E29.02 - Non-Sieving Methods

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide provides a means of using an LD instrument to obtain a droplet size distribution from a spray in gas co-flow that approximates a flux-sensitive sample.4  
5.2 In many sprays, the experimenter shall account for spatial segregation of droplets by size. This guide provides a means of spatial averaging the droplet distribution.  
5.3 The results obtained will be statistical in nature and refer to the time average of droplet size distribution of the entire spray.  
5.4 This guide is used to calibrate a spray generation device to produce a desired droplet size distribution under prespecified environmental and co-flow conditions or characterize an unknown spray while minimizing the uncertainty in the measurement.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to define a test procedure for applying the laser diffraction (LD) method to estimate an average droplet size distribution that characterizes the flux of liquid droplets produced by a specified spray generation device under specified gas co-flow conditions using a specified liquid. The intended scope is limited to artificially generated sprays with high speed co-flow. The droplets are assumed to be in the size range of 1 µm to 2000 µm in diameter and occur in sprays that are contained within a volume as small as a few cubic centimetres or as large as a cubic metre. The droplet sizes are assumed to be distributed non-uniformly within the spray volume.  
1.2 This guide is intended primarily to guide measurement of performance of nozzles and atomizers using LD instruments.  
1.3 Non-uniform sprays require measurements across the entire spray cross section or through several chords providing a representative sample of the overall spray cross section. The aim of multiple-chord measurements is to obtain a single droplet size distribution that characterizes the whole spray rather than values from a single chordal measurement.  
1.4 Use of this guide requires that the instrument does not interfere with spray production and does not significantly impinge upon or disturb the co-flow of gas and the spray. This technique is, therefore, considered non-intrusive.  
1.5 The computation of droplet size distributions from the light-scattering distributions is done using Mie scattering theory or Fraunhofer diffraction approximation. The use of Mie theory accounts for light refracted through the droplet and there is a specific requirement for knowledge of both real (refractive) and imaginary (absorptive) components of the complex index of refraction. Mie theory also relies on an assumption of droplet homogeneity. The Fraunhofer diffraction approximation does not account for light refracted through the droplet and does not require knowledge of the index of refraction.  
1.6 The instruments shall include data-processing capabilities to convert the LD scattering intensities into droplet size distribution parameters in accordance with Practice E799 and Test Method E1260.  
1.7 The spray is visible and accessible to the collimated beam produced by the transmitter optics of the LD instrument. The shape and size of the spray shall be contained within the working distance of the LD system optics as specified by the instrument manufacturer.  
1.8 The size range of the LD optic should be appropriate to the spray generation device under study. For example, the upper bound of the smallest droplet size class reported by the instrument shall be not more than 1/4 the size of DV0.1.  
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.10 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory lim...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 When evaluating the particle size information, if the procedures of the data processing are not available, the user of the data must make assumptions concerning the reported data in the event of analytical inconsistencies. In order for different data sets to be compared it is crucial that the parties report the analytical techniques and methods or procedures for evaluating, calculating, compiling or otherwise processing the data to be reported.  
3.2 Particle size characterization information can be reported in three levels of detail in order to satisfy user's needs.  
3.2.1 Level 1 applies when only basic information about the material is required, and shall be provided with each shipment. This level represents the minimum information that shall be reported. Level 1 information may be sufficient in such cases as identifying a certain grade of a material or when detailed knowledge of analytical methodology is not needed.  
3.2.2 Level 2 presumes the need for knowledge of methodology on the user's part and allows the user to make a more informed judgment about the information provided in Level 1.  
3.2.3 Level 3 provides detailed written procedures to allow duplication of the measurement.  
3.2.4 Information provided through Levels 2 and 3 will allow users to perform comparative material evaluations among several suppliers, set specifications or define a purchase agreement, perform inter-laboratory studies and most importantly resolve disputes among suppliers and users.  
3.3 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual particle dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling and preparation can also affect the reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers reporting particle size measurement data.  
1.2 This practice applies to particle size measurement methods, devices, detail levels, and data formats for dry powders, and wet suspensions of solids, gels, or emulsion droplets. This practice does not pertain to liquid particles.  
Note 1: For information on reporting liquid particle measurement data, refer to Practice E799.  
1.3 This practice does not concern particle concentration information.  
1.4 This practice uses SI (Système International) units as standard. State all numerical values in terms of SI units unless specific instrumentation software reports particle size information, including percentiles, indices, and distributions as tabulations and graphs using alternate units. In this case, present both reported and equivalent SI units in the final written report. Refer to Practice E380 for proper usage of SI units.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In this guide, the conditions, measurement apparatus, and procedures for measuring several characteristics of nanoparticle properties on three different instrument platforms using laser-amplified detection/power spectrum analysis (LAD/PSA) technology are described. This is a more recently developed technology, commercialized in 1990, than the older technology known as either photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) or quasi-elastic light scattering (QLS)—those titles are interchangeable—developed first in 1961. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) is the most recent DLS technology to be commercialized. All three of these technologies fall under the broader category of DLS, based on the “dynamic” movement of the measured nanoparticles under Brownian motion.  
4.2 DLS in the lower end of the nanometre size range becomes progressively more difficult as the particle optical scattering coefficients drop sharply, reducing the scattered light intensity. The advantage of the heterodyne detection mode over the homodyne detection mode, especially at the low end of the nanometre range, will be explained.  
4.3 The LAD/PSA technology will be described and the major differences between it and the PCS-QLS and NTA technologies will be made clear. For thorough discussions of PCS-QLS, refer to Guide E2490, Test Method E3247, and ISO 22412 Annex Section A.1. For a thorough discussion of nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), refer to Guide E2834. For detailed information on laser-amplified detection/frequency power spectrum (LAD/FPS) technology, refer to ISO 22412 Annex Section A.2. General information on particle characterization practices can be found in Practice E1817, and nanotechnology terminology is given in Terminology E2456. Detailed information on sampling for particle characterization can be found in ISO 14488.
SCOPE
1.1 The technology, laser-amplified detection/power spectrum analysis (LAD/PSA), is available in three different platforms, which will be designated as Platforms A, B, and C.  
1.1.1 Platform A—This is a solid-state probe configuration that serves as the optical bench in each of the platforms. It consists of an optical fiber coupler with a y-beam splitter that directs the scattered light signal from the nanoparticles at 180° back to a photodiode detector. The sensing end of the probe can be immersed in a suspension or positioned to measure one drop of a sample on top of the sensing surface.  
1.1.2 Platform B—The same probe is mounted in a case, positioned horizontally, to detect the signal from either a disposable or permanent cuvette.  
1.1.3 Platform C—Two probes are mounted in a case, horizontally, at opposite sides of a permanent sample cell. Both size distribution and zeta potential can be measured in this configuration.  
1.2 The laser beam travelling through the probe measuring the scattered light from the sample of nanoparticles, in all three platforms, is partially reflected back to the same photodiode detector, and the high optical power of the laser is added to the low optical power of the scattered light signal. The interference (mixing or beating) of those two signals is known as heterodyne beating. The resulting high-power detected signal provides the highest signal-to-noise ratio among dynamic light-scattering (DLS) technologies.  
1.3 This combined, amplified, optical signal is converted with a Fast Fourier transform (FFT) into a frequency power spectrum, then into a logarithmic power spectrum that is deconvolved into number and volume size distributions. The mean intensity, polydispersity, number and volume size distributions, concentration, and molecular weight can be reported in all platforms, plus zeta potential on Platform C.  
1.4 This technology is capable of measuring nanoparticles in a size range from 2.0 nanometres (nm) to 10 micrometres (µm), at concentrations in a suspending liquid medium up to 40 % cc/mL for all parameters given in 1.3.  
1.5 Units...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.  
3.2 It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.  
3.3 The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.  
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The technique of laser diffraction for particle size distribution analysis is extensively used in industry and academia both for on-line control and laboratory needs. Guidance is obviously useful in this regard.  
5.2 This guide can be used to develop methods of particle size analysis where well-established analysis procedures do not already exist. See Guide B821 for similar guidance and useful procedures for wet dispersion of metal powders and related compounds.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide sets out the general approach to the particle size distribution measurement of powders, suspensions, or slurries using an appropriate wet or dry methodology by the laser diffraction technique. It is recommended for use in measurements of broad particle size distributions.  
1.2 The guide provides guidelines to the parameters that should be specified and a generalized guideline to reasonable and acceptable tolerances for points in the volume-based distribution curve such as x10 (Dv10), x50 (Dv50), x90 (Dv90), and D[4, 3] (volume moment mean). It is noted that ISO prefers the term x for particle size as opposed to other usage of d or D (implying diameter).  
1.3 This guide provides guidance on the verification of instrument performance in conjunction with the internal quality control (QC) audit functions of the instrument owner. Results should be reported in the format indicated by Practice E1617 and ISO 13320.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method permits a user to compare the performance of an instrument to the tolerance limit specifications stated by a manufacturer and to verify that an instrument is suitable for continued routine use. It also provides for generation of calibration data on a periodic basis, forming a database from which any changes in the performance of the instrument will be evident.  
4.2 This test method for the calibration verification of laser diffraction particle sizing instruments is suitable for acceptance testing of laser diffraction instruments so long as current estimates of the bias (see Section 11) and the between-laboratory precision of the test method (see Section 10) are acceptably small relative to typical laser diffraction instrument accuracy specifications; see Practice D3244.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure necessary to permit a user to easily verify that a laser diffraction particle sizing instrument is operating within tolerance limit specifications, for example, such that the instrument accuracy is as stated by the manufacturer. The recommended calibration verification method provides a decisive indication of the overall performance of the instrument at the calibration point or points, but it is specifically not to be inferred that all factors in instrument performance are verified. In effect, use of this test method will verify the instrument performance for applications involving spherical particles of known refractive index where the near-forward light scattering properties are accurately modeled by the instrument data processing and data reduction software. The precision and bias limits presented herein are, therefore, estimates of the instrument performance under ideal conditions. Nonideal factors that could be present in actual applications and that could significantly increase the bias errors of laser diffraction instruments include vignetting4 (that is, where light scattered at large angles by particles far away from the receiving lens does not pass through the receiving lens and therefore does not reach the detector plane), the presence of nonspherical particles, the presence of particles of unknown refractive index, and multiple scattering.  
1.2 This test method shall be used as a significant test of the instrument performance. While the procedure is not designed for extensive calibration adjustment of an instrument, it shall be used to verify quantitative performance on an ongoing basis, to compare one instrument performance with that of another, and to provide error limits for instruments tested.  
1.3 This test method provides an indirect measurement of some of the important parameters controlling the results in particle sizing by laser diffraction. A determination of all parameters affecting instrument performance would come under a calibration adjustment procedure.  
1.4 This test method shall be performed on a periodic and regular basis, the frequency of which depends on the physical environment in which the instrumentation is used. Thus, units handled roughly or used under adverse conditions (for example, exposed to dust, chemical vapors, vibration, or combinations thereof) shall undergo a calibration verification more frequently than those not exposed to such conditions. This procedure shall be performed after any significant repairs are made on an instrument, such as those involving the optics, detector, or electronics.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally rec...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended to inform those who have need for particle analysis data of their product or process, how imaging technology, in the form of a DIA, can be employed to provide the required information for a wide range of processes and material types. It expands on dynamic imaging information provided in Guide E2651 which is a broad view of particle analysis methods.  
4.2 This guide can be used to assess the suitability of the technology to particular applications as well as any limitations that may be encountered. It is also intended to help the user make an informed decision on how to best use the technology to make the measurement(s) most important in providing data that best describes the process or product.  
4.3 Determining particle shape of materials such as proppants, catalysts, additive manufacturing powders, and many more materials, is critical to their performance. Imaging technology can provide a consistent assessment of shape factors based on objective criteria and a statistically significant number of particles analyzed. Human visual methods generally compare a small number of particles to a standard leaving room for subjective interpretation.  
4.4 Determining particle count, size and shape are important in assessing contamination of fluids such as fuels, lubricating oils, water, injectables, and other liquids where particle contamination can affect their performance. Particle shape can point to the type and source of these particles which can help analysts improve process control.  
4.5 Shape information is also advantageous in categorizing particles detected so as to not skew particle analysis results. For instance, if a flowing mixture of solid particles in liquid also contains gas bubbles or water droplets, it is important to be able to identify the bubbles and droplets and not count them as solid particles.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides information for determining particle size and shape using Dynamic Imaging Analyzers (DIA) in multiple application points including in-line, at-line and stand alone, lab based or portable, configurations. This guide focuses on concepts and strategies for applying imaging techniques to process applications in a way that improves the knowledge of the particles contained in dynamic flows, dry and wet, which can lead to more improved control of manufacturing processes.  
1.2 Analyzers may be configured for open, dry or wet analysis, or enclosed, dry or wet analysis, as appropriate for analysis of the process or test specimen. Particles in liquid borne flows can be analyzed at least up to 1000 µm and dry particle flows can be analyzed up to several cm if equipment is appropriate for the size. Limitations will be discussed in Section 6.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SCOPE
1.1 In a broad sense, this terminology covers terminology associated with liquid particles dispersed in gas. The principal emphasis, however, is on particles produced by the process of atomization.  
1.2 All terms, followed by their definitions, are arranged alphabetically. In addition, the terminology contains several tables wherein terms related to specific subjects are segregated and identified.  
1.3 Within the broad scope, the following specific categories are included:  
1.3.1 Terms pertaining to the structure and condition of individual particles or groups of particles as observed in nature.  
1.3.2 Terms pertaining to the structure and condition of individual particles or groups of particles produced by an atomizing device.  
1.3.3 Terms pertaining to atomizing devices according to the primary energy source responsible for spray development. (When more than one term is used for the same device or class of devices, the alternative term is followed by the preferred term.) Definitions of the devices may refer to their construction, operating principle, or distinctive spray characteristics. The atomizers, however, are not classified by their respective areas of application or end use. Moreover, the listed terms are generic and do not include brand names, trademarks, or proprietary designations.  
1.3.4 Terms pertaining to statistical parameters involving particle measurement, particle size, and size distribution functions.  
1.3.5 Terms pertaining to instruments and test procedures utilized in the characterization of liquid particles and sprays.      
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods provide procedures for determining the envelope-specific surface area of powders, from which is calculated an “average” particle diameter, assuming the particles are monosize, smooth surface, nonporous, spherical particles. For this reason, values obtained by these test methods will be reported as an average particle size. The degree of correlation between the results of these test methods and the quality of powders in use will vary with each particular application and has not been fully determined.  
4.2 These test methods are generally applicable to all powders, including metals (see Test Methods B330 for specific metal powder requirements), ceramics, and organic materials, for particles having diameters between 0.2 and 75 µm. They should not be used for powders composed of particles whose shape is too far from equiaxed – that is, flakes or fibers. In these cases, it is permissible to use the test methods described only by agreement between the parties concerned. These test methods shall not be used for mixtures of different powders, nor for powders containing binders or lubricants. When the powder contains agglomerates, the measured surface area may be affected by the degree of agglomeration. Methods of de-agglomeration such as that specified in Practice B859 may be used if agreed upon between the parties concerned.  
4.3 When an “average” particle size of powders is determined by these methods, it should be clearly kept in mind that this average size is derived from the determination of the specific surface area of the powder using a relationship that is true only for powders of uniform size and spherical shape. Thus, the results of these methods are only estimates of average particle size.  
4.4 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments op...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods use air permeability to determine an envelope-specific surface area and its associated average equivalent spherical diameter (from 0.2 to 75 µm) of powders. Two test methods are described: One test method for inorganic materials (Test Method 1), and another test method for organic materials (Test Method 2). The values obtained are not intended to be absolute but are generally useful on a relative basis for control purposes.  
1.2 Units—With the exception of the values for density and the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm3) and gram (g) units is the longstanding industry practice; and the units for pressure, cm H2O – also long-standing practice; the values in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 It is useful to be able to obtain particle size measurement results of a user specified product from multiple instruments and to be able to correlate the results of the measurements. This capability can be advantageous in expanding the use of different technologies to make a measurement or simply to correlate results between instruments of the same technology. An example might be comparing in-process particle size measurements to final inspection particle size measurements.  
4.2 The viability of this guide will need to be tested on a case-by-case basis as various products may present measurement challenges for some instruments and not all results from all instruments may be able to be correlated to all other results from all other instruments. In addition, positive results should be confirmed and improved with continued data comparisons over time using process measurements from the instruments selected.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes one methodology to correlate solid particle analysis results between solid particle analysis instruments for user specified products of user specified particle sizes and distributions in order to expand the capability of particle measurement throughout the manufacturing process and provide better control and efficiency. The guide is not limited to instrument type or product type.  
1.2 Warning—Not all instruments may correlate to all other instruments for various user specified products and size ranges. Instruments may measure different particle features, and they may also measure the same particle features differently and thus correlating the results of any two may be possible for some products but not possible for others. It is also the case that certain materials can be altered by the instruments measuring them which would eliminate them from consideration under this guide if the instrument’s results are determined based on measurements made after the instrument has altered the user specified product.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The purpose of this test method is to provide data on liquid drop-size characteristics for sprays, as indicated by optical nonimaging light-scattering instruments. The results obtained generally will be statistical in nature. The number of variables concerned in the production of liquid spray, together with the variety of optical, electronic, and sampling systems used in different instruments, may contribute to variations in the test results. Care must be exercised, therefore, when attempting to compare data from samples obtained by different means.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain data which characterize the sizes of liquid particles or drops such as are produced by a spray nozzle or similar device under specified conditions using a specified liquid. The drops will generally be in the size range from 5-μm to the order of 1 000-μm diameter; they will occur in sprays which may be as small as a few cubic centimetres or as large as several cubic metres. Typically the number density of the particles can vary significantly from one point to another.  
1.2 This test method is intended primarily for use in standardizing measurements of the performance of sprayproducing devices. It is limited to those techniques and instruments that operate by passing a beam of light through the spray and analyzing the light scattered by the droplets to derive size information. Such techniques do not produce images of individual drops, and therefore, are known as “optical (nonimaging) instruments.”  
1.3 The measurements made, when referred to the entire spray being sampled, may be flux sensitive or spatial, as defined in Practice E799, depending on the techniques used with a particular instrument.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These criteria6 and procedures provide a uniform base for analysis of liquid drop data.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice gives procedures for determining appropriate sample size, size class widths, characteristic drop sizes, and dispersion measure of drop size distribution. The accuracy of and correction procedures for measurements of drops using particular equipment are not part of this practice. Attention is drawn to the types of sampling (spatial, flux-sensitive, or neither) with a note on conversion required (methods not specified). The data are assumed to be counts by drop size. The drop size is assumed to be the diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 The analysis applies to all liquid drop distributions except where specific restrictions are stated.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The myriad array of particle size analysis techniques available to the modern-day powder technologist is both daunting and confusing. Many of the techniques are applicable only to certain types of materials, and all have limited ranges of applicability with respect to powder particle size. This guide is an attempt to describe and define the applicability of each of the available techniques, so that powder technologists, and others interested in powders, may make informed and appropriate choices in characterizing their materials.  
4.2 This guide is intended to be used to determine the best and most efficient way of characterizing the particle size distribution of a particular powder material. It may also be used to determine whether a reported powder particle size, or size distribution, was obtained in an appropriate and meaningful way.  
4.3 Most particle size analysis techniques report particle size in terms of an “equivalent spherical diameter”: the diameter of an ideal spherical particle of the material of interest that would be detected in the same manner during analysis as the (usually irregular-shaped) actual particle under the same conditions. The different techniques must necessarily use different definitions of the equivalent spherical diameter, based on their different operating principles. However, when analyzing elongated particles, the size parameter most relevant to the intended application should be measured; for example, length (maximum dimension).  
4.4 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual dimension or shape factor, or both, as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling, and preparation can also affect reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the use of many available techniques for particle size measurement and particle size distribution analysis of solid particulate (powder) materials, off-line in a laboratory. It does not apply to in-line (on-line) analysis, nor to analysis of liquid droplets or liquid aerosols. The guide is intended to serve as a resource for powder/particle technologists in characterizing their materials.  
1.2 This guide provides significant detail regarding the numerous particle size analysis methods available. Although this guide is extensive, it may not be all inclusive.  
1.3 The principle of operation, range of applicability, specific requirements (if any), and limitations of each of the included particle size analysis techniques are listed and described, so that users of this guide may choose the most useful and most efficient technique for characterizing the particle size distribution of their particular material(s).  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.  
3.2 It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.  
3.3 The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.  
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.  
3.2 It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.  
3.3 The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.  
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide provides a means of using an LD instrument to obtain a droplet size distribution from a spray in gas co-flow that approximates a flux-sensitive sample.4  
5.2 In many sprays, the experimenter shall account for spatial segregation of droplets by size. This guide provides a means of spatial averaging the droplet distribution.  
5.3 The results obtained will be statistical in nature and refer to the time average of droplet size distribution of the entire spray.  
5.4 This guide is used to calibrate a spray generation device to produce a desired droplet size distribution under prespecified environmental and co-flow conditions or characterize an unknown spray while minimizing the uncertainty in the measurement.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to define a test procedure for applying the laser diffraction (LD) method to estimate an average droplet size distribution that characterizes the flux of liquid droplets produced by a specified spray generation device under specified gas co-flow conditions using a specified liquid. The intended scope is limited to artificially generated sprays with high speed co-flow. The droplets are assumed to be in the size range of 1 to 2000 µm in diameter and occur in sprays that are contained within a volume as small as a few cubic centimetres or as large as a cubic metre. The droplet sizes are assumed to be distributed non-uniformly within the spray volume.  
1.2 This guide is intended primarily to guide measurement of performance of nozzles and atomizers using LD instruments.  
1.3 Non-uniform sprays require measurements across the entire spray cross section or through several chords providing a representative sample of the overall spray cross section. The aim of multiple-chord measurements is to obtain a single droplet size distribution that characterizes the whole spray rather than values from a single chordal measurement.  
1.4 Use of this guide requires that the instrument does not interfere with spray production and does not significantly impinge upon or disturb the co-flow of gas and the spray. This technique is, therefore, considered non-intrusive.  
1.5 The computation of droplet size distributions from the light-scattering distributions is done using Mie scattering theory or Fraunhofer diffraction approximation. The use of Mie theory accounts for light refracted through the droplet and there is a specific requirement for knowledge of both real (refractive) and imaginary (absorptive) components of the complex index of refraction. Mie theory also relies on an assumption of droplet homogeneity. The Fraunhofer diffraction approximation does not account for light refracted through the droplet and does not require knowledge of the index of refraction.  
1.6 The instruments shall include data-processing capabilities to convert the LD scattering intensities into droplet size distribution parameters in accordance with Practice E799 and Test Method E1260.  
1.7 The spray is visible and accessible to the collimated beam produced by the transmitter optics of the LD instrument. The shape and size of the spray shall be contained within the working distance of the LD system optics as specified by the instrument manufacturer.  
1.8 The size range of the LD optic should be appropriate to the spray generation device under study. For example, the upper bound of the smallest droplet size class reported by the instrument shall be not more than 1/4 the size of DV0.1.  
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.10 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 When evaluating the particle size information, if the procedures of the data processing are not available, the user of the data must make assumptions concerning the reported data in the event of analytical inconsistencies. In order for different data sets to be compared it is crucial that the parties report the analytical techniques and methods or procedures for evaluating, calculating, compiling or otherwise processing the data to be reported.  
3.2 Particle size characterization information can be reported in three levels of detail in order to satisfy user's needs.  
3.2.1 Level 1 applies when only basic information about the material is required, and shall be provided with each shipment. This level represents the minimum information that shall be reported. Level 1 information may be sufficient in such cases as identifying a certain grade of a material or when detailed knowledge of analytical methodology is not needed.  
3.2.2 Level 2 presumes the need for knowledge of methodology on the user's part and allows the user to make a more informed judgment about the information provided in Level 1.  
3.2.3 Level 3 provides detailed written procedures to allow duplication of the measurement.  
3.2.4 Information provided through Levels 2 and 3 will allow users to perform comparative material evaluations among several suppliers, set specifications or define a purchase agreement, perform inter-laboratory studies and most importantly resolve disputes among suppliers and users.  
3.3 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual particle dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling and preparation can also affect the reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers reporting particle size measurement data.  
1.2 This practice applies to particle size measurement methods, devices, detail levels, and data formats for dry powders, and wet suspensions of solids, gels, or emulsion droplets. This practice does not pertain to liquid particles.  
Note 1: For information on reporting liquid particle measurement data, refer to Practice E799.  
1.3 This practice does not concern particle concentration information.  
1.4 This practice uses SI (Système International) units as standard. State all numerical values in terms of SI units unless specific instrumentation software reports particle size information, including percentiles, indices, and distributions as tabulations and graphs using alternate units. In this case, present both reported and equivalent SI units in the final written report. Refer to Practice E380 for proper usage of SI units.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 It is useful to be able to obtain particle size measurement results of a user specified product from multiple instruments and to be able to correlate the results of the measurements. This capability can be advantageous in expanding the use of different technologies to make a measurement or simply to correlate results between instruments of the same technology. An example might be comparing in-process particle size measurements to final inspection particle size measurements.  
4.2 The viability of this guide will need to be tested on a case-by-case basis as various products may present measurement challenges for some instruments and not all results from all instruments may be able to be correlated to all other results from all other instruments. In addition, positive results should be confirmed and improved with continued data comparisons over time using process measurements from the instruments selected.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes one methodology to correlate solid particle analysis results between solid particle analysis instruments for user specified products of user specified particle sizes and distributions in order to expand the capability of particle measurement throughout the manufacturing process and provide better control and efficiency. The guide is not limited to instrument type or product type.  
1.2 Warning—All instruments may not correlate to all other instruments for various user specified products and size ranges. Instruments may measure different particle features, and they may also measure the same particle features differently and thus correlating the results of any two may be possible for some products but not possible for others. It is also the case that certain materials can be altered by the instruments measuring them which would eliminate them from consideration under this guide if the instrument’s results are determined based on measurements made after the instrument has altered the user specified product.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SCOPE
1.1 In a broad sense, this terminology covers terminology associated with liquid particles dispersed in gas. The principal emphasis, however, is on particles produced by the process of atomization.  
1.2 All terms, followed by their definitions, are arranged alphabetically. In addition, the terminology contains several tables wherein terms related to specific subjects are segregated and identified.  
1.3 Within the broad scope, the following specific categories are included:  
1.3.1 Terms pertaining to the structure and condition of individual particles or groups of particles as observed in nature.  
1.3.2 Terms pertaining to the structure and condition of individual particles or groups of particles produced by an atomizing device.  
1.3.3 Terms pertaining to atomizing devices according to the primary energy source responsible for spray development. (When more than one term is used for the same device or class of devices, the alternative term is followed by the preferred term.) Definitions of the devices may refer to their construction, operating principle, or distinctive spray characteristics. The atomizers, however, are not classified by their respective areas of application or end use. Moreover, the listed terms are generic and do not include brand names, trademarks, or proprietary designations.  
1.3.4 Terms pertaining to statistical parameters involving particle measurement, particle size, and size distribution functions.  
1.3.5 Terms pertaining to instruments and test procedures utilized in the characterization of liquid particles and sprays.      
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method permits a user to compare the performance of an instrument to the tolerance limit specifications stated by a manufacturer and to verify that an instrument is suitable for continued routine use. It also provides for generation of calibration data on a periodic basis, forming a database from which any changes in the performance of the instrument will be evident.  
4.2 This test method for the calibration verification of laser diffraction particle sizing instruments is suitable for acceptance testing of laser diffraction instruments so long as current estimates of the bias (see Section 11) and the between-laboratory precision of the test method (see Section 10) are acceptably small relative to typical laser diffraction instrument accuracy specifications; see Practice D3244.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure necessary to permit a user to easily verify that a laser diffraction particle sizing instrument is operating within tolerance limit specifications, for example, such that the instrument accuracy is as stated by the manufacturer. The recommended calibration verification method provides a decisive indication of the overall performance of the instrument at the calibration point or points, but it is specifically not to be inferred that all factors in instrument performance are verified. In effect, use of this test method will verify the instrument performance for applications involving spherical particles of known refractive index where the near-forward light scattering properties are accurately modeled by the instrument data processing and data reduction software. The precision and bias limits presented herein are, therefore, estimates of the instrument performance under ideal conditions. Nonideal factors that could be present in actual applications and that could significantly increase the bias errors of laser diffraction instruments include vignetting4 (that is, where light scattered at large angles by particles far away from the receiving lens does not pass through the receiving lens and therefore does not reach the detector plane), the presence of nonspherical particles, the presence of particles of unknown refractive index, and multiple scattering.  
1.2 This test method shall be used as a significant test of the instrument performance. While the procedure is not designed for extensive calibration adjustment of an instrument, it shall be used to verify quantitative performance on an ongoing basis, to compare one instrument performance with that of another, and to provide error limits for instruments tested.  
1.3 This test method provides an indirect measurement of some of the important parameters controlling the results in particle sizing by laser diffraction. A determination of all parameters affecting instrument performance would come under a calibration adjustment procedure.  
1.4 This test method shall be performed on a periodic and regular basis, the frequency of which depends on the physical environment in which the instrumentation is used. Thus, units handled roughly or used under adverse conditions (for example, exposed to dust, chemical vapors, vibration, or combinations thereof) shall undergo a calibration verification more frequently than those not exposed to such conditions. This procedure shall be performed after any significant repairs are made on an instrument, such as those involving the optics, detector, or electronics.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.  
3.2 It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.  
3.3 The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.  
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods provide procedures for determining the envelope-specific surface area of powders, from which is calculated an “average” particle diameter, assuming the particles are monosize, smooth surface, nonporous, spherical particles. For this reason, values obtained by these test methods will be reported as an average particle size. The degree of correlation between the results of these test methods and the quality of powders in use will vary with each particular application and has not been fully determined.  
4.2 These test methods are generally applicable to all powders, including metals (see Test Methods B330 for specific metal powder requirements), ceramics, and organic materials, for particles having diameters between 0.2 and 75 µm. They should not be used for powders composed of particles whose shape is too far from equiaxed - that is, flakes or fibers. In these cases, it is permissible to use the test methods described only by agreement between the parties concerned. These test methods shall not be used for mixtures of different powders, nor for powders containing binders or lubricants. When the powder contains agglomerates, the measured surface area may be affected by the degree of agglomeration. Methods of de-agglomeration such as that specified in Practice B859 may be used if agreed upon between the parties concerned.  
4.3 When an “average” particle size of powders is determined by these methods, it should be clearly kept in mind that this average size is derived from the determination of the specific surface area of the powder using a relationship that is true only for powders of uniform size and spherical shape. Thus, the results of these methods are only estimates of average particle size.  
4.4 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments op...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods use air permeability to determine an envelope-specific surface area and its associated average equivalent spherical diameter (from 0.2 to 75 µm) of powders. Two test methods are described: One test method for inorganic materials (Test Method 1), and another test method for organic materials (Test Method 2). The values obtained are not intended to be absolute but are generally useful on a relative basis for control purposes.  
1.2 Units—With the exception of the values for density and the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm3) and gram (g) units is the longstanding industry practice; and the units for pressure, cm H2O—also long-standing practice; the values in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These criteria6 and procedures provide a uniform base for analysis of liquid drop data.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice gives procedures for determining appropriate sample size, size class widths, characteristic drop sizes, and dispersion measure of drop size distribution. The accuracy of and correction procedures for measurements of drops using particular equipment are not part of this practice. Attention is drawn to the types of sampling (spatial, flux-sensitive, or neither) with a note on conversion required (methods not specified). The data are assumed to be counts by drop size. The drop size is assumed to be the diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 The analysis applies to all liquid drop distributions except where specific restrictions are stated.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The purpose of this test method is to provide data on liquid drop-size characteristics for sprays, as indicated by optical nonimaging light-scattering instruments. The results obtained generally will be statistical in nature. The number of variables concerned in the production of liquid spray, together with the variety of optical, electronic, and sampling systems used in different instruments, may contribute to variations in the test results. Care must be exercised, therefore, when attempting to compare data from samples obtained by different means.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain data which characterize the sizes of liquid particles or drops such as are produced by a spray nozzle or similar device under specified conditions using a specified liquid. The drops will generally be in the size range from 5-μm to the order of 1 000-μm diameter; they will occur in sprays which may be as small as a few cubic centimetres or as large as several cubic metres. Typically the number density of the particles can vary significantly from one point to another.  
1.2 This test method is intended primarily for use in standardizing measurements of the performance of sprayproducing devices. It is limited to those techniques and instruments that operate by passing a beam of light through the spray and analyzing the light scattered by the droplets to derive size information. Such techniques do not produce images of individual drops, and therefore, are known as “optical (nonimaging) instruments.”  
1.3 The measurements made, when referred to the entire spray being sampled, may be flux sensitive or spatial, as defined in Practice E799, depending on the techniques used with a particular instrument.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods provide procedures for determining the envelope-specific surface area of powders, from which is calculated an “average” particle diameter, assuming the particles are monosize, smooth surface, nonporous, spherical particles. For this reason, values obtained by these test methods will be reported as an average particle size. The degree of correlation between the results of these test methods and the quality of powders in use will vary with each particular application and has not been fully determined.  
4.2 These test methods are generally applicable to all powders, including metals (see Test Methods B330 for specific metal powder requirements), ceramics, and organic materials, for particles having diameters between 0.2 and 75 µm. They should not be used for powders composed of particles whose shape is too far from equiaxed - that is, flakes or fibers. In these cases, it is permissible to use the test methods described only by agreement between the parties concerned. These test methods shall not be used for mixtures of different powders, nor for powders containing binders or lubricants. When the powder contains agglomerates, the measured surface area may be affected by the degree of agglomeration. Methods of de-agglomeration such as that specified in Practice B859 may be used if agreed upon between the parties concerned.  
4.3 When an “average” particle size of powders is determined by these methods, it should be clearly kept in mind that this average size is derived from the determination of the specific surface area of the powder using a relationship that is true only for powders of uniform size and spherical shape. Thus, the results of these methods are only estimates of average particle size.  
4.4 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments op...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods use air permeability to determine an envelope-specific surface area and its associated average equivalent spherical diameter (from 0.2 to 75 µm) of powders. Two test methods are described: One test method for inorganic materials (Test Method 1), and another test method for organic materials (Test Method 2). The values obtained are not intended to be absolute but are generally useful on a relative basis for control purposes.  
1.2 Units—With the exception of the values for density and the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm3) and gram (g) units is the longstanding industry practice; and the units for pressure, cm H2O—also long-standing practice; the values in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 When evaluating the particle size information, if the procedures of the data processing are not available, the user of the data must make assumptions concerning the reported data in the event of analytical inconsistencies. In order for different data sets to be compared it is crucial that the parties report the analytical techniques and methods or procedures for evaluating, calculating, compiling or otherwise processing the data to be reported.  
3.2 Particle size characterization information can be reported in three levels of detail in order to satisfy user's needs.  
3.2.1 Level 1 applies when only basic information about the material is required, and shall be provided with each shipment. This level represents the minimum information that shall be reported. Level 1 information may be sufficient in such cases as identifying a certain grade of a material or when detailed knowledge of analytical methodology is not needed.  
3.2.2 Level 2 presumes the need for knowledge of methodology on the user's part and allows the user to make a more informed judgment about the information provided in Level 1.  
3.2.3 Level 3 provides detailed written procedures to allow duplication of the measurement.  
3.2.4 Information provided through Levels 2 and 3 will allow users to perform comparative material evaluations among several suppliers, set specifications or define a purchase agreement, perform inter-laboratory studies and most importantly resolve disputes among suppliers and users.  
3.3 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual particle dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling and preparation can also affect the reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers reporting particle size measurement data.  
1.2 This practice applies to particle size measurement methods, devices, detail levels, and data formats for dry powders, and wet suspensions of solids, gels, or emulsion droplets. This practice does not pertain to liquid particles. Note 1—For information on reporting liquid particle measurement data, refer to Practice E799.  
1.3 This practice does not concern particle concentration information.  
1.4 This practice uses SI (Système International) units as standard. State all numerical values in terms of SI units unless specific instrumentation software reports particle size information, including percentiles, indices, and distributions as tabulations and graphs using alternate units. In this case, present both reported and equivalent SI units in the final written report. Refer to Practice E380 for proper usage of SI units.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide provides a means of using an LD instrument to obtain a droplet size distribution from a spray in gas co-flow that approximates a flux-sensitive sample.4  
5.2 In many sprays, the experimenter shall account for spatial segregation of droplets by size. This guide provides a means of spatial averaging the droplet distribution.  
5.3 The results obtained will be statistical in nature and refer to the time average of droplet size distribution of the entire spray.  
5.4 This guide is used to calibrate a spray generation device to produce a desired droplet size distribution under prespecified environmental and co-flow conditions or characterize an unknown spray while minimizing the uncertainty in the measurement.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to define a test procedure for applying the laser diffraction (LD) method to estimate an average droplet size distribution that characterizes the flux of liquid droplets produced by a specified spray generation device under specified gas co-flow conditions using a specified liquid. The intended scope is limited to artificially generated sprays with high speed co-flow. The droplets are assumed to be in the size range of 1 to 2000 µm in diameter and occur in sprays that are contained within a volume as small as a few cubic centimetres or as large as a cubic metre. The droplet sizes are assumed to be distributed non-uniformly within the spray volume.  
1.2 This guide is intended primarily to guide measurement of performance of nozzles and atomizers using LD instruments.  
1.3 Non-uniform sprays require measurements across the entire spray cross section or through several chords providing a representative sample of the overall spray cross section. The aim of multiple-chord measurements is to obtain a single droplet size distribution that characterizes the whole spray rather than values from a single chordal measurement.  
1.4 Use of this guide requires that the instrument does not interfere with spray production and does not significantly impinge upon or disturb the co-flow of gas and the spray. This technique is, therefore, considered non-intrusive.  
1.5 The computation of droplet size distributions from the light-scattering distributions is done using Mie scattering theory or Fraunhofer diffraction approximation. The use of Mie theory accounts for light refracted through the droplet and there is a specific requirement for knowledge of both real (refractive) and imaginary (absorptive) components of the complex index of refraction. Mie theory also relies on an assumption of droplet homogeneity. The Fraunhofer diffraction approximation does not account for light refracted through the droplet and does not require knowledge of the index of refraction.  
1.6 The instruments shall include data-processing capabilities to convert the LD scattering intensities into droplet size distribution parameters in accordance with Practice E799 and Test Method E1260.  
1.7 The spray is visible and accessible to the collimated beam produced by the transmitter optics of the LD instrument. The shape and size of the spray shall be contained within the working distance of the LD system optics as specified by the instrument manufacturer.  
1.8 The size range of the LD optic should be appropriate to the spray generation device under study. For example, the upper bound of the smallest droplet size class reported by the instrument shall be not more than 1/4 the size of DV0.1.  
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.10 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The myriad array of particle size analysis techniques available to the modern-day powder technologist is both daunting and confusing. Many of the techniques are applicable only to certain types of materials, and all have limited ranges of applicability with respect to powder particle size. This guide is an attempt to describe and define the applicability of each of the available techniques, so that powder technologists, and others interested in powders, may make informed and appropriate choices in characterizing their materials.  
4.2 This guide is intended to be used to determine the best and most efficient way of characterizing the particle size distribution of a particular powder material. It may also be used to determine whether a reported powder particle size, or size distribution, was obtained in an appropriate and meaningful way.  
4.3 Most particle size analysis techniques report particle size in terms of an “equivalent spherical diameter:” the diameter of an ideal spherical particle of the material of interest that would be detected in the same manner during analysis as the (usually irregular-shaped) actual particle under the same conditions. The different techniques must necessarily use different definitions of the equivalent spherical diameter, based on their different operating principles. However, when analyzing elongated particles, the size parameter most relevant to the intended application should be measured; for example, length (maximum dimension).  
4.4 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual dimension or shape factor, or both, as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling, and preparation can also affect reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the use of many available techniques for particle size measurement and particle size distribution analysis of solid particulate (powder) materials. It does not apply to analysis of liquid droplets or liquid aerosols. The guide is intended to serve as a resource for powder/particle technologists in characterizing their materials.  
1.2 This guide provides more detail regarding the particle size analysis methods listed in Guide E1919, which is a compilation of worldwide published standards relating to particle and spray characterization. Although Guide E1919 and this guide are both extensive, neither is all inclusive.  
1.3 The principle of operation, range of applicability, specific requirements (if any), and limitations of each of the included particle size analysis techniques are listed and described, so that users of this guide may choose the most useful and most efficient technique for characterizing the particle size distribution of their particular material(s).  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method permits a user to compare the performance of an instrument to the tolerance limit specifications stated by a manufacturer and to verify that an instrument is suitable for continued routine use. It also provides for generation of calibration data on a periodic basis, forming a database from which any changes in the performance of the instrument will be evident.
This test method for the calibration verification of laser diffraction particle sizing instruments is suitable for acceptance testing of laser diffraction instruments so long as current estimates of the bias (see Section 11) and the between-laboratory precision of the test method (see Section 10) are acceptably small relative to typical laser diffraction instrument accuracy specifications; see Practice D3244.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure necessary to permit a user to easily verify that a laser diffraction particle sizing instrument is operating within tolerance limit specifications, for example, such that the instrument accuracy is as stated by the manufacturer. The recommended calibration verification method provides a decisive indication of the overall performance of the instrument at the calibration point or points, but it is specifically not to be inferred that all factors in instrument performance are verified. In effect, use of this test method will verify the instrument performance for applications involving spherical particles of known refractive index where the near-forward light scattering properties are accurately modeled by the instrument data processing and data reduction software. The precision and bias limits presented herein are, therefore, estimates of the instrument performance under ideal conditions. Nonideal factors that could be present in actual applications and that could significantly increase the bias errors of laser diffraction instruments include vignetting (that is, where light scattered at large angles by particles far away from the receiving lens does not pass through the receiving lens and therefore does not reach the detector plane), the presence of nonspherical particles, the presence of particles of unknown refractive index, and multiple scattering.
1.2 This test method shall be used as a significant test of the instrument performance. While the procedure is not designed for extensive calibration adjustment of an instrument, it shall be used to verify quantitative performance on an ongoing basis, to compare one instrument performance with that of another, and to provide error limits for instruments tested.  
1.3 This test method provides an indirect measurement of some of the important parameters controlling the results in particle sizing by laser diffraction. A determination of all parameters affecting instrument performance would come under a calibration adjustment procedure.
1.4 This test method shall be performed on a periodic and regular basis, the frequency of which depends on the physical environment in which the instrumentation is used. Thus, units handled roughly or used under adverse conditions (for example, exposed to dust, chemical vapors, vibration, or combinations thereof) shall undergo a calibration verification more frequently than those not exposed to such conditions. This procedure shall be performed after any significant repairs are made on an instrument, such as those involving the optics, detector, or electronics.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SCOPE
1.1 In a broad sense, this terminology covers terminology associated with liquid particles dispersed in gas. The principal emphasis, however, is on particles produced by the process of atomization.
1.2 All terms, followed by their definitions, are arranged alphabetically. In addition, the terminology contains several tables wherein terms related to specific subjects are segregated and identified.
1.3 Within the broad scope, the following specific categories are included:
1.3.1 Terms pertaining to the structure and condition of individual particles or groups of particles as observed in nature.
1.3.2 Terms pertaining to the structure and condition of individual particles or groups of particles produced by an atomizing device.
1.3.3 Terms pertaining to atomizing devices according to the primary energy source responsible for spray development. (When more than one term is used for the same device or class of devices, the alternative term is followed by the preferred term.) Definitions of the devices may refer to their construction, operating principle, or distinctive spray characteristics. The atomizers, however, are not classified by their respective areas of application or end use. Moreover, the listed terms are generic and do not include brand names, trademarks, or proprietary designations.
1.3.4 Terms pertaining to statistical parameters involving particle measurement, particle size, and size distribution functions.
1.3.5 Terms pertaining to instruments and test procedures utilized in the characterization of liquid particles and sprays.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
TABLE 1 Summary of Atomizer Terms  Pressure Atomizer (hydraulic atomizer, pressure atomizing nozzle, Lubbock nozzle  pressure nozzle, single-fluid atomizer) variable orifice poppet nozzle (variable orifice pintle nozzle)  cone atomizer (cone spray nozzle)  hollow cone atomizerPneumatic Atomizer  (air atomizing nozzle, blast nozzle, gas atomizer, gas-  solid cone atomizer (full cone nozzle) liquid nozzle, twin-fluid atomizer, two-fluid atomizer)  deflector atomizer (flood nozzle, flooding nozzle) air assist nozzle  dual orifice nozzle (duple nozzle) airblast nozzle (air blast nozzle,  duplex nozzle aerating nozzle)  piloted airblast nozzle (simplex airblast nozzle) Fan Spray Atomizer: prefilming airblast nozzle  even spray atomizer (even flow atomizer)  flat spray atomizer (flat jet atomizer)External Mixing Pneumatic Atomizer  Laskin nozzle Fog Nozzle Internal Mixing Pneumatic Atomizer Impact Atomizer: (impingement atomizer): (aerating nozzle,  pintle atomizer Nukiyama-Tanasawa nozzle,  splash cup atomizer effervescent atomizer)  splash plate atomizer Centrifugal Atomizer  (rotary atomizer, slinger) Impinging Jet Atomizer (impingement atomizer): rotary cup atomizer (spinning cup atomizer)  doublet atomizer rotary disk atomizer (spinning disk atomizer)  triplet atomizer rotary wheel atomizer  Plain Jet Atomizer (orifice atomizer, plain orifice atomizer, single jet atomizer,Vibratory Atomizer  (vibrative atomizer)  straight stream nozzle) electromagnetic vibratory atomizer  simplex nozzle piezoelectric vibratory atomizer Square Spray NozzleBerglund-Liu atomizer  sonic nozzle Swirl Atomizer ultrasonic nozzle Swirl Chamber Atomizer (centrifugal pressure nozzle, swirl chamber vibrating needle atomizer  atomizer) vibrating reed atomizer  by-pass nozzle (bypass nozzle, flowback nozzle, recirculating nozzle, return  flow nozzle, spill nozzle, spill return nozzle, spillback nozzle)Electrostatic Atomizer  dual orifice nozzle (duplex nozzle)   duplex nozzleShear Coaxial Injector  simplex nozzle swirl coaxial injector  variable-area nozzle Siphon Nozzle (aspirating nozzle)  Sonic Nozzle (sonic-whistle atomizer, ultrasonic nozzle)  
TABLE 2 Characteristic Particle Diameters and Distribution Functions   Aerodynamic Diameter Area (surface) Mean Diame...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.
It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.
The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The myriad array of particle size analysis techniques available to the modern-day powder technologist is both daunting and confusing. Many of the techniques are applicable only to certain types of materials, and all have limited ranges of applicability with respect to powder particle size. This guide is an attempt to describe and define the applicability of each of the available techniques, so that powder technologists, and others interested in powders, may make informed and appropriate choices in characterizing their materials.
This guide is intended to be used to determine the best and most efficient way of characterizing the particle size distribution of a particular powder material. It may also be used to determine whether a reported powder particle size, or size distribution, was obtained in an appropriate and meaningful way.
Most particle size analysis techniques report particle size in terms of an “equivalent spherical diameter”: the diameter of an ideal spherical particle of the material of interest that would be detected in the same manner during analysis as the (usually irregular-shaped) actual particle under the same conditions. The different techniques must necessarily use different definitions of the equivalent spherical diameter, based on their different operating principles. However, when analyzing elongated particles, the size parameter most relevant to the intended application should be measured; for example, length (maximum dimension).
Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual dimension and/or shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling, and preparation can also affect reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the use of many available techniques for particle size measurement and particle size distribution analysis of solid particulate (powder) materials. It does not apply to analysis of liquid droplets or liquid aerosols. The guide is intended to serve as a resource for powder/particle technologists in characterizing their materials.
1.2 This guide provides more detail regarding the particle size analysis methods listed in Guide E1919, which is a compilation of worldwide published standards relating to particle and spray characterization. Although Guide E1919 and this guide are both extensive, neither is all inclusive.
1.3 The principle of operation, range of applicability, specific requirements (if any), and limitations of each of the included particle size analysis techniques are listed and described, so that users of this guide may choose the most useful and most efficient technique for characterizing the particle size distribution of their particular material(s).
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method permits a user to compare the performance of an instrument to the tolerance limit specifications stated by a manufacturer and to verify that an instrument is suitable for continued routine use. It also provides for generation of calibration data on a periodic basis, forming a database from which any changes in the performance of the instrument will be evident.
This test method for the calibration verification of laser diffraction particle sizing instruments is suitable for acceptance testing of laser diffraction instruments so long as current estimates of the bias (see Section 11) and the between-laboratory precision of the test method (see Section 10) are acceptably small relative to typical laser diffraction instrument accuracy specifications; see Practice D 3244.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure necessary to permit a user to easily verify that a laser diffraction particle sizing instrument is operating within tolerance limit specifications, for example, such that the instrument accuracy is as stated by the manufacturer. The recommended calibration verification method provides a decisive indication of the overall performance of the instrument at the calibration point or points, but it is specifically not to be inferred that all factors in instrument performance are verified. In effect, use of this test method will verify the instrument performance for applications involving spherical particles of known refractive index where the near-forward light scattering properties are accurately modeled by the instrument data processing and data reduction software. The precision and bias limits presented herein are, therefore, estimates of the instrument performance under ideal conditions. Nonideal factors that could be present in actual applications and that could significantly increase the bias errors of laser diffraction instruments include vignetting (that is, where light scattered at large angles by particles far away from the receiving lens does not pass through the receiving lens and therefore does not reach the detector plane), the presence of nonspherical particles, the presence of particles of unknown refractive index, and multiple scattering.
1.2 This test method shall be used as a significant test of the instrument performance. While the procedure is not designed for extensive calibration adjustment of an instrument, it shall be used to verify quantitative performance on an ongoing basis, to compare one instrument performance with that of another, and to provide error limits for instruments tested.
1.3 This test method provides an indirect measurement of some of the important parameters controlling the results in particle sizing by laser diffraction. A determination of all parameters affecting instrument performance would come under a calibration adjustment procedure.
1.4 This test method shall be performed on a periodic and regular basis, the frequency of which depends on the physical environment in which the instrumentation is used. Thus, units handled roughly or used under adverse conditions (for example, exposed to dust, chemical vapors, vibration, or combinations thereof) shall undergo a calibration verification more frequently than those not exposed to such conditions. This procedure shall be performed after any significant repairs are made on an instrument, such as those involving the optics, detector, or electronics.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method describes a procedure necessary to permit a user to easily verify that a laser diffraction particle sizing instrument is operating within ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.
It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.
The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
These criteria and procedures provide a uniform base for analysis of liquid drop data.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice gives procedures for determining appropriate sample size, size class widths, characteristic drop sizes, and dispersion measure of drop size distribution. The accuracy of and correction procedures for measurements of drops using particular equipment are not part of this practice. Attention is drawn to the types of sampling (spatial, flux-sensitive, or neither) with a note on conversion required (methods not specified). The data are assumed to be counts by drop size. The drop size is assumed to be the diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume.
1.2 The analysis applies to all liquid drop distributions except where specific restrictions are stated.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The purpose of this test method is to provide data on liquid drop-size characteristics for sprays, as indicated by optical nonimaging light-scattering instruments. The results obtained generally will be statistical in nature. The number of variables concerned in the production of liquid spray, together with the variety of optical, electronic, and sampling systems used in different instruments, may contribute to variations in the test results. Care must be exercised, therefore, when attempting to compare data from samples obtained by different means.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain data which characterize the sizes of liquid particles or drops such as are produced by a spray nozzle or similar device under specified conditions using a specified liquid. The drops will generally be in the size range from 5-μm to the order of 1 000-μm diameter; they will occur in sprays which may be as small as a few cubic centimetres or as large as several cubic metres. Typically the number density of the particles can vary significantly from one point to another.
1.2 This test method is intended primarily for use in standardizing measurements of the performance of sprayproducing devices. It is limited to those techniques and instruments that operate by passing a beam of light through the spray and analyzing the light scattered by the droplets to derive size information. Such techniques do not produce images of individual drops, and therefore, are known as “optical (nonimaging) instruments.”
1.3 The measurements made, when referred to the entire spray being sampled, may be flux sensitive or spatial, as defined in Practice E799, depending on the techniques used with a particular instrument.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
When evaluating the particle size information, if the procedures of the data processing are not available, the user of the data must make assumptions concerning the reported data in the event of analytical inconsistencies. In order for different data sets to be compared it is crucial that the parties report the analytical techniques and methods or procedures for evaluating, calculating, compiling or otherwise processing the data to be reported.
Particle size characterization information can be reported in three levels of detail in order to satisfy user's needs.
Level 1 applies when only basic information about the material is required, and shall be provided with each shipment. This level represents the minimum information that shall be reported. Level 1 information may be sufficient in such cases as identifying a certain grade of a material or when detailed knowledge of analytical methodology is not needed.
Level 2 presumes the need for knowledge of methodology on the user's part and allows the user to make a more informed judgment about the information provided in Level 1.
Level 3 provides detailed written procedures to allow duplication of the measurement.
Information provided through Levels 2 and 3 will allow users to perform comparative material evaluations between several suppliers, set specifications or define a purchase agreement, perform inter-laboratory studies and most importantly resolve disputes between supplier and users.
Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual particle dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling and preparation can also affect the reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers reporting particle size measurement data.
1.2 This practice applies to particle size measurement methods, devices, detail levels, and data formats for dry powders, and wet suspensions of solids, gels, or emulsion droplets. This practice does not pertain to liquid particles.
Note 1—For information on reporting liquid particle measurement data, refer to Practice E 799.  
1.3 This practice does not concern particle concentration information.
1.4 This practice uses SI (Système International) units as standard. State all numerical values in terms of SI units unless specific instrumentation software reports particle size information, including percentiles, indices, and distributions as tabulations and graphs using alternate units. In this case, present both reported and equivalent SI units in the final written report. Refer to Practice E 380 for proper usage of SI units.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.
It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.
The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The myriad array of particle size analysis techniques available to the modern-day powder technologist is both daunting and confusing. Many of the techniques are applicable only to certain types of materials, and all have limited ranges of applicability with respect to powder particle size. This guide is an attempt to describe and define the applicability of each of the available techniques, so that powder technologists, and others interested in powders, may make informed and appropriate choices in characterizing their materials.
This guide is intended to be used to determine the best and most efficient way of characterizing the particle size distribution of a particular powder material. It may also be used to determine whether a reported powder particle size, or size distribution, was obtained in an appropriate and meaningful way.
All particle size analysis techniques report particle size in terms of an “equivalent spherical diameter”: the diameter of an ideal spherical particle of the material of interest that would behave in the same manner as the (usually irregular-shaped) actual particle under the same conditions. The different techniques must necessarily use different definitions of the equivalent spherical diameter, based on their different operating principles.
Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual dimension and/or shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling, and preparation can also affect reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the use of many available techniques for particle size measurement and particle size distribution analysis of solid particulate (powder) materials. It does not apply to analysis of liquid droplets or liquid aerosols. The guide is intended to serve as a resource for powder/particle technologists in characterizing their materials.
1.2 This guide provides more detail regarding the particle size analysis methods listed in Guide E 1919, which is a compilation of worldwide published standards relating to particle and spray characterization. Although Guide E 1919 and this guide are both extensive, neither is all inclusive.
1.3 The principle of operation, range of applicability, specific requirements (if any), and limitations of each of the included particle size analysis techniques are listed and described, so that users of this guide may choose the most useful and most efficient technique for characterizing the particle size distribution of their particular material(s).
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.
It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.
The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.
It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.
The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Interpretation and use of data generated by particle characterization methods is highly dependent on the definitions of terms describing that data. It is extremely important that those terms be defined in precisely the same way both when comparing data from different characterization techniques and even when correlating data from the same technique.
It is likewise important that users of particle characterization methods and the data generated therefrom understand the principles of the methods, so that differences and similarities in the data can be interpreted in relation to those principles. That understanding can help to avoid disagreements when data from different characterization methods are compared.
The definitions contained in this terminology will aid in the interpretation of particle characterization data with respect to the method(s) used to produce that data.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the definitions of terms used in the description and procedures of analysis of particulate materials not ordinarily analyzed using test sieves. The terms relate directly to the equipment used in analysis, the physical forms of the materials to be analyzed, and selected descriptive data reduction and analysis formats.
1.2 Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization believes that it is essential to include terms and definitions explicit to the committee’s scope, regardless of whether the terms appear in existing ASTM standards. Terms that are in common usage and appear in common-language dictionaries are generally not included, unless they have specific meanings in the context of particle characterization different from the common-language definitions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
When evaluating the particle size information, if the procedures of the data processing are not available, the user of the data must make assumptions concerning the reported data in the event of analytical inconsistencies. In order for different data sets to be compared it is crucial that the parties report the analytical techniques and methods or procedures for evaluating, calculating, compiling or otherwise processing the data to be reported.
Particle size characterization information can be reported in three levels of detail in order to satisfy user’needs.
3.2.1 Level 1 applies when only basic information about the material is required, and shall be provided with each shipment. This level represents the minimum information that shall be reported. Level 1 information may be sufficient in such cases as identifying a certain grade of a material or when detailed knowledge of analytical methodology is not needed.
3.2.2 Level 2 presumes the need for knowledge of methodology on the user’part and allows the user to make a more informed judgment about the information provided in Level 1.
3.2.3 Level 3 provides detailed written procedures to allow duplication of the measurement.
3.2.4 Information provided through Levels 2 and 3 will allow users to perform comparative material evaluations between several suppliers, set specifications or define a purchase agreement, perform inter-laboratory studies and most importantly resolve disputes between supplier and users.
Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual particle dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties of the particle being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling and preparation can also affect the reported particle size results.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers reporting particle size measurement data.
1.2 This practice applies to particle size measurement methods, devices, detail levels, and data formats for dry powders, and wet suspensions of solids, gels, or emulsion droplets. This practice does not pertain to liquid particles.
Note 1—For information on reporting liquid particle measurement data, refer to Practice E 799.
1.3 This practice does not concern particle concentration information.
1.4 This practice uses SI (Systme International) units as standard. State all numerical values in terms of SI units unless specific instrumentation software reports particle size information, including percentiles, indices, and distributions as tabulations and graphs using alternate units. In this case, present both reported and equivalent SI units in the final written report. Refer to Practice E 380 for proper usage of SI units.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SCOPE
1.1 The terms covered in this terminology apply to two broad, generic classifications; terms related to characterizing liquid particles and terms relating to the process of atomization.  
1.2 Terms in the first class pertain to the structure and condition of individual particles or groups of particles as observed in nature or produced by an atomizing device.  
1.3 Terms in the second class are associated with the mechanism and various stages of liquid atomization.  
1.4 The following terms have special relevance in the area of spray technology.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The purpose of this test method is to provide data on liquid drop-size characteristics for sprays, as indicated by optical nonimaging light-scattering instruments. The results obtained generally will be statistical in nature. The number of variables concerned in the production of liquid spray, together with the variety of optical, electronic, and sampling systems used in different instruments, may contribute to variations in the test results. Care must be exercised, therefore, when attempting to compare data from samples obtained by different means.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain data which characterize the sizes of liquid particles or drops such as are produced by a spray nozzle or similar device under specified conditions using a specified liquid. The drops will generally be in the size range from 5-m to the order of 1 000-m diameter; they will occur in sprays which may be as small as a few cubic centimetres or as large as several cubic metres. Typically the number density of the particles can vary significantly from one point to another.
1.2 This test method is intended primarily for use in standardizing measurements of the performance of sprayproducing devices. It is limited to those techniques and instruments that operate by passing a beam of light through the spray and analyzing the light scattered by the droplets to derive size information. Such techniques do not produce images of individual drops, and therefore, are known as "optical (nonimaging) instruments."
1.3 The measurements made, when referred to the entire spray being sampled, may be flux sensitive or spatial, as defined in Practice E 799, depending on the techniques used with a particular instrument.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
These criteria5 and procedures provide a uniform base for analysis of liquid drop data.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice gives procedures for determining appropriate sample size, size class widths, characteristic drop sizes, and dispersion measure of drop size distribution. The accuracy of and correction procedures for measurements of drops using particular equipment are not part of this practice. Attention is drawn to the types of sampling (spatial, flux-sensitive, or neither) with a note on conversion required (methods not specified). The data are assumed to be counts by drop size. The drop size is assumed to be the diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume.
1.2 The analysis applies to all liquid drop distributions except where specific restrictions are stated.

SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for adjusting the size ranges of an airborne discrete particle counter (DPC) to match size/concentration data from a reference DPC that has been calibrated for counting and sizing accuracy in accordance with Practice F 328 and is kept in good working order. The practice is applied in situations where time, capabilities, or both, required for carrying out procedures in Practice F 328 are not available. It is particularly useful where more than one DPC may be required to observe an environment where the particulate material being counted and sized is different in composition from the precision spherical particulate materials used for calibration in Practice F 328 and/or all of the DPCs in use are not similar in optical or electronic design.
1.2 Procedures covered here include those to measure sampled and observed air volume or flow rate, zero count level, particle sizing and counting accuracy, particle sizing resolution, particle counting efficiency, and particle concentration limit.

SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure necessary to permit a user to easily verify that a laser diffraction particle sizing instrument is operating within tolerance limit specifications, for example, such that the instrument accuracy is as stated by the manufacturer. The recommended calibration verification method provides a decisive indication of the overall performance of the instrument at the calibration point or points, but it is specifically not to be inferred that all factors in instrument performance are verified. In effect, use of this test method will verify the instrument performance for applications involving spherical particles of known refractive index where the near-forward light scattering properties are accurately modeled by the instrument data processing and data reduction software. The precision and bias limits presented herein are, therefore, estimates of the instrument performance under ideal conditions. Nonideal factors that could be present in actual applications and that could significantly increase the bias errors of laser diffraction instruments include vignetting (that is, where light scattered at large angles by particles far away from the receiving lens does not pass through the receiving lens and therefore does not reach the detector plane), the presence of nonspherical particles, the presence of particles of unknown refractive index, and multiple scattering.
1.2 This test method shall be used as a significant test of the instrument performance. While the procedure is not designed for extensive calibration adjustment of an instrument, it shall be used to verify quantitative performance on an ongoing basis, to compare one instrument performance with that of another, and to provide error limits for instruments tested.
1.3 This test method provides an indirect measurement of some of the important parameters controlling the results in particle sizing by laser diffraction. A determination of all parameters affecting instrument performance would come under a calibration adjustment procedure.
1.4 This test method shall be performed on a periodic and regular basis, the frequency of which depends on the physical environment in which the instrumentation is used. Thus, units handled roughly or used under adverse conditions (for example, exposed to dust, chemical vapors, vibration, or combinations thereof) shall undergo a calibration verification more frequently than those not exposed to such conditions. This procedure shall be performed after any significant repairs are made on an instrument, such as those involving the optics, detector, or electronics.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for calibrating and determining performance of an optical liquid-borne particle counter (LPC) which uses an optical system based upon light extinction measurement. This practice is directed towards determination of accuracy and resolution of the LPC for characterizing the size and number of particles, which have been passed into the sample inlet of the LPC. Consideration of inlet sampling efficiency is not part of this practice.
1.2 The procedures covered in this practice include those to measure sample volume and flow rate, zero count level, particle sizing and counting accuracy, particle sizing resolution, particle counting efficiency, and particle concentration limit.
1.3 The particle size parameter reported in this practice is the equivalent optical diameter based on projected area of calibration particles with known physical properties dispersed in liquid. The manufacturer normally specifies the minimum diameter that can be reported by an LPC; the dynamic range of the LPC being used determines the maximum diameter that can be reported for a single sample. Typical minimum reported diameters are approximately 2 ´m, and a typical dynamic range specification will be approximately from 50 to 1.
1.4 The counting rate capability of the LPC is limited by temporal coincidence of particles in the sensing volume of the LPC and by the saturation level or maximum counting rate capability of the electronic sizing and counting circuitry. Coincidence is defined as the simultaneous presence of more than one particle within the LPC optically defined sensing zone at any time. The coincidence limit is a statistical function of particle concentration in the sample and the sensing zone volume when particle size is insignificant in comparison to the sensing volume dimensions. This limitation may be modified by the presence of particles with dimension so large as to be a significant fraction of the sensing zone dimension. The saturation level rate of the electronic counting circuitry shall be specified by the manufacturer and is normally greater than the LPC recommended maximum counting rate for the particle concentrations used for any portion of this practice.
1.5 Calibration in accordance with all parts of this practice may not be required for routine field calibration of an LPC unless significant changes have occurred in operation of the LPC or major component repairs or replacements have been made. The LPC shall then be taken to a suitable metrology facility for complete calibration. Normal routine field calibration may determine sample flow rate, zero count level, and particle sizing accuracy. The specific LPC functions to be calibrated shall be determined on the basis of agreement between the purchaser and the user. The maximum time interval between calibrations shall be determined by agreement between the purchaser and the user, but shall not exceed twelve months, unless LPC stability for longer periods is verified by measurements in accordance with this practice.
1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operation, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for calibrating and determining performance of an optical liquid-borne particle counter (LPC) which uses an optical system based upon light extinction measurement. This practice is directed towards determination of accuracy and resolution of the LPC for characterizing the size and number of particles, which have been passed into the sample inlet of the LPC. Consideration of inlet sampling efficiency is not part of this practice.
1.2 The procedures covered in this practice include those to measure sample volume and flow rate, zero count level, particle sizing and counting accuracy, particle sizing resolution, particle counting efficiency, and particle concentration limit.
1.3 The particle size parameter reported in this practice is the equivalent optical diameter based on projected area of calibration particles with known physical properties dispersed in liquid. The manufacturer normally specifies the minimum diameter that can be reported by an LPC; the dynamic range of the LPC being used determines the maximum diameter that can be reported for a single sample. Typical minimum reported diameters are approximately 2 ´m, and a typical dynamic range specification will be approximately from 50 to 1.
1.4 The counting rate capability of the LPC is limited by temporal coincidence of particles in the sensing volume of the LPC and by the saturation level or maximum counting rate capability of the electronic sizing and counting circuitry. Coincidence is defined as the simultaneous presence of more than one particle within the LPC optically defined sensing zone at any time. The coincidence limit is a statistical function of particle concentration in the sample and the sensing zone volume when particle size is insignificant in comparison to the sensing volume dimensions. This limitation may be modified by the presence of particles with dimension so large as to be a significant fraction of the sensing zone dimension. The saturation level rate of the electronic counting circuitry shall be specified by the manufacturer and is normally greater than the LPC recommended maximum counting rate for the particle concentrations used for any portion of this practice.
1.5 Calibration in accordance with all parts of this practice may not be required for routine field calibration of an LPC unless significant changes have occurred in operation of the LPC or major component repairs or replacements have been made. The LPC shall then be taken to a suitable metrology facility for complete calibration. Normal routine field calibration may determine sample flow rate, zero count level, and particle sizing accuracy. The specific LPC functions to be calibrated shall be determined on the basis of agreement between the purchaser and the user. The maximum time interval between calibrations shall be determined by agreement between the purchaser and the user, but shall not exceed twelve months, unless LPC stability for longer periods is verified by measurements in accordance with this practice.
1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operation, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.