Particle Properties

Particle properties tests can be performed to evaluate characteristics such as size/shape, interaction with moisture (as a liquid or vapor), or strength/durability.

Tests focused on particle size/shape

• Particle size distribution:  via sieve analysis or laser light scattering technique
• Particle density:  “true” solid density of particle; not the same as bulk density
• Microscopy:  magnified images of particles focusing on shape
• Dustiness:  measurement of dust release as function of gas ejection velocity

Tests focused on particle/material and moisture interactions

• Saturation moisture content:  maximum moisture material can retain without becoming a slurry; needed for wet material handling or stockpile design
• Moisture sorption/desorption:  powder’s tendency to gain or lose moisture at a constant temperature; important to understand caking behavior
• Dust extinction moisture (DEM):  moisture at which material (-1/4 in./- 6 mm) does not emit dust; used in stockpile dust emission projects
• Transportable moisture limit (TML):  evaluation of material liquefaction behavior for maritime cargo; critical for meeting maritime codes

Tests focused on particle strength/durability

• Crush strength:  particle breakage force (as function of time); required to understand breakage strength of pellets, agglomerates, or finished goods
• Drop shatter:  measurement of freeze conditioning agent’s effectiveness on preventing coal caking; critical for coal bunker design for freezing conditions
• Unconfined compressive strength:  rock breakage strength required for crusher or other communition equipment selection

If you do not see a particle test that is required for your project, contact us.  We can have other particle properties tests run such as mercury or nitrogen gas porosimitry (for estimation of particle surface area/porosity), scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, and dilatometry (particle sintering behavior at controlled temperature and humidity).