In theoretical studies of various processes in the metallurgical and processing industries (sintering, leaching, grinding, flotation, etc.), in some cases, important information about the patterns of occurring phenomena is provided by the specific surface area of the corresponding solid phases (sinters, slurries, charges, pure minerals, etc.).

The method of mercury porometry is widely used to determine the geometric structure of solid porous bodies. The porous structure of granular materials with a granule size of at least 1–2 mm is usually determined. However, in a number of fields (flotation beneficiation processes, powder metallurgy), the objects of study are powders in which the minimum particle size decreases to several tens of microns. The method of mercury porometry is of interest for studying the structure of powders. ...

When determining the specific surface area of solids by the gas chromatographic method of thermal desorption, the areas of desorption calibration peaks are compared. The catharometer is usually calibrated by introducing the adsorbate gas into the main stream. Another gas, such as air, can also be used for this purpose. ..

The labour‑intensiveness of calculating the porosity characteristics prevents the widespread use of the mercury porometry method in factory and research laboratories. It is possible to reduce the calculation time by standardizing measurements on a high‑pressure porosimeter, using pre‑prepared tables, simplifying the calculation scheme, and reducing the number of measurements. Simplification is permissible, however, only for materials that are finely porous and have a highly developed porosity...