EXP.

NO: MT2171/01

MEASUREMENT OF THE
PARTICLE SIZE
DISTRIBUTION OF A FINE
POWDER BY
SEDIMENTATION METHOD.

INSTRUCTED BY:
MS.M.D.U.NIPUNIKA.
PARTNERS
1. 200257V JAYASINGHE N.W.P.D.
NAME: LAKSITHA G.N.
2. 200261D JAYASUNDARA H.P.M.G.P.
COURSE: B.SC. ENGINEERING
3. 200270E JAYAWEERA W.M.S.P.
GROUP: GROUP C
4. 200283V KANCHANA O.G.W.P.K.
5. 200317G KULATHUNGA G.A.N.T. NO: 200337R

6. 200267C JAYAWARDHANA I.R.M. DATE OF PER: 28/03/2023

7. 200344K LIVINSTON N.U.I.K. DATE OF SUB: 04/04/2023

INTRODUCTION
Particle size distribution (PSD) is an essential characteristic that influences the physical and
chemical properties of powders. PSD has a significant impact on the performance of many
materials, including catalysts, pigments, pharmaceuticals, and coatings. Therefore, accurate
measurement of the PSD is crucial in the development and manufacturing of these materials.

There are various techniques available for measuring PSD, including laser diffraction, dynamic
light scattering, sedimentation, and microscopy. Each of these methods has its advantages and
limitations, depending on the characteristics of the sample and the required measurement range.
Among these methods, sedimentation is a widely used and well-established technique that can
measure the PSD of a wide range of particle sizes, including particles in the micron and submicron
range.

The sedimentation method is based on the principle of gravity settling of particles in a fluid
medium. The particles are suspended in a liquid medium and allowed to settle under gravity. The
settling rate of the particles is measured, and the PSD is calculated using mathematical models.
The sedimentation method provides accurate results for particles larger than 0.5 microns and is
suitable for powders that have a narrow particle size distribution and do not form agglomerates.

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the sedimentation method for measuring
PSD. It will discuss the principles of the sedimentation method, the experimental setup, data
analysis, and the advantages and limitations of the method. Additionally, the paper will compare
the sedimentation method with other techniques available for measuring PSD. The objective of
this paper is to provide a clear understanding of the sedimentation method and its potential
applications in various industries.
 THEORY

The sedimentation method for measuring PSD is based on the principle of gravity settling of
particles in a liquid medium. The settling rate of particles is influenced by several factors, including
particle size, density, shape, and the viscosity of the medium. The sedimentation method involves
suspending the particles in a liquid medium and allowing them to settle under gravity. The settling
rate of particles is measured, and the PSD is calculated using mathematical models.

The mathematical models used in the sedimentation method are based on the Stoke's law, which
describes the settling of spherical particles in a fluid medium. According to Stoke's law, the settling
velocity of a particle in a fluid is proportional to the difference between the densities of the particle
and the fluid, the square of the particle's diameter, and the acceleration due to gravity. The settling
velocity of a particle can be expressed mathematically as follows:

𝑑
𝐹 = 6𝜋𝜂 ( ) 𝑣
2

The equation for drag force is given by F = 6πηrv, where η is the viscosity of the fluid, r is the
radius of the particle, and v is the velocity of the particle. This equation is valid for particles moving
through a fluid at low Reynolds numbers, where the flow is predominantly in one direction and
the motion is laminar. At higher Reynolds numbers, the flow becomes turbulent, and the drag force
becomes more complicated to calculate.

In practice, the settling velocity of particles is measured by observing the change in the height of
the suspension over time. The suspension is initially well-mixed, and the height of the suspension
is measured at regular intervals. As particles settle, the height of the suspension decreases, and the
settling rate can be calculated by analyzing the change in the height of the suspension over time.

The PSD can be calculated from the settling rate data using various mathematical models,
including the classical Ganser model, the modified Ganser model, and the Kynch model. These
models use different assumptions and equations to calculate the PSD based on the settling rate
data.

Equation can be employed to create a table for the values of d, which are 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1
micron. These values can be substituted into the equation to generate the corresponding values for
the chart.

In the sedimentation method, a liquid containing spherical particles of varying sizes is allowed to settle
under gravity. As time progresses, each particle falls at its terminal velocity, with particles of the same
size falling at the same velocity and through the same distance each time. To isolate particles smaller
than a chosen diameter, a sample of the suspension is removed by a pipette submerged to a depth of h
after a certain amount of time. The sample obtained will only contain particles smaller than dt, as larger
particles will have already fallen below the sampling level. Although some smaller particles may have
also fallen below h, they will be replaced by an equal number of particles from above. By taking samples
at appropriate times and depths and evaporating them to dryness, the concentration of particles below a
particular size can be determined. This information can then be used to construct a distribution curve
showing the percentage of particles below a specific size versus the particle diameter.

In summary, the sedimentation method for measuring PSD is based on the principle of gravity
settling of particles in a liquid medium. The method involves suspending the particles in a liquid
medium and measuring the settling rate of particles. The PSD is calculated from the settling rate
data using mathematical models based on the Stoke's law. The accuracy of the PSD measurement
depends on several factors, including the size and shape of particles, the density and viscosity of
the medium, and the experimental conditions.
MATERIALS AND APPARATUS

➢ China clay 20g

➢ Calgon solution 0.6% 10ml

➢ Water 600ml

➢ Measuring cylinder

➢ Pipette

➢ petri dishes

➢ Balance

➢ Clock

➢ Oven
PROCEDURE

1. Prepare a suspension by mixing 20 g of China clay (dry) with 600 ml of water and 10 ml
of 0.6% Calgon solution in a measuring cylinder.

2. Vigorously shake the suspension by hand for at least two minutes.

3. Take a 10 ml sample of the suspension immediately after shaking and transfer it to a

4. Dry the dish and its contents at 110°C for 1 hour.

5. After cooling, reweigh the dish and samples, and calculate the weight of the sample w0.

6. Repeat the above procedure four more times after 23 seconds, 11 minutes and 31
seconds, 38 minutes and 15 seconds, and 2 hours and 33 minutes, taking 10 ml samples at
a depth of 20 cm from the surface of the suspension.

7. Use a stopwatch to measure 30 seconds during each sampling time.

8. Calculate the weight of all samples using the same procedure as mentioned above.

9. Use the collected data to determine the particle size distribution of the fine powder
through sedimentation.
CONCLUSIONS

• The sedimentation method is a reliable and accurate technique for determining the particle size
distribution of fine powders.
• The particle size distribution of the China clay suspension tested in this study showed a higher
concentration of smaller particles compared to larger particles.
• The sedimentation method is a time-consuming process, requiring multiple samples to be taken
at different time intervals and depths to obtain accurate results.
• The use of a stopwatch to measure 30 seconds during each sampling time helped ensure
consistent and reliable data collection.
• The results obtained through sedimentation can be used to construct a distribution curve of “%
under size” against diameter, which can provide valuable information for various industrial and
scientific applications.

• The accuracy of results obtained through sedimentation method depends on several factors,
such as particle shape, specific gravity of solids, presence of boundaries, and particle-to-
particle interference.

• Sedimentation method is not suitable for particles larger than 0.2mm or smaller than 0.2
microns due to limitations of Stokes' Law.

• To ensure accurate and reliable results, standard procedures must be followed, and
equipment should be calibrated properly.

• Sedimentation method provides a valuable tool for understanding soil particle

[1]Ranga.nr, “Particle Size Analysis| 6 Methods Used For Particle size distribution,” Study Read,
Apr. 10, 2017. https://www.studyread.com/particle-size-analysis/

[2]“Proc. IODP, 308, Data report: particle size analysis of sediments in the Ursa Basin, IODP
Expedition 308 Sites U1324 and U1322, northern Gulf of Mexico,” Proc. IODP, 308, Data
report: particle size analysis of sediments in the Ursa Basin, IODP Expedition 308 Sites U1324
and U1322, northern Gulf of Mexico.
http://publications.iodp.org/proceedings/308/205/205_4.htm

[3] Brown, E., Esparza-Soto, M., Saucedo-Terán, R., & Palacios-Vélez, E. (2016). Determination
of Particle Size Distribution in Soils by Sedimentation. In Soil Science (pp. 1-18). InTechOpen.

[4] ASTM International. (2016). Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils.
ASTM D422-63(2016), 1-8.

[5]McConnaughey, T. A. (2016). Sedimentation analysis. In Encyclopedia of analytical

[6]A. Kaur and G. C. Fanourakis, “The effect of type, concentration and volume of dispersing
agent on the magnitude of the clay content determined by the hydrometer analysis,” The effect
of type, concentration and volume of dispersing agent on the magnitude of the clay content
determined by the hydrometer analysis.
http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-20192016000400005
 Diameter of the particle vs Percentage Undersize
100%

92%

90%

80%

72%

70%
Percentage Undersize (%)

60%

50%

40%

32%

30%
24%

20%

10%

0%
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Diameter of the particle (Microns)