Particle size analysis - gravimetric sieving

This article will discuss particle size analysis based on a study of particle size distribution, using gravimetric sieving in particular for a specific application: samples ranging from 10 to 3 mm.

Understanding and controlling particle distribution

First, here is a brief explanation of what particle size distribution is. It refers to the distribution of particle sizes present in a granular material.

Finally, what we mean by granular material is a collection of solid particles of varying sizes that interact mainly through contact. These industrial materials can be aggregates, metal powders, or even pharmaceutical products…

This analysis is essential in many industrial sectors (pharmaceutical, cosmetics, metallurgy, medical devices, etc.), as it can directly impact the physical and mechanical properties of materials (stability, reactivity, filtration, bulk density) as well as their performance and quality.

Among the various methods of particle size analysis, gravimetric sieving stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness for particles between 10 mm and 3 mm in particular.

Application: Gravimetric screening for particles ranging from 10 to 3 mm

The principle of gravimetric screening analysis

Sieve analysis is one of the granulometric analyses. Gravimetric sieving is a physical method used to separate particles of a material according to their size. It relies on the use of a series of calibrated sieves with progressively smaller mesh sizes. The particles are placed on the top sieve and subjected to mechanical movement, allowing them to pass through the mesh sizes appropriate for their size.

The material fractions are then weighed to establish a precise particle size distribution.

sifting

Sieve analysis allows you to:

Measure the size of particles present in a sample to understand their nature

Mesurer la qualité et la conformité des poudres ou granulés utilisés dans deMeasuring the quality and compliance of powders or granules used in many industries (chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, medical devices, etc.), particularly in the context of additive manufacturing production. nombreux secteurs d’activités (chimie, pharmaceutique, cosmétique, dispositifs médicaux…) et notamment dans le cadre des productions par fabrication additive

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The pharmaceutical industry uses it to control the quality of excipients and solid active ingredients, while in cosmetics, it ensures the uniformity of powders and granules used in makeup and skincare products.

In plastics processing, analyzing plastic pellets helps ensure consistent extrusion and molding processes. Finally, in the field of medical devices, it allows for verification of the particle size of materials used in the manufacture of prostheses, implants, or polymer-based devices.

More specifically, a few concrete cases studied at the FILAB laboratory illustrate how gravimetric screening is used in different industrial contexts to guarantee product performance, compliance, and quality:

Inspection of polymer pellets prior to injection molding: to ensure uniform flow and prevent cosmetic defects in plastic parts.

Qualification of recycled metal powders in additive manufacturing: with the aim of controlling particle size after recycling to avoid density variations in prints.

Checking the consistency of solid exfoliants in cosmetic creams or gels: to ensure a uniform feel when applied and prevent excessive abrasion.

Analysis of compressed excipients in dry pharmaceutical forms: to ensure good homogeneity and facilitate tablet compression.

In conclusion

Gravimetric sieve analysis of particle size distribution remains an essential technique for effectively characterizing solid materials ranging from 10 to 3 mm in size. Its simplicity, reliability, and ability to meet the needs of many industrial sectors make it a preferred method for ensuring material quality and compliance.