Intercomparison of Numerical Inversion Algorithms for Particle Size Determination of Polystyrene Suspensions Using Spectral Turbidimetry

Abstract

The continuous monitoring of the particle size distribution in particulate processes with suspensions or emulsions requires measurement techniques that can be used as in situ devices in contrast to ex situ or laboratory methods. In this context, for the evaluation of turbidimetric spectral measurements, the application of different numerical inversion algorithms is investigated with respect to the particle size distribution determination of polystyrene suspensions. A modified regularization concept consisting of a Twomey-Phillips-Regularization with an integrated nonnegative constraint and a modified L-curve criterion for the selection of the regularization parameter is used. The particle size (i.e., particle diameter) of polystyrene suspensions in the range x=0.03–3 µm was validated via dynamic light scattering and differential centrifugal sedimentation and compared to the retrieved particle size distribution from the inverted turbidimetry measurements.