PARTICLE CHARACTERISTICS, PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

An understanding of particle properties can be just as important as an understanding of bulk properties.  Particle characteristics such as size, shape, porosity, and true density can affect powder flowability, reactivity, caking tendencies, friability, and segregation behavior.

Common particle characteristics tests performed include:

Particle size distribution – via sieve analysis or laser light scattering technique Moisture sorption/desorption – powder’s tendency to gain or lose moisture Particle density – “true” solid density of particle; not the same as bulk density Microscopy – images of particles up to 100X magnification Dustiness – measurement of dust release as function of gas ejection velocity Crush strength – particle breakage force (as function of time) Drop shatter – measurement of freeze conditioning agent’s effectiveness on coal Unconfined compressive strength – rock strength for crusher selection

If you do not see a particle test that is required for your project, contact us. We can have other insightful particle characteristics tests run such as mercury or nitrogen gas porosimitry (for estimation of particle surface area and porosity), scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, and dilatometry (powder caking behavior under various temperature and relative humidity conditions).