ISO 20998-1-2006 PDF

Full title and description

Measurement and characterization of particles by acoustic methods — Part 1: Concepts and procedures in ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy. This part gives the concepts, general procedures and applications of ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy for determining particle size distributions in liquids (colloids, dispersions, slurries and emulsions).

Abstract

ISO 20998‑1:2006 describes ultrasonic methods for determining the size distributions of one or more material phases dispersed in a liquid. Typical measurable particle sizes range from about 10 nm to 3 mm; measurements are applicable over a wide range of dispersed‑phase concentrations (roughly 0.1 % by volume up to 50 % or more depending on density contrast and system), and can be used to monitor dynamic changes such as agglomeration or flocculation.

General information

• Status: Published, confirmed (current).
• Publication date: 2006 (Edition 1 — published August 2006).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 19.120 (Particle size analysis; sieving).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2006).
• Number of pages: 21 pages.

Metadata and lifecycle information confirmed from the ISO catalogue entry for ISO 20998‑1:2006.

Scope

Specifies concepts and recommended procedures for ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy used to measure particle size distributions of phases dispersed in liquids. Applicable to colloids, dispersions, slurries and emulsions; typical particle size range about 10 nm to 3 mm, and applicable concentrations from approximately 0.1 % by volume up to around 50 % (actual usable range depends on density contrast, particle size and frequency). Methods described are suitable for both single‑phase and multiphase dispersed systems and for monitoring dynamic processes (e.g., agglomeration, flocculation).

Key topics and requirements

• Principles of ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy and the acoustic measurement signal.
• Recommended measurement procedures and sample handling for liquid dispersions.
• Applicable particle size and concentration ranges and limitations.
• Basic data processing and inversion concepts to derive size distributions from attenuation spectra.
• Instrumentation considerations, calibration and verification.
• Guidance on dynamic monitoring (time‑resolved measurement) and interpretation of agglomeration/flocculation behaviour.
• Reporting requirements for results and statements of measurement uncertainty (high‑level guidance; detailed linear/non‑linear theory provided in other parts of the series).

Typical use and users

Used by analytical and quality laboratories, process control engineers, instrument manufacturers and R&D groups in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, paints and coatings, chemicals, minerals and mining, wastewater treatment, and any field where particle size in liquid systems is critical. Also used by researchers developing or validating acoustic particle‑sizing methods and algorithms.

Related standards

ISO 20998 is a multipart series. Notable related parts include ISO 20998‑2 (linear theory; latest edition 2022) and ISO 20998‑3 (guidelines for non‑linear theory; 2017). These parts provide the theoretical background and detailed guidance for the linear and non‑linear regimes referenced by Part 1.

Keywords

ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy, particle size distribution, particle characterization, colloids, dispersions, slurries, emulsions, acoustic methods, measurement procedures, ISO 20998

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20998‑1:2006 is the first part of the ISO multipart standard on measurement and characterization of particles by acoustic (ultrasonic) methods; it covers concepts and recommended procedures for ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principles, typical applications, measurement procedures and practical limitations for ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy applied to particles dispersed in liquids, including typical size and concentration ranges and the use of the technique for monitoring dynamic changes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical laboratories, process and quality control engineers, instrument manufacturers, and researchers in industries and academia working with suspensions, emulsions, colloids and slurries where particle size matters.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 20998‑1:2006 remains the current edition of Part 1; the ISO catalogue shows the 2006 edition as published and confirmed in periodic reviews (confirmation recorded in 2021), so Part 1 is not superseded. (Related parts of the series have later editions — e.g., Part 2 updated 2022.)

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 20998 is a multipart standard addressing acoustic particle measurement. Part 1 (concepts/procedures) is complemented by Part 2 (linear theory) and Part 3 (guidelines for non‑linear theory), among other related deliverables from ISO/TC 24/SC 4.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy; particle size distribution; colloids; dispersions; slurries; emulsions; acoustic measurement; ISO 20998.