What is ISO 13320 - Laser diffraction method about?
ISO 13320 provides guidance on instrument qualification and size distribution measurement of particles in many two-phase systems (e.g., powders, sprays, aerosols, suspensions, emulsions, and gas bubbles in liquids) through the analysis of their light-scattering properties. ISO 13320 is applicable to particle sizes ranging from approximately 0,1 μm to 3 mm. With special instrumentation and conditions, the applicable size range can be extended above 3 mm and below 0,1 μm.
For spherical and non-spherical particles, a size distribution is reported, where the predicted scattering pattern for the volumetric sum of spherical particles matches the measured scattering pattern. This is because the technique assumes a spherical particle shape in its optical model. For non-spherical particles, the resulting particle size distribution is different from that obtained by methods based on other physical principles (e.g., sedimentation, sieving).
Who is ISO 13320 - Laser diffraction method for?
ISO 13320 on laser diffraction methods is relevant to:
- Testing authorities of microbiological and chemical test methods
- Physio-chemical engineers
- Cement industries
- Laser diffraction technology
Why should you use ISO 13320 - Laser diffraction method?
The laser diffraction technique has evolved such that it is now a dominant method for determination of particle size distributions (PSDs).
ISO 13320 describes the technique which can be applied to a wide variety of particulate systems. The laser diffraction technique is fast and can be automated, and a variety of commercial instruments is available. ISO 13320 is especially marked in the ability to measure exceptionally fine particles. ISO 13320 incorporates the most recent advances in understanding. The laser diffraction or scattering technique) for the determination of particle size distributions, PSDs, is based upon the phenomenon that the angular distribution of the intensity of scattered light by a particle (scattering pattern) is dependent on the particle size. Additionally, demands raised recently not only on establishment of accuracy of measurements but also on necessity of evaluation of the accuracy and of qualification of instrument by users. ISO 13320 also assists the user with spherical particles that show a scattering pattern with circular symmetry.
Overall, ISO 13320 is helpful as it guides on the understanding of light scattering by varied materials and the design of instruments. Laser Diffraction/Scattering is an optical method where both the size and the quantity of the particles in the distribution, described by ISO 13320, depend upon the optical characteristics of both the particles and the suspending medium.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 13320:2020 supersedes BS ISO 13320:2009, which is withdrawn.
BS ISO 13320:2020 replaces the first edition (ISO 13320:2009), which has been technically revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
- Protocols for evaluation of accuracy and qualification of instrument were newly developed
- New Annex H (normative) for usage of reference material has been added
- New descriptions for wider applications, such as off-line, online, in-line and at-line have been added
- Some informative parts have been moved to new annexes
- Minor revisions and updates have been made throughout ISO 13320.
