LASER-BASED TECHNIQUES FOR PARTICLE-SIZE MEASUREMENT - A REVIEW OF SIZING METHODS AND THEIR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Laser-based techniques for particle-size measurement have become incre asingly important in combustion research and many other disciplines. I nstruments are continually being developed and improved to meet the de manding geometric, accuracy and other requirements associated with cur rent research and industrial applications. This paper reviews some of the many techniques now used, including those marketed as commercial i nstruments and those ideas still in the research stage. Two distinct c lasses of methods are identified: amplitude dependent and amplitude in dependent. The operating principles of particle-size instrumentation u sing laser-based techniques, as well as difficulties associated with a pplying these methods, are discussed. Applications of some techniques in research and industrial situations are also reviewed. The paper pro vides a comprehensive review for those who are beginning studies in, o r starting to apply, any particle-sizing method based on laser illumin ation. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.