below.

19. Why use a laser as light source? Lasers provide good collimation and monochromaticity for clear distribution of scattering the spectrum.

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FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

20. What is difference between Mie scattering and Fraunhofer diffraction? Because of the computational advances in modern electronics, it is possible to calculate the multitude of operations for Mie scattering. Mie theory represents the laws of scattering precisely. Fraunhofer diffraction is an approximation of the Mie theory. It involves less computational power but results in larger error especially on finer particles. 21. What causes aggregation? Aggregation occurs when multiple particles adhere to each other to form a larger conglomerate. Aggregation results from interaction between particles from either charges in the surrounding, outside forces, or from van der Waals forces. Smaller particles are more prone to aggregation due to stronger surface energy and opportunities to interact. 22. Frequently used methods for sample dispersion: Particles can be dispersed through agitation, ultrasonic vibration, a dispersant or a combination these techniques. 23. Requirements of the medium during particle size testing: For particles tested in a liquid (medium), the requirements are: 1) high purity; 2) no physical or chemical reaction with particles; 3) good affinity with particles, i.e. easy to disperse particles 24. What are frequently used mediums? Water is the most frequently used medium. In addition, there are other available mediums, for instance ethanol, gasoline, kerosene, a mixture of water and glycerin, ethanol and glycerin etc. 25. What is a dispersant? A dispersant is a substance that is added to the medium in small amounts to weaken the tension between the medium and particles to allow the particles to be dispersed better. 26. Usage & dosage of dispersant. Before testing, mix dispersant in the medium until it is thoroughly dissolved. The ratio of dispersant-to-water is approximately 0.2%-0.5%. 27. Is a dispersant necessary in the case of an organic solvent (such as ethanol) as the medium? No, generally organic solvents disperse particles efficiently enough by themselves. 28. How can the effect of a dispersant be evaluated? 1) Microscope: visually examine to see if aggregation exists. 2) Measurement: measure one sample with dispersant and one with out. Compare results. 29. Requirements for sampling of a dry powder: 1) Take multi-point samples from the main batch. 2) Reduce samples until it is uniform and then make multi-point sampling (4 points at least)

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FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

30. Requirements for suspension sampling: 1) Agitate thoroughly 2) Draw for the middle of the suspension. 31. What is the appropriate concentration of the suspension for laser particle size analysis? Laser particle size analyzers operate properly only when the signal on the photoelectric receivers are within a certain density range. These photoelectric signals are generated by the illumination of scattered light. The received signal is subject to the number of particles in the suspension and there size. The more particles that are in the suspension the weaker the signal is going to be. Generally, the concentration value will be with 0.01% - 0.1% depending on the coarseness of the particles. 32. Normal dispersants for common samples: Sample name Dispersant CaCO3
Sodium pyrophosphate PAAS Sodium pyrophosphate Sodium hexmetaphosphate Sodium hexmetaphosphate Sodium pyrophosphate

Sample name Graphite Silicon carbide White corundum Al powder Quartz powder

Dispersant
CMC, Tannic Acid Sodium hexmetaphosphate Sodium hexmetaphosphate Sodium pyrophosphate Sodium pyrophosphate

Talc Kaolin

33. Methods for powder processing: Dry mode Particle size Before processing <45m <10mm <10mm Lump Lump After processing 5m 10m 10m 150-30m 30-10m

Wet mode

Particle size Before processing <45m After processing 60%-90% particles 2m in diameter

Air mill Impact mill Vibration mill Raymond mill Ball mill

Agitating mill

34. Densities of some common samples: Sample Density Sample CaCO3 Talc Kaolin Silicon dioxide 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 Al powder Graphite Barite Zn powder

Density 2.7 2.2 4.4

Sample Aluminum oxide W powder Diamond

Density 3.98 19.3 2.39

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FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

35. Conversation from sieve mesh number to micron size: Mesh Num. m Mesh Num. m 100 150 600 23 150 100 800 18 200 75 1000 13 325 45 1250 10 400 38 2500 5

Mesh Num. 5000 10000 12000

m 2.5 1.3 1

36. Mediums for common samples: Sample name Medium name CaCO3 Water

Sample name Talc

Medium name Water 30% Ethanol +water

Kaolin Silicon dioxide Diamond Aluminum oxide Silicon carbide Water Water +Glycerin

Graphite Al powder Starch Medicine Cement

Water Ethanol Water Water + Glycerin Octanol Oil Water Kerosene Ethanol +Glycerin

F A Qs on Sedimentation Method

37. Principle for sedimentation method - Stokes law Particle size distribution by sedimentation measures the particle speed of sedimentation in a liquid. Larger particles settle faster than smaller ones in a liquid. The relationship between particle diameter and speed of sedimentation is obtained in accordance to Stokes law:

V=

( s f )g 18

D2

From Stokes law, the particle speed of sedimentation is proportional to the square of the particle diameter. It is clear that smaller particles lead to lower speeds of sedimentation. For example, under the same conditions, if the ratio of two particles diameters is 10:1 then the ratio of sedimentation speed of these two particles is 100:1.

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FAQ on Particle Size Analyzing

Some sedimentation analyzers introduce centrifugal force in order to make the sedimentation testing cycle faster while still maintain accuracy. The relation of speed and diameter under the centrifugal state is as follows:

Vc =

( s f ) 2 r 18

D2

In which is angular velocity of the centrifuge and r is the distance from the particle to the axles center. Due to high rpm of the centrifuge, 2r is significantly larger than gravitational acceleration g. Therefore, for a given particle size, sedimentation speed Vc under a centrifugal state will be far greater, hence, reducing the testing time. 38. Principle for sedimentation method - Bill law: The particle diameter is obtained from Stokes law after knowing the particle speed of sedimentation. In practice, direct measurement of the speed of sedimentation is difficult. In sedimentation testing, various rates of light energy penetrate the suspension to indirectly measure the particle speed of sedimentation. The quantitative relationship between the variation of light energy and particle diameter at a certain time is given by the Bill law:

lg( I i ) = lg( I 0 ) k n( D) D 2 dD
0

39. Applications of sedimentation instruments: Sedimentation instruments are used for measuring inorganic powders such as metallic powders, non-metallic powders and some synthetic powder, etc. 40. Powder not acceptable sedimentation measurement: 1) Organic powders 2) Magnetic powder 3) Powders out of test range 41. Influence on repeatability of test results: 1) Fully dispersed sample, ultrasonic time, suitability of dispersant and sedimentation medium. 2) Standardization of sampling method including sampling of bulk powder, reduction of dry powder, sampling of suspension, etc. 3) Suitable surroundings including stability of voltage and temperature fluctuations. 42. Why is glycerin sometimes added to the sedimentation medium? Glycerin effectively restricts the speed of sedimentation. This allows for coarse particles to be measured more effectively over time.

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