Particle Size Analysis In The Manufacturing Industry
In many manufacturing techniques, one of the most important is particle size analysis
. In many materials used in production, particle size, shape and composition are always considered prior to fabrication. How particles interact with one another is essential to understanding how the final material will behave when integrated into a structure or product.In metals, the particle sizes of the structure are examined for flaws or incongruence of particle properties. Any particles in the material that are not uniform can cause weakness in the finished product. Metals can have properties specific to withstand heavy outside forces and environments, so advancement of higher quality is paramount. Particle sizing systems are therefore used in this industry for quality control and assurance.
In paint manufacturing, particle size analysis is vital for the formation of pigments and the mixing of the materials used in the fabrication of household and industrial paint systems. Particle sizing is essential for the proper distribution and homogenization of pigments within the paint matrix. Pigments that come in very fine particle sizes can be emulsified into the base paint more easily, but may be prone to aggregating. Finding that magic number of the particle sizes for the pigments can be the deciding factor of a quality household paint. In industrial paints, such as powder coatings, particle size and shape distribution is an all-important factor to a quality end product for the manufacturer of parts such as automobile castings.
In the scientific community, particle size analysis has a vital role in many disciplines. Researchers use this method of testing for many areas of science. Geologists can sort minerals according to the particles embedded in the matrixes of rocks and sediments. Ironically, this is accomplished using a sedimentation particle-sizing instrument. This seemingly simple device can detect many different particle sizes and shapes from emulsions, powders, and aerosols created for analysis. This invaluable tool has led to many new discoveries in geology and the utilization of natural resources more efficiently.
In the medical field, particle size analysers have become one of the most sought after tools for diagnostics. Hematology, the field of the study of human blood, is immersed in this technology, as blood counters and blood cell morphology detectors are being used to this day as a method for determining the absence or presence of disease. Small aperture Coulter-style particle size systems use electronically induced magnetic fields in a very tiny aperture, just over the size of the cells they detect, and the interference of these cells are electronically analyzed and scrutinized by database comparison. This advancement has sped up the diagnoses of health problems in individuals being brought into emergency rooms all over the world, as turn-around times have diminished for efficiency.
Other important industries, such as pharmaceuticals manufacturers, have adapted themselves for particle sizing systems, as these highly accurate systems provide vast arrays of knowledge about the actions of the substances the produce. Cosmetics has leapt ahead in technology using particle sizing systems, as powders and other forms of the cosmetic lines can be used more efficiently and cover more securely. Oil systems have used these methodologies to produce more efficiently burning fuels, as the particles in these substances must be uniform and equal in size and shape. Examining fossil fuels for their properties has been involved in particle sizing systems.
by: Andrew Long