IMPROVED METHODS FOR THE QUALITY-CONTROL OF KIESELGUHR

Measurement of the effective bed voidage and Sauter mean diameter enab les the mean hydraulic radius of a given kieselguhr to be calculated, This is the best single indicator of the performance of a kieselguhr. An improved method for measurement of effective bed voidage employs a fine grade of calcium carbonate ''filler'' to measure interparticulate voidage. Results are consistent with published particulate bed voidag es. Particle size analysis can also be used to estimate the effective bed voidage. to calculate the Sauter mean diameter and to check on the consistency of supplied kieselguhr. The correlation for effective bed voidage is strengthened by employing different calibrations for each supplier.