Acoustic characterization of particulate systems

Acoustic spectroscopy is a new method joining the group of established particle-size analysis techniques, which could in the future allow for a simpler, faster, and even on-line characterization of suspensions and emulsions. In the present work, the author gives a detailed review of the theoretical basis of this technique, including a concise rederivation of the classical model equations. Some off-line and on-line applications are discussed, and current limitations are identified. To address one of the greatest limitations of the classical model - its restriction to dilute systems - a central part of this work is devoted to the development of a new theoretical approach. By accounting for particle interactions, this approach is suitable also for the analysis of concentrated suspensions and emulsions.