Filtration and Particle Size Analysis – Why these Techniques Need to be Utilized Together

Larry UNGER, Particle Sizing Systems / an Entegris Company, Port Richey, Florida, United States

Many processes utilize filtration at some stage.  As a generalization, most filtrations are performed with the belief that the filters fully remove particles over a stated particle size.  For some applications, this simple assumption may be satisfactory to ensure a usable product, but for many applications, for example: pharmaceutical, inkjet inks and printing, and CMP for electronics, this assumption may lead to the production of products which result in a defective product which can result in production losses or even death of a patient.  There are a number of particle size analysis techniques available to the market, but some perform differently from others, rendering them less suitable for a particular application. 

This presentation will provide a brief overview of particle sizing techniques available and examine the pros and cons of those techniques when employed in the analysis of products, both pre- and post-filtration.  Examples of samples from a variety of fields will be presented demonstrating the efficiency of filtration on these products.  Additionally, examples of a variety of types of monitoring systems will be shown.