Data Handling and Analysis

Particles come in all shapes and sizes and in large numbers. Data are presented graphically using histograms, fractional plots, or cumulative plots. These graphs are primarily useful as pictures of the size distribution of the mixture. Table 15.4 gives a typical screen analysis for a 900-g sample. The measured experimental data are the mesh sizes, and the masses of the particles on each of the sieves are the masses of the residuals or fines. The other quantities are calculated. 

The mass fraction is calculated by taking the mass of the particles on each screen and dividing by the total mass of the sample, as shown in Equation (15.17)  

TABLE 15.4 A Typical Screen Analysis for a Sample Size of 900 g 

Sieve No. Mesh Size (mm) Mass (kg) Mass Fraction Relative Frequency 

FIGURE 15.19 Mass fraction vs. particle size for Table 15.4 data. 

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A critical attitude towards the results obtained in analysis is necessary in order to appreciate their meaning and limitations. Precision is dependent on the practical method and beyond a certain degree cannot be improved. Inevitably there must be a compromise between the reliability of the results obtained and the use of the analyst s time. To reach this compromise requires an assessment of the nature and origins of errors in measurements relevant statistical tests may be applied in the appraisal of the results. With the development of microcomputers and their ready availability, access to complex statistical methods has been provided. These complex methods of data handling and analysis have become known collectively as chemometrics. 

The effects of the appropriate environmental matrices (soil, water, air, biological - for biomarker or exposure assessment studies) on assay performance must be well characterized and documented. The SOP must also include the degree of quality control necessary to ensure the satisfactory performance of the method. Quality control procedures must address the required sample preparation steps, reagent stability, instrumentation, data handling and analysis. In many immunoassay SOPs that the EPA has reviewed, quality control is totally lacking or minimally addressed particularly for the sample preparations. The Agency can provide direction on what is an appropriate degree of quality control based on the objective of the method. 

Data handling and analysis Upon completion of a run on the TopCount, compress the data, copy to a disc, and transfer to a Windows-based PC for processing. 

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