Particle technology
Particle technology is that branch of science and engineering dealing with the production, handling, modification, and use of a wide variety of particulate materials, both wet or dry, in sizes ranging from nanometers to centimeters; its scope spans a range of industries to include chemical, petrochemical, agricultural, food, pharmaceuticals, mineral processing, advanced materials, energy, and the environment.
Subjects of particle technology
Particle technology thus deals with bulk storage, crushing and grinding, particle size separation, such as sieving, tabling, flotation, qualitative separation such as magnetic separation, and/or electrostatic precipitation, fluidization, flocculation, Centrifugal separation, Liquid filtration, particle size analysis, powder metallurgy, nanotechnology, particle characterization by shape, and others.
Particle characterization
Particles are characterized by different methods. One of the many methods is the tap density (the Hausner method) to receive the bulk density. Another test is the angular repose, where data is collected by using a sieve/sifter that is connected to a funnel and the powder leaves the funnel and falls on to a pan. To ensure that the powder falls onto the pan there is a vibration setting that can be adjusted. The powder falls in a mountain shape, and angle the powder makes is measured. The smaller the angle the better the flowability.
Further reading
- Holdich, Richard G. (2002). Fundamentals of Particle Technology. Midland Information Technology and Publishing. ISBN 0-9543881-0-0.