title: Determination of particle sedimentation rate by ultrasonic interferometry: role of particle size, density and volume fraction.
abstract: The sedimentation rate (SR) of non-aggregated spherical particles in suspension was determined using an ultrasonic interferometry technique (Echo-Cell); this method is based on A-mode echography and measures the rate of formation of a sediment on a solid plate during settling. The particle accumulation rate, which is related to SR, is obtained from the interference of two waves reflected by two interfaces: one between the plate and the sediment and the other between the sediment and the suspension. Studies were carried out at 25 degrees C using latex spheres of different diameters (7 to 20 micron) and densities (1.062 to 1.190 g/cm3) suspended in distilled water at various volume fractions (1% to 5%). As anticipated by the Stokes model, linear relations were found between SR and both particle density and the square of particle radius. Experimental SR values decreased with increasing suspension particle concentration; these concentration effects were in good agreement with those predicted by the Steinour model. Our results thus serve to validate the theoretical aspects of the Echo-Cell method and suggest its usefulness as a tool for studies of RBC interaction and RBC aggregation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033, USA.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Razavian
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Wenby
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Meiselman
mesh_terms: D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation; D006801:Humans; D007368:Interferometry; D008863:Microspheres; D008954:Models, Biological; D010316:Particle Size; D014463:Ultrasonography