Objectives:

 To define what particle size, particle size distribution and their measurements is.

 To discuss some techniques in measuring the particle size.

Introduction

Particle size distribution is a means of expression indicating what sizes of particles are

present in what proportions in the sample particle group to be measured. Volume, area,

length, and quantity are used as standard dimensions for particle amount, however, the

volume standard is apparently often used.

Particle size

Particle size, also known as grain size, refers to the diameter of a grain of granular material.

Soil particle sizes

The size of a spherical homogeneous particle is uniquely defined by its diameter. For

regular, a single dimension can be used to define size, such as cubes or regular tetrahedral.

For irregular particles, it is desirable to quote the size of a particle in terms of a single

quantity. The expression most often used is the equivalent diameter, refers to the diameter

of a sphere that would behave in the same manner as the particle when submitted to some

specified operation.
Types of Diameters

 Martin’s diameter

 is a line , parallel to a fixed direction, which divides the particle profile into equal

areas.

 Feret’s diameter

The distance between two tangents on opposite sides of the particle, parallel to some fixed

direction. Feret’s diameter is often used as the diameter equivalent to a sieve analysis

Sphericity

 Spericity values range from 0 (nonspherical) to 1 ( perfect sphere) with most

sedimentary particles failing in the range of 0.3 to 0.9

 A measure of particle shape which is frequently used is the sphericity, ψ, defined as

Ψ= surface area of sphere of same volume as particle / surface area of particle

Where:
Vp = the volume of the particle or object
Ap = the surface area of the particle
 Significance of Particle Size Distribution (PSD)
 The PSD of a material can be important in understanding its physical and chemical

properties.

 It affects the strength and load-bearing properties of rocks and soils.

 It affects the reactivity of solids participating in chemical reactions, and needs to be

tightly controlled in many industrial products such as the manufacture of printer toner

and cosmetics

Particle Size Distribution: Measurement Techniques

Some of the more common methods of particle size analysis

1. Sieve Analysis

2. Sedimentation Methods

3. Elutriation Techniques

4. Microscopic Sizing and Image Analysis

5. Electrical Impedance Method

Sieve Analysis

 One of the oldest methods of size analysis

 Accomplish by passing a known weight of sample material successively through finer

sieves and weighing the amount collected on each sieve to determine the percentage

weight in each size fraction

  Sieving is carried out with wet or dry materials and the sieves are usually agitated to

expose all the particles to the opening

 The woven sieve is the oldest design. It is normally made by weaving fine metal wire

into a square pattern, then soldering the edges securely into a flattish cylindrical

container.

Advantages

• This technique is well-adapted for bulk materials

• It is required to produce a separate size fraction for further study

• The materials flow easily as discrete particles

• The material is fairly coarse

Disadvantages

• Much fine materials below 100 µm is present, unless specialized micro sieving

equipment is available

• The particles are fragile

• The material adheres to the sieve or forms clumps

• The powder easily acquires an electrostatic charge

Sedimentation Methods

 This method is based on the measurement of the rate of settling of the powder particles

uniformly dispersed in a fluid and the principles is well illustrated by the common

laboratory method (beaker decantation ).

 Advantages

• The method is simple and cheap

• This method has the advantage over many other sub-sieve techniques in that it

produces a true fractional size analysis

Disadvantages

• This method is extremely tedious, as long settling times are required for very

fine particles, and separate tests must be performed for each particle size.

Elutriation Techniques

 Is a process of sizing particles by means of an upward current of fluid, usually

water or air.

 The process is the reverse of gravity sedimentation, and Stokes’ law applies

 All elutriators consist of one or more “sorting columns” in which the fluid is

rising at a constant velocity.

Advantages

• More attractive than decantation, and has certain practical advantages in that

the volume changes need no operator attention.

Disadvantages

• The fluid velocity is not constant across the sorting column, being a minimum

at the walls of the column, and a maximum at the centre. The separation size is

calculated from the mean volume flow, so that some coarse particles are
 misplaced in the overflow, and some fines are misplaced into the coarse

overflow.

Microscopic Sizing and Image Analysis

 Can be used as an absolute method of particle size analysis since it is the only

method in which individual mineral particles are observed and measured

 The image of a particle seen in a microscopic is two dimensional and from this

image an estimate of particle size must be made.

Electrical Impedance Method

 The Beckman Coutler Counter makes use of current changes in an electrical

circuit reduced by the presence of a particle

 This instrument is applicable in the range 0.4-1200 µm.

Conclusion
Particle size distribution is the list of values or mathematical function that defines

the relatives amounts of particles present, assorted according to size. The ideal size of a

particle is sphere, where a particle can be represented by a single parameter. Most of the

particles are not spherical, but have different shapes and often rough surface. Some particle

size distribution methods can be used for a wide range of samples, but some can be only

used for specific applications. Some of the more common methods are sieve analysis,

sedimentation methods, elutriation techniques, microscopic sizing and image analysis,

electrical impedance method, and laser diffraction methods. It is important to select the

most suitable methods for different samples as different methods can produced quite

different results for the same material.

REFERENCES

Clive Washington. “ Particle Size Analysis in Pharmaceutics and Other Industries”. ISBN 0-203-

98417, Ellis Horwood, 1992

Knowledge1995. 14 November 2015 “ Particle Size Distribution”.

Kwowledge1995/particle-size-distribution.55107704/

Horiba Scientific. “Particle Characterization: Particle Size Analysis” 1996-2020

HORIBA, horiba.com/scientific/products/particle-characterization/education/

Gel 324. ” Particle Shape Analysis”serc.carleton.edu/sidementary/particle_shape.pdf

 UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO
MATINA CAMPUS

A Written Report in
Introduction to Particle Technology
CHE 439

PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS AND THEIR MEASUREMENT

Submitted To:

ENGR. CRIJAMAICA OCEÑA , CHE

Submitted By:

MARY ANN A. CASIMIRO

January 27, 2020