A system for measuring a particle size distribution of particles of a particulate matter

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a system that can simultaneously measure the particle size distribution (PSD) and crystalline characteristics of powders or particulate materials. It achieves this by using a combination of particle separation (such as centrifugation or magnetic separation) with real-time measurement of both the absorption and diffraction of radiation (such as X-rays) as the particles pass through a detection area. This allows much faster, higher-resolution analysis than traditional methods, which required separate, time-consuming steps for size and crystalline analysis.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Quality control and development of ceramic, metal, or catalyst powders in industries such as electronics, automotive, and advanced manufacturing.
• Geological and soil science for precise analysis of mineral and soil samples.
• Pharmaceutical development, where particle size and crystallinity can impact drug efficacy and safety.
• Pigment and cosmetic production where particle size and structure affect color, texture, and performance.
• Cement and construction material manufacturing, where powder properties influence strength and setting behavior.
• Abrasive manufacturing to optimize powder distribution for tools and blasting applications.
• Analytical research laboratories requiring rapid, detailed particle analysis.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Simultaneous measurement of particle size distribution and crystalline nature, reducing analysis time significantly.
• Higher resolution and detail in analysis compared to conventional, separate measurement methods.
• Requires smaller sample amounts, making analysis possible for limited or expensive materials.
• Can handle mixtures with multiple crystal phases, shapes, or composite structures, enabling more comprehensive characterization.
• Allows for real-time, dynamic monitoring during particle separation processes, improving process understanding and control.
• Facilitates faster decision-making in production, research, and quality assurance environments.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system for measuring the particle size distribution of the particles of a particulate matter and, simultaneously, its crystalline nature. This objective is achieved according to the present invention by a system for measuring the particle size distribution of the particles of a particulate matter; comprising: a) a particle separation unit (4), such as a decanter unit, a centrifugal unit or a magnetic/electric field unit, being designed to force the particles (10a, 10b) to move through a moderating agent (8), such as liquid or a suspension; b) a radiation source (12) and a respective detector (14) enabled to measure dynamically the transmitted and/or particle absorbed amount of the incident light in at least a section of said particle acceleration unit (4), said measurement being preferably performable during predetermined time intervals; c) a radiation source (12) and a respective detector (14) enabled to simultaneously measure dynamically the beam - particle interaction, such as diffraction pattern, of the particles (10a, 10b) moving along at least a section of said particle acceleration unit (4), said measurement being preferably performable during predetermined time intervals. The present system therefore allows to measure both the particle size distribution as well as the crystalline nature of the powders at the same time thereby achieving a higher resolution within a shorter investigation period as compared to the methods known so far.