Definition: Grain size designates the size of individual particles in a composition.
The size distribution of particles (grains) has a major effect on the properties of materials in many areas, such as
- construction industry,
- metallurgy, or
- soil science.
In production, the grain size is relevant to every type of bulk material, such as gravel and sand, the plastic and pigment industry, but also for foods such as flour and cocoa. Besides bulk materials, the grain size also applies to aerosols and suspensions. As such, it should be taken into account during any transport of fluid media.
The grain size analysis is used for measuring the particle size and distribution. Different procedures are available and applied, such as screen analysis, light microscopy, laser diffraction, or dynamic scattering mode.
