ASTM E1458-92(2001)

This test method permits a user to compare the performance of an instrument to the tolerance limit specifications stated by a manufacturer and to verify that an instrument is suitable for continued routine use. It also provides for generation of calibration data on a periodic basis, forming a database from which any changes in the performance of the instrument will be evident.

This test method for the calibration verification of laser diffraction particle sizing instruments is suitable for acceptance testing of laser diffraction instruments so long as current estimates of the bias (see Section 11) and the between-laboratory precision of the test method (see Section 10) are acceptably small relative to typical laser diffraction instrument accuracy specifications; see Practice D 3244.

1.1 This test method describes a procedure necessary to permit a user to easily verify that a laser diffraction particle sizing instrument is operating within tolerance limit specifications, for example, such that the instrument accuracy is as stated by the manufacturer. The recommended calibration verification method provides a decisive indication of the overall performance of the instrument at the calibration point or points, but it is specifically not to be inferred that all factors in instrument performance are verified. In effect, use of this test method will verify the instrument performance for applications involving spherical particles of known refractive index where the near-forward light scattering properties are accurately modeled by the instrument data processing and data reduction software. The precision and bias limits presented herein are, therefore, estimates of the instrument performance under ideal conditions. Nonideal factors that could be present in actual applications and that could significantly increase the bias errors of laser diffraction instruments include vignetting (that is, where light scattered at large angles by particles far away from the receiving lens does not pass through the receiving lens and therefore does not reach the detector plane), the presence of nonspherical particles, the presence of particles of unknown refractive index, and multiple scattering.

1.2 This test method shall be used as a significant test of the instrument performance. While the procedure is not designed for extensive calibration adjustment of an instrument, it shall be used to verify quantitative performance on an ongoing basis, to compare one instrument performance with that of another, and to provide error limits for instruments tested.

1.3 This test method provides an indirect measurement of some of the important parameters controlling the results in particle sizing by laser diffraction. A determination of all parameters affecting instrument performance would come under a calibration adjustment procedure.

1.4 This test method shall be performed on a periodic and regular basis, the frequency of which depends on the physical environment in which the instrumentation is used. Thus, units handled roughly or used under adverse conditions (for example, exposed to dust, chemical vapors, vibration, or combinations thereof) shall undergo a calibration verification more frequently than those not exposed to such conditions. This procedure shall be performed after any significant repairs are made on an instrument, such as those involving the optics, detector, or electronics.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.