Investigations of automated particle size analysis techniques

Abstract

The behaviour and properties of particles is dependent upon their morphology, size, and size distribution. Particle morphology such as shape and texture can influence bulk physical properties. The traditional method to determine particle size distribution of sediments and soils at the GSC (Sedimentology Laboratory) has been sieve and pipette analysis. Pipette analysis is a time-consuming method with a low turnover of samples. In 1990, a laser particle-size analyzer was purchased to increase productivity. This study compares the laser particle-size analyzer to the classical pipette as an effective routine method for particle size analysis. Other instrumental methods employed in the GSC and at another federal government department are also compared. The methods focus primarily on the composite analysis of fine-grained, amorphous Si materials (fly ash) from thermal electrical generating plants. The instrumental techniques offer comparable grain size information to pipette analysis for the silt- and clay-size ranges. Thus, any one of these instrumental techniques can be recommended for grain size analysis of fine (silt and clay) particles.