How to choose a particle size analyzer: Considering quantitative and qualitative needs
The number of particle sizing methods available today can make it difficult to choose a particle size analyzer. While some particle size analyzers can be used for more than one task, an analyzer is generally suited to a particular task. This article introduces broad categories of particle sizing methods, then discusses quantitative and qualitative needs to consider when selecting a particle size analyzer.
One way to simplify selecting a particle size analyzer is to broadly categorize particle sizing methods into how the methods work or what tasks they're suited to. The categories, though not definitive, are size range, imaging versus non-imaging, degree of sample separation, weighting, and information content. [For more information on specific particle size analyzers and their operation, see the resources listed at the end of this article.]