D(v 0.5)? D(4,3)? Particle Size Analyzer – Frequently Asked Questions Compilation

For all those using the particle size analyzer (Mastersizer),

let’s organize some of the most frequently asked questions. 

 

 

Q1 :D(v,0.1)‘s meaning is? 

A: It means the area occupying less than this point is 10% of the total size distribution. 

Q2 : D(v 0.5)‘s meaning is?

A: This indicates the median diameter calculated by volume(size) distribution. This means the area occupying less than this point is 50% of the total size distribution. Conversely, the area occupying more than this point is 50% of the total distribution. 

 

Q3 : D(3,2)means what?

A: This is the mean diameter calculated from the surface area of particles, also called the Sauter mean diameter. It indicates the mean diameter of a sphere with the same surface area as the actual particles. 

 

Q4 : D(4,3)‘s meaning is?

A: This is the mean diameter calculated from the volume of particles. It indicates the mean diameter of a sphere with the same volume as the actual particles. 

 

Q5 : In Report Designer, you can change the screen layout, but why doesn’t the previous report change when printing? 

A: You also need to change the page layout for the print output screen to change

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Q6 : How can I check the version of the Software?

A: Generally, to check the current version of your Software, select “Help” from the main menu and click “about” to display the current version.  

 

Q7 : In the Report, what does “Span” mean?

A: This refers to the width of the particle size distribution calculated using the method Span= (D(0.9)-D(0.1)/D(0.5).

The Span value is dimensionless and simply indicates the narrowness or wideness of the distribution span. 

 

Q8 : Wet window cell: Why do bubbles occur on the wall?

A: The air or gas dissolved in the water becomes gas due to the temperature difference between the cold water and the room. To resolve this issue, fill the storage tank with water to bring it closer to room temperature, store the tank indoors before measurement, and reduce the water pressure entering the dispersion device. Also, bubbles can form from dust or powder adhering to the window surface (inside), so it’s a good idea to clean the window if bubbles appear. Finally, ultrasound can also be used to remove gases dissolved in the water. 

 

Q9 : Can a Mastersizer connected to a network computer store and print data over the network?? 

A: If you have permission to access the network, it is possible. Please contact your network administrator to properly configure your computer 

Q10 : When changing the settings of the result graph from a frequency curve to a size band histogram, why does the volume % peak value decrease?

A: This is because it is part of the total volume distribution. The frequency distribution allocates 64 analysis regions as % of the size distribution range. In a histogram, it is divided into 100 size areas. Assigning the same volume to 100 areas results in smaller output per unit area than assigning it to 64 areas. Setting the histogram size band to the same as the analysis size band makes the two graphs identical. 

 

Q11 : How often do I need to perform Verification to prove the equipment’s performance?

A: We recommend that before any measurement, it’s important to check daily if the equipment operates within the required tolerance limits. Quality Audit Standards (standard samples) were developed to meet this requirement.  

 

Q12 : How can I prove the equipment’s performance before a service visit? 

A: We recommend regular verification before a service visit using QAS (Quality Audit Standard) standard samples, which are easier to maintain and more economical than general Latex standard samples.. 

 

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