Evaluation of the Microtrac (SPA) for Particle Size Analysis of Superfine Materials

An evaluation was made of the Microtrac SPA to determine whether it would meet Atlantic Research Corporation needs for rapid analysis of superfine materials. In this size range, the Microtrac SPA proved to be as reproduciable as the MSA particle size analyzer. In most cases, particle size results of the Microtrac SPA were the same or slightly smaller than those of the MSA. However, due to shape factor, some materials tested larger by Microtrac SPA than by MSA. Microtrac SPA anlaysis time is approximately six minutes for duplicate results once the sample is introduced for testing. This contrasts with MSA analysis times of 45 minutes to over 3 hours for superfine material. Good results were obtained for median particle sizes of seven micrometers down into the sub-micrometer region. Considering that MSA particle size equipment is no longer manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances Company, the Microtrac SPA provides a good alternative for testing in the superfine range and has the added advantages of very rapid analysis time simple operation automatic accumulatiuon, calculation and printing of data and less operator time.