Particle Size Analysis and Screening

by Gordon Young

Food Industry Engineering Pty Ltd
P.O. Box 356, Corinda Q 4075, Australia
Email: gyoung@fie.com.au
Received: 2001 Sept 16; Accepted: 2002 May 12

Goals of this tutorial:

• To be able to name different methods of defining particle size and describe general principles and methods of particle size analysis.

• To be able to describe various methods of screening in the food industry, and list factors which affect screening efficiency.

Sections of this Article

1. Selecting a Method; Sampling
2. Laboratory sieving
3. Particle Size Distribution
4. Other methods of particle size analysis
5. Screening
6. Questions
7. References

Gordon Young is Director of Food Industry Engineering Pty Ltd, based in Brisbane, Australia. The company offers consultancy and training services to the food processing industry, specialising in areas such as thermal processing, drying, and extrusion. He previously taught in areas related to food engineering at the University of Queensland in Australia, and has continuing involvement in the presentation of undergraduate courses to food technology students. The material presented here was developed as part of of a course on unit operations in the food industry."