Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Measuring Particle Sizes...Microns

MineMan - 13-2-2017 at 16:36

Hello fellow scientist!

I am trying to accurately measure particle sizes, I need to measure accurately to 10 microns (particles that are 10 microns).

The issue with an optical microscope is I would like to take pictures, and the cameras for them can be up to 100-200 dollars for a decent resolution.

I am guessing I will want 500X magnification at least? I see microscopes on Amazon for 200 that can do this, but everyone says the resolution sucks at higher magnifications...

What should I do?

PHILOU Zrealone - 13-2-2017 at 19:17

This may help you:
Introduction Differential Sedimentation-particle size

and this too

MineMan - 14-2-2017 at 13:29

Ah, interesting. Thank you

I do not have a centrifuge nor a detector though and I am afraid it might be hard to find a liquid where the chemicals (mostly oxidizer salts, percolates and nitrates) are not soluble in.

PHILOU Zrealone - 14-2-2017 at 14:28

You can also simply allow a constant flow of solvant with the particles run horizontally from a tiny pipe and coming into a larger long and deeper tank for sedimentation...finer particles will travel further while the larger ones will sedimentate faster...so you only need calibration with known diameter particles (and density).

Fluid for oxidizer salts like perchlorates and nitrates...no problem use oil, benzine, naphta, white spirit, paraffin oil.

MineMan - 15-2-2017 at 11:27

Damn it Philou! why did you have to remind me of fluid dynamics.

PHILOU Zrealone - 15-2-2017 at 13:43

Quote: Originally posted by MineMan  
Damn it Philou! why did you have to remind me of fluid dynamics.

Oups sorry :D:):P.
When there is a specific and concise problem, there is often one or more solutions...now I agree that fluid flow dynamics is not the easiest matter, but in this specific case it must be very handy...even if it calls for a memory refreshing and a travel back in time at the time of your studies :cool:.