Services for industry Granulometric analysis
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Granulometric laboratory analysis

Your needs: particle size analysis of a powder, grain or particle

Particle size analysis is a method used to measure and characterize 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, particle size analysis can be used to measure sedimentation rates and differentiate between different particle sizes prior to further analysis. At the customer's request, particle size analysis can be carried out in accordance with specific regulations such as ISO 13320 or ASTM B822.

Why perform a particle size analysis?

Particle size analysis measures and characterizes particles in terms of size, shape, surface area, porosity and so on. In this way, it identifies the materials and their interaction in a sample, useful for a variety of purposes including...

Guarantee product safety and quality control

Study the behavior of particulate systems. Particle size analysis can also help 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

Measure sedimentation rates and differentiate between particle sizes before further analysis

Materials

Materials and particles subject to particle size analysis

Metallic and mineral powder
Organic powder
Particles
Grain/sand

Granulometry or particle size analysis can be performed on a variety of materials: powders, grains, divided solids, particles... This material and particle analysis technique is frequently used in the food, fine chemicals, additive manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.

Materials such as clays, organic wastes, polymers, metals and organic powders can be analyzed using this method. In fact, any substance containing solid particles can generally be subjected to particle size analysis to obtain information on their size and molecular distribution.

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In the laboratory, three types of particle size analysis are possible: laser particle size analysis, particle size analysis by sieving and particle size analysis by sedimentation.

Analysis

The different types of particle size analysis

Each particle size analysis technique has its own advantages and limitations, but all are useful for characterizing particle size and therefore their behavior in different media.
• Granulometric analysis by sieving
Granulometric analysis by sieving

Particle size analysis by sieving uses sieves of different sizes. This system separates particles according to their size. Different sieves are nested 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 size of a sample. The sieving technique used depends on various parameters, such as the particle size to be determined, the sieving mode (wet or dry), and static electrical factors. There are three main types of sieve shaker: mechanical, vibratory and sonic.

• Laser granulometry
Laser granulometry

Laser particle size analysis 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 performed wet or dry.

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• Granulometric analysis by sedimentation
Granulometric analysis by sedimentation

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 particle size analysis?

Using a laboratory to carry out particle size analysis is a technical decision that guarantees highly accurate results. In fact, laboratories have advanced techniques for assessing the sizes and distributions of the various 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.

Nuclear
Nuclear
Aeronautic
Aeronautic
Spatial
Spatial
Medical
Medical
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical
Chemicals
Chemicals
Cosmetic
Cosmetic
Automotive
Automotive
Electronic
Electronic
Defense/Security
Defense/Security
Food industry
Food industry

Sector application example: particle size analysis in pharmaceuticals

Particle size analysis techniques are useful in the pharmaceutical industry for characterizing drugs, particularly in powder or granule form, and thus guaranteeing their quality. By controlling particle size, particle size analysis helps to ensure homogeneous distribution of the active ingredients, thus guaranteeing optimum drug efficacy. Particle size parameters are key factors in product quality and efficacy. Particle size analysis techniques enable manufacturers to better understand the physico-chemical properties of their products, produce more stable formulations and maximize drug pharmacokinetics.

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What minimum quantity do I need to carry out a particle size analysis?

For laser particle size analysis, a minimum quantity of 5g is required.

What parameters are studied in a particle size analysis?

The particle size distribution and the parameters d10, d50 and d90 will be determined. The measurement range is estimated at 0.1 to 2000 µm. It can be used either wet or dry.

What's the difference between dry and liquid voices?

The dry route enables powders to be characterized without destroying the initial aggregation.

The liquid route is used to disperse particles. Analysis is performed on particles in suspension. Granulometry can be elementary or aggregated.

Notre FAQ

What are the advantages of particle size analysis by sieving?

Particle size analysis by sieving is a method used to determine particle sizes in a sample of soil, dust or other granular material. This technique offers several advantages. By using sieves of various sizes, particle size analysis enables particle size distribution to be determined quickly and accurately. The results obtained can be essential for understanding the physical and mechanical properties of the materials studied, particularly in the pharmaceutical, construction and agricultural industries.

What sample preparation is required prior to particle size analysis by sieving?

Before subjecting a sample to particle size analysis by sieving, it is advisable to dry the sample in order to obtain accurate measurements, free from interference due to moisture. Next, the sample must be homogenized to ensure uniform particle distribution in the sieve. This prevents agglomerates and clogs 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.

What are the regulations governing laboratory particle size analysis?

Laboratory particle size 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.

The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical park of 2100m²
A complete analytical park of 2100m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
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To find out more about these services, don't hesitate
to contact our team.

Alexandre VIGLIONE
Alexandre VIGLIONE Technical Sales Representative
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