Recorder for analyzing particle size distributions of powders

1, 112, 770. Photo-electric determination of particle size distribution. HITACHI SEISAKUSHO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Dec. 2, 1965 [Dec. 10, 1964], No. 51269/65. Heading G1A. The particle size distribution of a powder sample is determined by scanning a beam of light down a cell containing a liquid suspension of the powder, which has previously been agitated, and detecting the transmitted light intensity as an electrical signal which is plotted as one co-ordinate on a graph recorder, the other co-ordinate being provided as an electrical signal corresponding to the square root of a linear variable representing the scanning position of the light-beam. The weight particle size distribution is shown to depend on #h, the square root of the distance a particle of radius r has settled in a certain time, and log I, the logarithm of the light intensity transmitted by the liquid suspension. If a graph of log I against #h is plotted, the weight ratio of particles in a certain radius range compared with those in the whole radius range can be determined by measurement of the areas, under the curve, corresponding to those values. Electrical signals corresponding to I and #h are plotted on a nomographical recorder, the markings on the recording sheets of which allow simple conversion of the I against #h curve to one of log I against #h, from which a required weight ratio can be determined Fig. 5 (not shown). From a range of weight ratios, a weight particle size distribution curve (weight ratio against particle radius) may be produced Fig. 6 (not shown). Two arrangements for producing the electrical values of I and #h are described. In both cases the transmitted intensity I is obtained by photoelectrically detecting light collimated by lens and slit system, and caused to scan vertically down a cell containing the liquid suspension. The scanning starts an arbitrary time after agitation of the liquid. The means causing the scan is arranged also to produce the electrical signal corresponding to #h by producing a signal representing the varying position of the scanning beam. In one arrangement Fig. 2, a plane mirror 9 is driven along a rectilinear path and reflection of the light-beam from this to another mirror 10 causes scanning of the beam, while the sliding contact of a potentiometer, wound to produce a resistance value equal to #h, moves in synchronism with the mirror. In a second arrangement Fig. 4 (not shown) a concave mirror is slowly rotated to scan the light-beam over the ce