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Particle size analysis, particle size measurement, or simply particle sizing is the collective name of the technical procedures, or laboratory techniques which determines the size range, and/or the average, or mean size of the particles in a powder sample.
Particle size analysis is part of Particle Science, and its determination is carried out generally in particle technology laboratories.
The particle size can have considerable importance in a number of industries including the chemical, mining, forestry, agriculture, and aggregate industries.
* When one of the reactants is a powder, or when in a chemical reaction the catalyst is in a pulverised state, either in a fixed bed, or in a fluidised reactor.
The Particle Technology Forum, an international and interdisciplinary forum, but also a division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers says: «…particle technology — that branch of science and engineering dealing with the production, handling, modification, and use of a wide variety of particulate materials, both wet or dry, in sizes ranging from nanometers to centimeters… spans a range of industries to include chemical, petrochemical, agricultural, food, pharmaceuticals, mineral processing, advanced materials, energy, and the environment»
There are a large number of methods for the determination of particle size, and it is important to state at the outset, that these different methods are not expected to give identical resülts: the size of a powder depends on the method used for its measurement, and it is important to choose that method for its determination which is relevant to its use.
The size of materials being processed in an operation is very important. Having oversize material being conveyed will cause damage to equipment and slow down production. Particle-size analysis also helps the effectiveness of SAG Mills when crushing material.
Particle-size analysis in the agriculture industry is paramount because unwanted materials will contaminate products if they are not detected. By having an automated particle size analyzer, companies can closely monitor their processes.