Particle size Analysis of Aelolian Dusts, Soils and Sediments in very Small Quantities using a Coulter Multisizer

Abstract

The Coulter Multisizer has clearly defined strengths and weaknesses as a particle‐sizing instrument. It is easier to operate than its Coulter predecessors, though less so than several of its competitors. The Multisizer is best suited to handle very small samples with a narrow particle‐size range, such as aeolian dusts and other sediments available only in small quantities. For such samples, Multisizer analysis times are short, resolution is very high (256 size classes) and reproducibility is good. The Multisizer is less well suited to soils and other samples available in large quantities and with a broad particle‐size range. For soil particle‐size analyses a composite method is proposed involving: Multisizer (2–75 μm), Pipette (<2 μm) and Sieve (>75 μm).