High Resolution, Broad Range Particle Size Distribution Analyses in Air, Aqueous, and Non-Aqueous Media, 1994 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings

Alfredo T. Palmer

The size distributions of filtered particles and those in a filtrate can provide useful information for the design and application of a wide range of filters and filter types. Obtaining highly resolved, single run, broad range distributions of these particles in a variety of media on a single instrument can present a great challenge for filter design and applications specialists. The Scientific Instruments Division of Coulter Corporation has developed an instrument that meets this challenge. Based on laser light scattering, the Coulter LS130 can analyze a variety of particles in a wide range of media by the use of four unique and interchangeable modules. The LS Dry Powder Module (LS DPM) allows for the analysis of dry powders in air. The LS Liquid Module (LS LM) allows for dispersion and analyses in aqueous media. For particles that need special non-aqueous conditions (e.g. due to water solubility, water/air reactivity etc.), size distribution analyses are facilitated via the LS Hazardous Fluids Module (LS HFM). Small volume samples in either aqueous or non-aqueous media are analyzed with the LS Micro-Volume Module (LS MVM). An explanation of the theory behind sizing by laser light scattering, some considerations of size distributions obtained by this method, and some examples of analyses performed are given in this paper.