ISO 13317-4-2014 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 13317-4:2014 — Determination of particle size distribution by gravitational liquid sedimentation methods — Part 4: Balance method. This part of ISO 13317 specifies a balance (mass) method in which the mass of particles deposited after gravitational settling in a liquid is measured directly to obtain a mass-based particle size distribution expressed as equivalent spherical (Stokes) diameters. The procedure is typically applied where particle Reynolds numbers are low and the sedimentation conditions for Stokes’ law are satisfied.

Abstract

This standard describes a direct mass-measurement gravitational liquid sedimentation technique (balance method) for determining the particle-size distribution of dispersed particulate samples. Results are reported as a mass (weight) distribution of equivalent spherical particle diameters (Stokes diameters). The method is generally applicable in the approximate particle-size range from 1 μm to 100 μm under conditions where the particle Reynolds number is less than 0.25.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed on ISO review).
• Publication date: 14 November 2014.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 19.120 (Particle characterization / particle size analysis).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2014).
• Number of pages: 14.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details above are taken from the ISO bibliographic entry for ISO 13317-4:2014.

Scope

ISO 13317-4:2014 specifies the balance method for determination of particle-size distribution by gravitational liquid sedimentation. The method is based on collecting and weighing fractions (or deposits) of particles that have settled under gravity in a suitable liquid and converting those mass fractions to an equivalent-sphere diameter distribution. The standard is intended for particulate samples for which sedimentation is governed by Stokes’ law (typically about 1 μm to 100 μm) and where particle Reynolds numbers remain below approximately 0.25.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle of the balance (mass) gravitational sedimentation method and definitions (Stokes diameter, mass distribution).
• Apparatus and materials: sedimentation column/holder, fraction collection or deposit substrate, analytical balance with suitable sensitivity, temperature control, and appropriate liquid medium.
• Sample preparation and dispersion to minimise aggregation and to ensure representative settling behaviour.
• Measurement procedure: timed sedimentation, fraction collection or deposit measurement, mass determination and conversion to diameter classes.
• Applicability limits and assumptions: size range, fluid properties (viscosity, density), particle density, and Reynolds-number restrictions (Re < 0.25).
• Calculation methods to convert measured mass fractions into mass-based particle-size distribution (equivalent spherical diameters) and reporting format.
• Requirements for reporting, uncertainty considerations and recommendations to avoid systematic errors (buoyancy corrections, temperature control, reproducibility checks).

Typical use and users

The balance sedimentation method in ISO 13317-4 is used by analytical and quality-control laboratories, research institutions and industrial R&D groups performing particle-size analysis where a direct mass-based distribution is required. Typical industries and applications include pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, ceramics, minerals and mining, pigments, slurries and any suspension where gravitational sedimentation in a liquid is an appropriate separation mechanism. Users are normally laboratory analysts, method developers, QC managers and technical specialists in particle characterization.

Related standards

ISO 13317-4 is part of the ISO 13317 series on gravitational liquid sedimentation methods. Related parts include ISO 13317-1 (general principles and guidelines), ISO 13317-2 (fixed pipette method) and ISO 13317-3 (X-ray gravitational technique). Other complementary particle-size standards and techniques (for different measurement principles) include ISO 13320 (laser diffraction particle-size analysis) and additional ISO/TC 24/SC 4 documents addressing particle characterization practices.

Keywords

particle size distribution, gravitational sedimentation, balance method, Stokes diameter, mass-based distribution, sedimentation column, particle characterization, ISO 13317 series.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 13317-4:2014 is an international standard that defines the balance (mass) gravitational liquid sedimentation method for determining particle-size distributions expressed as mass fractions of equivalent spherical (Stokes) diameters.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principle, apparatus, sample preparation, measurement procedure, calculation and reporting for the balance-based sedimentation method, and specifies the conditions under which the method is applicable (typical size range and Reynolds-number limits).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical laboratories, industrial QC and R&D teams, and researchers who require a direct mass-based particle-size distribution for suspensions where gravitational settling in a liquid is an appropriate separation mechanism (e.g., pharmaceuticals, paints, minerals, ceramics).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published on 14 November 2014, ISO 13317-4:2014 is the first edition (2014). According to the ISO bibliographic record the document is published and subject to ISO’s periodic review process (standards are typically reviewed every five years); users should check their national standards body or ISO for the most recent confirmation or revision status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 4 of the ISO 13317 series (gravitational liquid sedimentation methods). The series includes Part 1 (general principles), Part 2 (fixed pipette) and Part 3 (X-ray gravitational technique).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Particle size distribution; gravitational sedimentation; balance method; Stokes diameter; mass distribution; particle characterization.