HIGH SPEED ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE PARTICLE SIZE BY AN INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE

摘要

The methods that are normally used for particle size determination are time consuming and complex. For applications such as quality control and production control, it is important to be able to quickly measure the average particle size of the particulate system. We report an innovative technique that can measure average particle diameter in a sample within a few minutes. The technique is based on flow of air through the sample. Surface area is computed from measured flow rate and pressure drop using the Carmen-Kozeny equation. The average particle diameter is calculated from the surface area and true density of the particles. The instrument is completely automated and robust. It requires very little operator involvement or maintenance. Each test takes only a few minutes. Average particle sizes of a variety of powders have been measured. The average particle sizes computed by this technique were also in excellent agreement with the average particle sizes measured by the conventional techniques.