Abstract: A multi-stage dilution device, comprising a first stage dilution apparatus (A), and a second stage dilution apparatus (B), each of the stage dilution device comprising:—(i) a housing (1) having a diluent inlet (7); (ii) a sample inlet (2) having a sample introducer within the housing (1) adapted to introduce the sample at an introducer point (4) within the housing (1); and, (iii) a mixing conduit (5) mounted at least partially within the housing (1), the mixing conduit (5) having an inlet section comprising a mouth (10), and a fluid outlet (8), and a throat section (9) capable of producing a pressure drop within the mixing conduit (5), the pressure drop being sufficient to draw sample through the sample inlet (2); the introducer point (4) of the sample inlet (2) being proximate the mixing conduit inlet; and wherein the fluid output (8) of the first stage dilution apparatus (A) is in communication with the sample inlet (2) of the second stage dilution apparatus (B).

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, automatically determining an electric charge—related characteristic or derived parameter of particles in a dispersion or of a cell wall, comprises having a particle—containing dispersion provided in a cell. The dispersion is illuminated with light from a light source and detecting from a detection volume light scattered from the particles. An electric field is applied to the dispersion at a first frequency of change of direction of the electric field and an electric field is subsequently applied to the dispersion at a second frequency of change of direction of the electric field. First signals detected from the scattered light when the first frequency electric field is applied are used to provide first values related to the velocity distribution of the particles.

Abstract: A particle suspension handling system comprises a dispersion unit, a transport element, a cell and an outlet region. The dispersion unit has a transducer externally thereof, which is arranged, in use, to transfer energy into the suspension. The transport element is located within the dispersion unit. The transport element is arranged, in use, to recirculate the suspension about a flow path including the dispersion unit and the cell. The outlet region includes first and second valve members. The valve members can be arranged in a first configuration wherein they are spaced apart such that the space between them defines a discharge opening via which a fluid or the suspension exits the system, in use. The valve members can also be arranged in a second configuration wherein they abut and a flow path of substantially constant cross-section is provided about the outlet region.

Abstract: A particle size distribution analysis apparatus comprising a sample measurement zone adapted to define a sample of particles, a light emitting means adapted to provide a source of light incident upon the sample measurement zone, and at least a first detection means adapted to measure light levels in the apparatus at particular scattering angles and output a signal to a computation means enabling the particle size distribution of particles contained within the sample to be determined, wherein the computation means is adapted, in use, to calculate a particle size distribution taking into account reflections by the measurement zone of light scattered off the particles.

Abstract: A particle size distribution analysis sample dilution apparatus in which a sample consisting of a batch of a slurry of particles is deposited on an inclined plate of a progressive sample delivery system from which a continuous supply of water progressively washes off the sample and dilutes it. The initially diluted sample is further diluted with water continuously supplied in a funnel from which the further diluted sample passes under gravity along a conduit to a particle size distribution analyzer through which the diluted sample flows continuously. The conduit may include a mixing chamber to which water is continuously supplied to further dilute the sample prior to analysis.

Abstract: A particle size distribution analysis apparatus wherein there are provided a sample measurement zone adapted to contain a sample of particles, a light emitting means adapted to provide a source of light incident upon the measurement zone, and a detection means adapted to measure light levels at different scattering angles and to output signals to a computation means, enabling the size of particles contained within the sample to be determined, wherein the light emitting means comprises a first light source emitting a substantially monochromatic first wavelength of light and a second light source emitting a substantially monochromatic second, different, wavelength of light.