Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatic analysis for determining the size distribution of particles and their deviation from a desired shape and color. The method includes the collection of particle samples and the generation of a particle curtain in a monolayer form. It is formed by taking particles through a silo whose distance (a) to a vibrating plate positioned below has a length relative to the distance (b) between the outer edge of the plate and the center line of the silo that is large enough for the particles flowing out of the silo and down onto the plate and out over its edge to form an angle .alpha. with the horizontal plane. The angle .alpha. is 50-90% of the sliding angle of the particulate material. The particle curtain is lit up and the silhouette of the particles therein is recorded and analyzed and presented in at least one place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indirectly measuring the solid-liquid interface equilibrium temperature dynamically excites the heat flux flowing through a coldfinger arrangement followed by a statistical estimation of the interface temperature, solid layer heat conductivity and thickness ratio, bulk liquid temperature and thermal heat transfer coefficient. The coldfinger includes a pair of substantially concentric and substantially cylindrical members arranged one within another so as to have an outer member and a venturi-shaped inner member and a space therebetween. The members are arranged such that a gas flows through the inner member and a space between the inner and outer members of the coldfinger and then exits the coldfinger arrangement.