Automatic dilution method for performing high-resolution particle size analysis

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic dilution system and a method that provide an optimal value of dilution factor (DF) for a sample suspension containing particles mixed with a diluent.;SOLUTION: A sensor measures a value of a characteristic, such as, an initial rate of increase of a quantity related to a particle concentration. The optimal value of DF is calculated, and a flow of a sample is adjusted by a control signal so as to provide the optimal value of DF. In one embodiment, only a portion of the sample is directed to the sensor in order to shorten the time to reach equilibrium. The time to reach equilibrium is further shortened in another embodiment in which mixing means is a static mixer having a relatively small volume. Larger dilution factors are obtainable in a further embodiment, in which the sample is prediluted in a mixing chamber and then further diluted in a second mixing chamber.;COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT