4.1 It is useful to be able to obtain particle size measurement results of a user specified product from multiple instruments and to be able to correlate the results of the measurements. This capability can be advantageous in expanding the use of different technologies to make a measurement or simply to correlate results between instruments of the same technology. An example might be comparing in-process particle size measurements to final inspection particle size measurements.

4.2 The viability of this guide will need to be tested on a case-by-case basis as various products may present measurement challenges for some instruments and not all results from all instruments may be able to be correlated to all other results from all other instruments. In addition, positive results should be confirmed and improved with continued data comparisons over time using process measurements from the instruments selected.

1.1 This guide describes one methodology to correlate solid particle analysis results between solid particle analysis instruments for user specified products of user specified particle sizes and distributions in order to expand the capability of particle measurement throughout the manufacturing process and provide better control and efficiency. The guide is not limited to instrument type or product type.

1.2 Warning—Not all instruments may correlate to all other instruments for various user specified products and size ranges. Instruments may measure different particle features, and they may also measure the same particle features differently and thus correlating the results of any two may be possible for some products but not possible for others. It is also the case that certain materials can be altered by the instruments measuring them which would eliminate them from consideration under this guide if the instrument’s results are determined based on measurements made after the instrument has altered the user specified product.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.