Evaluation of the Microtrac (SPA) for Particle Size Analysis of Superfine Materials

Abstract

An evaluation was made of the Microtrac (SPA) to determine whether it would meet Atlantic Research Corporation needs for rapid analysis of superfine materials. In this size range, the Microtrac (SPA) proved to be as reproduciable as the MSA particle size analyzer. In most cases, particle size results of the Microtrac (SPA) were the same or slightly smaller than those of the MSA. However, due to shape factor, some materials tested larger by Microtrac (SPA) than by MSA. Microtrac (SPA) anlaysis time is approximately six minutes for duplicate results once the sample is introduced for testing. This contrasts with MSA analysis times of 45 minutes to over 3 hours for superfine material. Good results were obtained for median particle sizes of seven micrometers down into the sub-micrometer region. Considering that MSA particle size equipment is no longer manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances Company, the Microtrac (SPA) provides a good alternative for testing in the superfine range and has the added advantages of very rapid analysis time; simple operation; automatic accumulatiuon, calculation and printing of data and less operator time.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 02, 1982
Accession Number
ADP004438

Entities

People

  • E. H. Steger

Organizations

  • ARCO

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ammonium Perchlorate
  • Analyzers
  • Detectors
  • Filters
  • Forward Scattering
  • Halogens
  • Histograms
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Particle Size
  • Particles
  • Polarizers
  • Propellants
  • Refractive Index
  • Sampling
  • Scattering

Readers

  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Quantum spin resonance or Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy.
  • Statistical inference.