ISO 13317-1-2024 PDF

Full title and description

Determination of particle size distribution by gravitational liquid sedimentation methods — Part 1: General principles, requirements and guidance. This part specifies the principles of particle size analysis using gravity-driven sedimentation in liquids, the principal measurement techniques, general rules for performing measurements, validation and reporting of results.

Abstract

This international standard defines the general principles and guidance for determining particle size distributions by gravitational liquid sedimentation. It describes principal measurement approaches, requirements for method validation, how to determine and report uncertainty, and how results should be represented. It explicitly excludes sedimentation driven by centrifugal, electric or magnetic forces and excludes high-concentration (zone) sedimentation and properties other than sedimentation velocity/particle size. The standard also notes safety considerations (for example, the need for explosion‑proof analysers when volatile low‑flash‑point liquids are used).

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: April 2024 (edition 2 — published 2024‑04; registered by some national bodies as 9 April 2024).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 19.120 — Particle size analysis; sieving.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2024).
• Number of pages: 70 pages (ISO record).

Scope

Part 1 provides general principles, requirements and guidance for particle size analysis by gravitational liquid sedimentation techniques. It covers the principal types of measurement techniques and the general rules for conducting measurements, validation of methods, determination of uncertainty budgets and presentation of results. It does not cover centrifugal, electric or magnetic migration, sedimentation at high particle concentrations (zone sedimentation), nor determination of properties other than sedimentation velocity/particle size (for example particle concentration, shape, density, zeta potential or apparent viscosity). Safety considerations associated with the methods are highlighted.

Key topics and requirements

• Principles of gravitational liquid sedimentation and how sedimentation velocity relates to equivalent spherical particle diameter.
• Overview of principal measurement techniques (e.g., fixed pipette, X‑ray gravitational technique, balance methods, photosedimentation/photometric approaches) and when each is appropriate.
• General requirements for sample preparation, dispersion, and selection of suspension liquids.
• Guidance on method validation and estimation/representation of measurement uncertainty.
• Rules for reporting results and for graphical/numerical representation of particle size distributions.
• Limitations and exclusions (no centrifugal/electric/magnetic migration, not for zone sedimentation or for measuring properties other than sedimentation velocity/size) and safety notes on hazardous liquids/equipment.

Typical use and users

Used by analytical and materials testing laboratories, quality‑control and R&D teams in chemical, pharmaceutical, pigment, ceramics and materials industries, instrument manufacturers and calibration houses. Typical applications include method selection and validation, inter‑laboratory comparability, instrument specification and routine quality checks for products and feedstocks where particle size influences performance.

Related standards

Related parts of the ISO 13317 series include: ISO 13317‑2 — Fixed pipette method (method detail). ISO 13317‑3 — X‑ray gravitational technique. ISO 13317‑4 — Balance (mass) method. ISO 13317‑5 — Photosedimentation (photometric) techniques (newer/adjacent part). Also consult related ISO standards on particle sizing (for example ISO 13320 laser diffraction, ISO/TS reference-material guidance, and ISO 9276 series on representation of results) for complementary methods and reporting conventions.

Keywords

particle size distribution; gravitational sedimentation; liquid sedimentation; photosedimentation; fixed pipette; X‑ray gravitational; balance method; method validation; measurement uncertainty; particle characterization.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 13317‑1:2024 is the second‑edition international standard giving general principles, requirements and guidance for determination of particle size distribution by gravitational liquid sedimentation methods.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principles of sedimentation‑based particle size analysis, principal techniques, sample handling, method validation, uncertainty estimation and presentation of results. It excludes centrifugal/electric/magnetic migration, zone (high‑concentration) sedimentation and measurement of properties other than sedimentation velocity/particle size.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Laboratories (QC and R&D), instrument manufacturers, calibration bodies and industry users in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pigments, ceramics and other sectors where particle size is critical to product performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 13317‑1:2024 (edition 2, published April 2024) replaces and withdraws ISO 13317‑1:2001.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the ISO 13317 series on gravitational liquid sedimentation methods; other parts provide technique‑specific methods (Parts 2, 3, 4, and newer Part 5 for photosedimentation).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Particle size distribution; gravitational liquid sedimentation; method validation; measurement uncertainty; photosedimentation; fixed pipette; X‑ray sedimentation; balance method.