Particle Size Analysis

Analysing particle size is an effective way for manufacturers to reduce costs, and maintain high quality-control standards - and for operators of plant with emissions to air, land or water to ensure that they meet environmental standards.

Challenge
Understanding and monitoring particle size can be a major quality control, safety or environmental issue for many industries - for example particle size or shape:

• can have an impact on product quality
• can have an impact on material handling processes
• variations in material dimensions can result in production line stoppages
• can be critical in choosing personal protective equipment - particularly where there are very fine particles
• can be critical in ensuring the correct filtration medium is used so that recycled wastewater meets environmental standards
• can be critical in the impact particle sedimentation rates in water systems have on flora and fauna
• can be critical in the evaluation of waste waters for recycling applications 
• can also be critical in relation to EPA and other regulatory requirements for stack emissions and discharges

Solution
HRL Techology provides particle size analysis for a range of clients including in the ceramics, cosmetics, food, paint and pharmaceutical industries - and for emission monitoring in myriad situations. 

HRL Technology uses a range of techniques to measure  particle size including:

• laser scattering to measure the particle size distribution of powders, dusts and emulsions -a technique that can measure particles between 0.01 µm and 2000 µm in a liquid matrix
• scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) to characterise the size, shape and composition of trace quantities of particle emissions or dust samples
• wet and dry sieving, with calibrated sieves, to determine the size of large particles
• an aerodynamic classifier to size and separate dust samples
• sedimentation apparatus to determine settling rates, turbidity impacts and particle velocities. 

Benefits
Ways in which HRL Technology's particle size analysis services can benefit you include by:

• reducing costs through improving operation of milling and blending circuits
• helping to ensure your plant produces a consistent product quality
• helping you to meet domestic and international quality control standards
• providing information to help you make accurate decisons in relation to your plant processes - the first time - and so saving money and time
• helping you to protect the safety of your personnel and the environment
• helping you to optimise particle size and so best meet your manufacturing specifications.

For further information contact particlesize@hrl.com.au or Nick Miller on 03 9565 9888 (International +61 3 9565 9888) or click on the contacts button below.