We have a Cilas 1190L particle size analyzer that determines the size of particles using three lasers and a CCD camera. This instrument can detect particle sizes in the range of 0.04 microns to 2.5 millimeters. This method counts the number of particles at different sizes to determine the percentage of solids at each size measured.
How We Optimize Your Results
Our Testing Processes and Equipment
We perform a wide range of wet chemistry tests that help us better understand the nature of our samples. Total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, hardness, alkalinity, particle size distribution (PSD), and some metals analyses are a few of the testing capabilities we provide to improve the results of the testing done for the different slurry treatment systems.
Particle Size Analysis
The range of solid particle sizes in a slurry has a huge influence on the way solids settle, float, and/or form a filter cake. Knowing the sizes before testing helps determine the testing scope. We can determine the particle sizes using sieves or a laser equipped instrument.
Cilas 1190L Particle Size Analyzer
Sieve Particle Size Analysis
Our lab has sieves with different sized screen openings, ranging from 37 microns to 4.76 millimeters to measure the particle sizes in a sample. We measure the mass of the sample trapped by the sieve to determine the percentage of solids at that approximate screen size.
Equipment
The WesTech lab uses a variety of equipment for sample analysis. Of course, we have the usual laboratory equipment – beakers, balances, hotplates, etc. – but we also use more specialized equipment to support sample analysis, such as:
Hach DR6000 Spectrophotometer – This is used to analyze for COD, ammonia, nitrates, metals, organics, and many other constituents.
Thermo Scientific Haake Viscotester IQ – We use this viscometer to determine the yield stress of slurries. With the yield stress measurements, we can determine the rheology of a thickened slurry and design a paste thickener to thicken the slurry.
Hach Digital Titrator – This easily determines parameters such as alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, silica, and other parameters.