Apparatus and method for monitoring a sedimentation parameter in a fluid medium sample

An apparatus for measuring a sedimentation parameter of suspensions or precipitants in a fluid medium sample, comprising:

• at least one micro-cantilever sensor, said micro-cantilever sensor comprising at least two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, and having a heater and piezo-resistive sensor integrated therein;
• heat generation means arranged to pulse the heater with one or more electrical pulses to induce heat generation in the micro-cantilever;
• sampling means arranged to sample the output of the integrated piezo-resistive sensor to characterise a response of the micro-cantilever during sedimentation in the fluid medium sample;
• and
• logic arranged to determine a value of the sedimentation parameter from the characterised response;
• wherein the apparatus further comprises logic arranged to:
• simultaneously measure a temperature of the fluid medium using the micro-cantilever;
• and
• correct the determined value of the sedimentation parameter based on the measured temperature.