Application of the Straining Capture Mechanism in gaps to the measurement of particle concentration and size distribution

Abstract

This paper attempts to answer the question of whether a measurement of the relative flow rate of a suspension of spheres, flowing under constant pressure drop through gaps of precisely determined geometry, may be utilised to measure the concentration and size distribution of the particles. A positive answer is possible only if several restrictions are imposed on the character of the flow, a maximum ratio of sphere diameter to gap height and a maximum number of captured particles. This answer is based on a model of the filtration process taking place in the gap and the consequent relationship between the flow characteristics of the gap and the number and diameter of the captured particles.