Particle Size Analysis by Electrical Conductivity
Particle Size Analysis by Electrical Conductivity is a technique used to measure the size of particles suspended in a liquid or gas. This method is used for both research and industrial applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and food science. The technique is based on the fact that the electrical conductivity of a solution containing particles is proportional to the particle size, the size of the objects being determined by the conductivity of the particles.
This technique makes use of an electrical conductivity cell which measures the conductivity of the sample and converts it into a size measurement. An electrode pair is placed in the cell and an alternating current (AC) is applied. As particles pass through the cell, their individual conductivities contribute to the overall conductivity and this is measured by the probe. By calibrating the cell using particles of known size and comparing the measured results, the size of the particles in the sample can be calculated.
The advantages of this method include low cost, rapid results, no need for sample preparation, and a wide range of sizes that can be measured. In addition, it is a non-destructive technique, meaning that the sample itself is not damaged when measured, making it ideal for fragile samples such as pharmaceuticals and food.
The technique is accurate, but the results are affected by several factors, including the shape and composition of the particles being measured, the temperature of the sample and the solution, the type of electrolyte used, and the speed of the sample. There is also a practical limit to the size of particles that can be accurately detected, although higher accuracy rates can be reached with specialized equipment.
In summary, Particle Size Analysis by Electrical Conductivity is a useful and cost-effective method for particle size measurement research and industrial usage. The results are accurate enough to be used for a wide range of applications, making the technique a valuable tool for the food, pharmaceutical and materials science industries.
