ASTM E1617-09

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1617–97 (Reapproved 2007) Designation: E 1617 – 09
Standard Practice for
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Reporting Particle Size Characterization Data
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1617; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Correlation and comparison of particle size measurement data are of general importance to
researchers, processors, suppliers, vendors, and users of particulate materials. Since there are
numerous methods and devices in use, comparisons of size measurement data are subject to perceived
inconsistencies that may be much reduced by the use of standardized reporting.
Data generated by any one size measurement method may be consistent in many respects, yet be
troublesome to correlate due to variances in data processing and reporting formats among equipment
manufacturers. Data generated from methods employing different physical principles present serious
correlation problems due to their sensing of different parameters related to particle size and some
unrelated, such as density, shape and optical properties. Standardized reporting may reduce confusion
resulting from different particle size measurement practices.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers reporting particle size measurement data.
1.2 This practice applies to particle size measurement methods, devices, detail levels, and data formats for dry powders, and
wet suspensions of solids, gels, or emulsion droplets. This practice does not pertain to liquid particles.
NOTE 1—For information on reporting liquid particle measurement data, refer to Practice E 799.
1.3 This practice does not concern particle concentration information.
1.4 This practice uses SI (Système International) units as standard. State all numerical values in terms of SI units unless specific
instrumentation software reports particle size information, including percentiles, indices, and distributions as tabulations and
graphs using alternate units. In this case, present both reported and equivalent SI units in the final written report. Refer to Practice
E 380 for proper usage of SI units.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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.
2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
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E 380 Practice for Use of the International System of Units (SI)
E 456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E 799 Practice for Determining Data Criteria and Processing for Liquid Drop Size Analysis
3. Significance and Use
3.1 When evaluating the particle size information, if the procedures of the data processing are not available, the user of the data
must make assumptions concerning the reported data in the event of analytical inconsistencies. In order for different data sets to
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This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E29 on Particle and Spray Characterization and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E29.02 on
Non-Sieving Methods.
Current edition approved AprilMarch 1, 2007.2009. Published May 2007.April 2009. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20022007 as
E 1617 – 97(20027).
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For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book ofASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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Withdrawn.
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E1617–09
be compared it is crucial that the parties report the analytical techniques and methods or procedures for evaluating, calculating,
compiling or otherwise processing the data to be reported.
3.2 Particle size characterization information can be reported in three levels of detail in order to satisfy user’s needs.
3.2.1 Level1applieswhenonlybasicinformationaboutthematerialisrequired,andshallbeprovidedwitheachshipment.
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