Performance of phase-Doppler and laser-diffraction particle sizing instruments

Abstract

The performance of two types of particle sizing instruments, the phase-Doppler and the laser-diffraction types, are discussed in this paper. The principles of operation of both types of instruments are briefly reviewed to identify areas of application for each. Some practical limitations in the application of these instruments are discussed. Calibration procedures are described for the two instruments, and comments are offered regarding the accuracy of measurements. Comparisons are shown for drop size measurements and concentrations using laser-diffraction and phase-Doppler instruments. Procedures for processing particle size measurements for comparison with other instruments or computational results are described, as well as techniques to compute overall average particle size characteristics where variations are measured through the particle cloud. Finally, areas of opportunity for improvement of these instruments are discussed.The performance of two types of particle sizing instruments, the phase-Doppler and the laser-diffraction types, are discussed in this paper. The principles of operation of both types of instruments are briefly reviewed to identify areas of application for each. Some practical limitations in the application of these instruments are discussed. Calibration procedures are described for the two instruments, and comments are offered regarding the accuracy of measurements. Comparisons are shown for drop size measurements and concentrations using laser-diffraction and phase-Doppler instruments. Procedures for processing particle size measurements for comparison with other instruments or computational results are described, as well as techniques to compute overall average particle size characteristics where variations are measured through the particle cloud. Finally, areas of opportunity for improvement of these instruments are discussed.