Measuring Particle Size Distribution of Gypsum Using Laser Diffraction
2021-09-03Application Note
Gypsum performance (setting time, compressive strength, density) depends on particle size distribution. The Bettersizer ST analyzer measured two gypsum samples rapidly and accurately, demonstrating excellent repeatability and reliability for quality control applications.
| Product | Bettersizer ST |
| Industry | Mining and Minerals |
| Sample | Gypsum powder |
| Measurement Type | Particle Size |
| Measurement Technology | Laser Diffraction |
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Abstract: The performance of gypsum is influenced by many factors, among which the particle size distribution is particularly significant. This application note was intended for investigating the particle size distribution of gypsum before and after grinding process with a laser particle size analyzer. Measurements show the difference in particle size distribution between two gypsum samples and outstanding repeatability of the particle size analyzer.
Keywords: Particle size distribution, laser diffraction, gypsum
Performance of Gypsum Depends on Particle Size Distribution
The widespread application of gypsum is always astonishing, from construction of ancient Roman architecture to medicinal agents in traditional Chinese medicine.[1] Gypsum can be mined from gypsite or extracted from evaporite. The main application area of gypsum is construction. General processing of the gypsum in construction industry starts from crushing for a preliminary fragmentation, then grinding and heating processes are carried out towards acquisition of plaster namely hemihydrate gypsum, which presents the incredible property of setting in a hard mass after addition of water. There are many factors that can affect the properties of gypsum, e. g., the amount of water added, the type of filter utilized or particle size distribution. In practical application, plenty of important performance such as setting time, compressive strength or density deeply relies on particle size distribution.[2] Consequently, the control of particle size is crucial in gypsum production.
Bettersizer ST as a Guard for Quality Control
As a leading particle size analyzer for quality control, Bettersizer ST guarantees excellent performance of your products. Laser diffraction technology utilized in Bettersizer ST is combined with its patented DLOS optical system, which allows rapid measurements to yield repeatable and accurate results. In this note, two commercial gypsum powder applied in construction area, were measured with Bettersizer ST.
Particle Size Distribution Measurement of Gypsum
The samples were dispersed under ethanol in corrosion-resistance circulation tank. The measurement results were illustrated graphically within seconds. The state of the two samples were different, one was before grinding, while the other was after grinding. Figure 1 shows the particle size distribution of the two samples reported by Bettersizer ST. As can be noticed, the range of particle size distributions is similar. However, fner particles can be observed after grinding process. The uniformity of particle size was good before grinding. Although the average particle size became smaller after grinding, an even distribution of particle size was not realized. It can be inferred from the figure that the grinding process was probably not fully carried out, since numerous particles were still relatively larger. Rapid and accurate measurements of particle size distribution with Bettersizer ST can be easily achieved, with which the processing can be demystifed towards quality control.
Outstanding Measurement Repeatability
Repeatability is an important parameter of particle size analyzer. A sample was obtained from ground gypsum and measured five times with Bettersizer ST. Results are shown below in Figure 2. It can be observed that the five distribution curves almost completely overlap, which demonstrates the outstanding repeatability of the measurements with Bettersizer ST. Table 1 shows the corresponding repeatability of D10, D50 and D90. The particle size of gypsum was experimentally determined with a variability of less than 0.5%.
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Sample
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D10 (μm)
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D50 (μm)
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D90 (μm)
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Gypsum 1-1
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1.654 | 15.34 | 59.31 |
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Gypsum 1-2
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1.646 | 15.18 | 58.76 |
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Gypsum 1-3
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1.653 | 15.33 | 59.42 |
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Gypsum 1-4
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1.651 | 15.31 | 59.19 |
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Gypsum 1-5
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1.652 | 15.28 | 59.26 |
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Repeatability
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0.19% | 0.42% | 0.43% |
Conclusion
The particle size distribution of two gypsum samples was rapidly and accurately measured with Bettersizer ST of Bettersize Instruments. Outstanding repeatability was presented subsequently by measurements of a ground sample, which indicates its excellent reliability. The capability of providing convincing results with convenient measurements makes Bettersizer ST an ideal particle size analyzer for quality control.
References
[1] Shizhen, L. (1596) Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu). Reprint, Oakland: UC Press, 2021.
[2] Jérôme A.; Sylvain M.; Solene T.; Éric M.; Layla S. In-situ X-ray tomographic monitoring of gypsum plaster setting.Cem. Concr. Res. 2016, 82, 107-116.
About the Authors
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Weichen Gan Engineer @ Application Research Lab, Bettersize Instruments Ltd.
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The Bettersizer ST is a fully automated and integrated particle size analyzer with a smart operation system for wet dispersing.
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