Particle Size Characterization

All particle size analysis instruments provide the ability to measure and report the
particle size distribution of the sample. There are very few applications where a
single value is appropriate and representative. The modern particle scientist often
chooses to describe the entire size distribution as opposed to just a single point
on it. (One exception might be extremely narrow distributions such as latex size
standards where the width is negligible.) Almost all real world samples exist as
a distribution of particle sizes and it is recommended to report the width of the
distribution for any sample analyzed. The most appropriate option for expressing
width is dependent on the technique used. When in doubt, it is often wise to refer
to industry accepted standards such as ISO or ASTM in order to conform to
common practice.

HORIBA Instruments, Inc. distributes particle characterization tools based on
several principles including laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering, acoustic attenuation, and image analysis Each of these techniques generates results in both
similar and unique ways. Most techniques can describe results using standard
statistical calculations such as the mean and standard deviation. But commonly
accepted practices for describing results have evolved for each technique.

For a more in depth anaylsis, please view: The HORIBA PSA Guidebook.