Experimental techniques in particle deposition kinetics

This chapter describes experimental techniques for measuring particle deposition rates from flowing suspensions in a variety of deposition systems. In addition to their practical application in technological and natural processes, these methods can be used to test fundamental theories of colloid deposition and interaction. Experimental methods for studying particle deposition onto collectors are divided into direct and indirect methods. In direct methods, the number of particles deposited on the collector surface as a function of time is counted directly by microscopic observation. Direct methods are very useful for studying the dynamics of particle deposition. They can also provide information about the distribution of deposited particles and the shape and structure of retained particles. Indirect methods, on the other hand, are based on the measurement of bulk concentration changes before and after contact with the collector surface. The amount of deposited particles and particle deposition rates can be calculated from the change in particle concentration.