Do we have to use suspensions with low concentrations in determination of particle size distribution by sedimentation methods?

The Stokes equation used in the measurement of particle size distribution is based on the assumption that there are no interactions between settling soil particles. This requirement is fulfilled by using a low-concentration suspension. Therefore a highly precise determination of the suspension density is needed and makes that the measurement is sensitive to temperature changes and other random factors. In the presented paper, we attempted to overcome this problem by using increased initial suspension concentrations and at the same time taking into account the mutual interactions of sedimenting particles. The Batchelor equation was used to calculate the hindered settling velocity of the particles. The problem of mutual dependence among the concentration of particles and measurement times for individual fractions was solved by applying a simple iterative procedure. Application of the procedure caused the results obtained with the use of various initial suspension concentrations to become more similar than without it. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

Enhancing measurement precision by increasing initial suspension concentrations and considering particle interactions is achievable.