Quality Aspects in Particulate Analysis

Abstract

The quality of particle size analysis for the purpose of control of product quality consists of several parts. First, the most relevant parameter(s) have to be chosen to represent the quality of a specific product in a specific application. Some background is given, but an optimum answer to any new product with new properties can only be found by thorough investigation, knowledge and experience. Secondly, the quality aspects of both technique and total procedure for measurement have to be considered in relation to the requirements set for product performance and an adequate procedure selected. The quality aspects of a technique include measurement range, analysis time, precision, noise, drift, bias, accuracy, resolution, sensitivity, lower detection limit, traceability, and investment and labor costs. A quantitative description for these aspects is given together with the major error sources. Altogether, it is advised to set up a protocol for each PSD measurement method in relation to the given application(s), in which all choices made are clearly described.