A NEW APPARATUS FOR A RAPID SEDIMENTATION ANALYSIS1

A new apparatus for the continuous determination of the cumulative distribution curve of particle size is described. It is based on the known principle of determining the changes in concentration in one definite layer. Instead of drawing off portions of the liquid, the changes are measured by the apparent weight of a suspended body. Two points of the curve are determined independently by measuring the residue in suspension and by an elutriation in the same vessel. A source of errors, the contraction of the crow section in the neighborhood of the suspended body, is eliminated. The apparatus makes it possible to determine reliable distribution curves with any liquid within a few hours and avoids some sources of errors of previous methods.