Granulometric laboratory analysis
Your needs: granulometric analysis of a powder, grain or particle
Granulometric analysis is a method of materials analysis used to measure and characterise particles in terms of size, shape, surface area, porosity and other physical characteristics. It identifies the types of materials or particles present in a sample and assesses how they interact with each other. It can also be used to measure the quality and conformity of the powders used, particularly in additive manufacturing. Particle size analysis helps to understand the impact on filtration and mixing of different particles.
For example, granulometric analysis can be used to measure sedimentation rates and differentiate between different particle sizes prior to further analysis. At the customer’s request, granulometric analysis can be carried out in accordance with specific regulations such as ISO 13320 or ASTM B822.
What is the purpose of a granulometric analysis?
Granulometric analysis measures and characterises particles in terms of size, shape, surface area, porosity, etc. It identifies the materials and their interaction in a sample. In this way, it identifies the materials and their interaction in a sample, which is useful for a variety of purposes, including...
Guaranteeing product safety and quality control
Guaranteeing product safety and quality control
Study the behaviour of particulate systems. Particle size analysis can also be used to understand how different particles can affect filtration performance or how two different powders can mix.
Study the behaviour of particulate systems. Particle size analysis can also be used to understand how different particles can affect filtration performance or how two different powders can mix.
Develop industrial processes using particle technology to mix, separate or coat materials
Develop industrial processes using particle technology to mix, separate or coat materials
Measure sedimentation rates and differentiate between different particle sizes prior to further analysis
Measure sedimentation rates and differentiate between different particle sizes prior to further analysis
Materials and particles subject to granulometric analysis
Metallic and mineral powder
Organic powder
Particles
Grains/sand
Granulometry or granulometric analysis can be carried out on a variety of materials: powders, grains, divided solids, particles, etc. This technique for analysing materials and particles is frequently used in the agri-food, fine chemicals, additive manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.
Materials such as clays, organic waste, polymers, metals and organic powders can be analysed using this method. In fact, any substance containing solid particles can generally be subjected to granulometric analysis to obtain information about their size and the distribution of molecules.
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In the laboratory, there are three possible types of granulometric analysis: laser granulometry, granulometric analysis by sieving and granulometric analysis by sedimentation.
The different types of granulometric testing
Particle size analysis by sieving uses sieves of different sizes. This system separates particles according to their size. Different sieves fit together to obtain a gradation from top to bottom. There are also sieve shakers that automate the process of shaking, separating and determining the particle sizes of a sample. The sieving technique used depends on various parameters, such as the size of the particles to be determined, the sieving mode (wet or dry) and static electrical factors. In sieve analysis, there are three main types of sieve shaker: mechanical, vibratory and sonic.
Laser granulometry is a state-of-the-art technique that uses a laser beam to measure the size of individual particles in a sample. This analysis can be carried out using liquid, wet or dry methods.
Finally, granulometric analysis by sedimentation is based on the principle of gravity and measures the sedimentation rate of particles in a liquid.
Why use a laboratory for granulometric analysis?
Using a laboratory to carry out a granulometric testing is a technical decision that guarantees highly accurate results. Laboratories have advanced techniques for assessing the size and distribution of the different particles making up a sample. This analysis is essential in many fields of application, such as civil engineering, agronomy and the pharmaceutical industry. The laboratories are equipped to handle a wide variety of materials and are able to provide useful recommendations for improving product quality.
Example of a sector application: granulometric analysis in pharmaceuticals
Granulometric analysis techniques are useful in the pharmaceutical industry for characterising medicines, particularly in powder or granule form, and thus guaranteeing their quality. By controlling particle size, granulometric analysis helps to ensure a homogenous distribution of the active ingredients, which in turn ensures optimal drug efficacy. Granulometric parameters are key factors in product quality and efficacy. Granulometric analysis techniques enable manufacturers to better understand the physico-chemical properties of their products, produce more stable formulations and maximise the pharmacokinetics of drugs.
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What minimum quantity do I need to carry out a granulometric testing?
What parameters are studied in a granulometric testing?
What's the difference between a dry voice and a liquid voice?
The liquid method is used to disperse particles. The analysis is carried out on particles in suspension. Granulometry can be elementary or aggregated.
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Before subjecting a sample to granulometric analysis by sieving, it is advisable to dry the sample in order to obtain accurate measurements, without interference due to moisture. Next, the sample should be homogenised to ensure uniform particle distribution in the sieve. This prevents agglomerates and plugs in the sieve mesh. In addition, it is important to ensure that the quantity of material submitted for analysis is sufficient to obtain meaningful results. Sieving is therefore an effective and reliable method for determining the particle size distribution of solid samples in the laboratory.
Laboratory granulometric analysis can be carried out in accordance with established standards and regulations. Two of the main international standards include ISO 13320 and ASTM B822. ISO 13320 sets out guidelines for particle size analysis by laser diffraction, while ASTM B822 applies to particle size analysis by dry sieving. By following these standards, laboratories can ensure that their results are consistent and reliable.
Granulometry impacts product quality by influencing the physical and functional properties of materials in various industries:
- Pharmaceuticals: Affects the dissolution and bioavailability of drugs.
- Cosmetics: Influences the texture and application of powders and creams.
- Ceramics: Plays a role in the mechanical strength and finish of parts.
- Construction: The grain size of sand and gravel determines the strength of concrete.
- Metallurgy: Impacts the fusion and solidification of metal powders for additive manufacturing.
Precise granulometry guarantees optimum performance and consistent quality.
The FILAB laboratory adapts the granulometric analysis to the materials by choosing the most appropriate method for each type of particle. For example, for materials such as sand and gravel, sieving is used. For fine powders, as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, laser diffraction is preferred, offering greater precision. Finally, sedimentation is used to analyse particles in suspension, such as those present in sludges or liquid suspensions, with adjustments based on the density and viscosity of the materials.
Technical | Industries | Benefits |
Screening | Construction, ceramic | Simple, ISO/ASTM standard, suitable for granular materials. |
Laser diffraction | Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics | High precision, fast, fine analysis of powders. |
Sedimentation | Metallurgy, chemistry | Ideal for particles in suspension, accurate size assessment. |
Optical imaging | Food, cosmetics | Visualisation of shapes and sizes, rapid and detailed analysis. |
Electron microscopy | Advanced materials | Ultra-fine analysis of nanoparticles, very high resolution. |
Each technique is tailored to specific needs, depending on the size and nature of the particles to be analysed.
Granulometry is measured by laser diffraction, sieving, sedimentation, centrifugation or electron microscopy (SEM), depending on the precision and application required.
An unsuitable particle size distribution can cause flow problems, density variations or compaction defects. This can have an impact on the performance of powders in the pharmaceutical or metallurgy industries.
Granulometric analysis is essential for controlling the quality and performance of powders used in various industrial sectors. Particle size has a direct influence on the fluidity, compaction, dissolution and reactivity of materials.
In additive manufacturing and metallurgy, it ensures that the powders melt properly and that the parts are optimally finished. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is crucial for ensuring uniform bioavailability of active ingredients. In the food industry, it has an impact on the texture and solubility of ingredients.
This analysis also helps to meet regulatory standards, optimise production processes and guarantee the repeatability of powder performance.
Granulometric analysis uses different equipment depending on the method used. Laser diffraction uses a laser granulometer that sends a beam of light onto the particles and measures the diffraction. Sieving requires a series of standardised sieves and a mechanical shaker to sort the particles by size. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allows detailed observation of particle morphology and size.
A granulometric distribution test is used to determine the distribution of particle sizes in a powder. It is essential for ensuring the quality of materials and optimising their performance in additive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing and metallurgy. Good control of particle size improves the fluidity, compaction and reactivity of powders, guaranteeing better homogeneity and increased efficiency in their final application.
Granulometry plays a key role in the porosity and permeability of a material by influencing the arrangement of the particles.
Large, uniform particles create greater porosity with large interstitial voids, promoting high permeability. Conversely, fine particles or particles of varying sizes reduce these spaces, reducing porosity and limiting the passage of fluids.
In metallurgy, the right particle size distribution guarantees controlled porosity in sintered powders. In pharmaceuticals, it influences the dissolution of tablets. In civil engineering, it has an impact on the filtration and strength of concrete and ceramics.
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