ISO 13317-3-2001 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 13317-3:2001 — Determination of particle size distribution by gravitational liquid sedimentation methods — Part 3: X‑ray gravitational technique. This part of ISO 13317 defines a method for measuring particle size distributions of powders dispersed in a liquid by monitoring the settlement of particles under gravity using an X‑ray beam to measure incremental concentration changes in the settling column.

Abstract

ISO 13317-3:2001 specifies the X‑ray gravitational technique for gravitational liquid sedimentation particle size analysis. The method measures the change in X‑ray absorption as particles settle, producing a mass (or concentration) versus settling time curve that is converted to an equivalent spherical particle size distribution. The technique is applicable to dispersions with particles producing sufficient X‑ray attenuation and is typically used for sizes roughly from about 0.5 μm up to around 100 μm. The standard covers apparatus, sample preparation, measurement procedure, calculation and reporting requirements, and notes key limitations and safety considerations related to X‑ray use.

General information

• Status: Published (international standard; confirmed at periodic reviews).
• Publication date: March 2001 (Edition 1, published March 2001).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 19.120 — Particle size analysis; sieving.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2001).
• Number of pages: 11 pages (official published document length).

Scope

This part of ISO 13317 specifies a laboratory method for determining the particle size distribution of particulate materials dispersed in a liquid using gravitational sedimentation monitored by X‑ray absorption. It applies to powders and slurries that can be dispersed in a liquid and whose particles have similar composition (so that X‑ray attenuation is representative). The standard does not cover centrifugal, electric or magnetic sedimentation techniques, high‑concentration (zone) sedimentation, nor does it determine particle properties other than sedimentation velocity (for example it does not directly measure particle shape, surface chemistry, zeta potential or true density though those parameters may be required as input data for interpretation).

Key topics and requirements

• Principle of the X‑ray gravitational technique: monitoring incremental X‑ray absorption as particles settle under gravity.
• Apparatus and instrumentation requirements: settling column, calibrated X‑ray source and detector geometry, timing and data acquisition systems.
• Sample preparation and dispersion procedures to achieve representative, stable suspensions without aggregation.
• Measurement procedure: initial conditions, timing, data capture, and checks for repeatability.
• Calculation methods: conversion of absorption/time data to concentration profiles, application of Stokes’ law (or appropriate sedimentation equations), and derivation of equivalent spherical diameter distributions.
• Range of applicability and limits: typical particle size range (~0.5 μm to ~100 μm), requirement for sufficiently X‑ray‑attenuating material and uniform composition, and considerations for particle density and shape.
• Uncertainty, validation and reporting: guidance on repeatability, sources of error, required reporting elements and presentation of results.
• Safety considerations: radiation protection and safe operation of X‑ray equipment, appropriate shielding and regulatory compliance.

Typical use and users

ISO 13317-3:2001 is used by analytical and quality laboratories, research and development groups, and manufacturers who require particle size distribution data for powders and suspensions. Typical industries include pharmaceuticals, ceramics, minerals and mining, paints and coatings, pigments and fillers, and advanced materials R&D where nondestructive, gravimetric-based size analysis is appropriate and X‑ray monitoring is feasible.

Related standards

ISO 13317 is a multipart series covering gravitational liquid sedimentation methods. Relevant parts include ISO 13317-1 (general principles and guidance — originally 2001, with a later revision published), ISO 13317-2 (fixed pipette method), and ISO 13317-4 (balance method). The series is prepared by ISO/TC 24/SC 4 (particle characterization). Users should consult the other parts for complementary techniques, general guidelines, validation and uncertainty treatment.

Keywords

particle size distribution, gravitational sedimentation, X‑ray technique, sedimentation analysis, settling column, Stokes’ law, particle characterization, slurries, powders, X‑ray absorption, particle sizing, ISO 13317

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 13317-3:2001 is the part of the ISO 13317 series that specifies the X‑ray gravitational technique for determining particle size distributions by gravitational liquid sedimentation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the measurement principle, apparatus, sample preparation, measurement procedure, calculation and reporting of particle size distributions obtained by monitoring X‑ray absorption during gravity settling. It also addresses limitations and radiation safety requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical laboratories, quality control and R&D personnel in industries such as pharmaceuticals, minerals, ceramics, paints and coatings, pigments, fillers and materials research where gravimetric sedimentation methods are applicable and X‑ray monitoring is suitable.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 13317-3:2001 is an officially published part of the ISO 13317 series (Edition 1, 2001). Individual parts of the series may have been reviewed or revised at different times; users should check the current status of each part in the series before relying on the text for regulatory or certified testing workflows.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 13317 is a multipart standard on gravitational liquid sedimentation methods. Related parts include ISO 13317-1 (general principles), ISO 13317-2 (fixed pipette method) and ISO 13317-4 (balance method).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Particle size distribution, sedimentation, X‑ray absorption, gravitational liquid sedimentation, particle characterization, Stokes’ law, settling analysis.