Ch.

E-203 PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY

Department of Chemical Engineering,

University of Engineering & Technology Lahore
 Mixing index for granular / non cohesive solids

 As for granular solids

 Intense agitation is not required
 Less power load
 Relatively less heat load

 Mixing index for granular solids based

 Not on zero mixing condition
 But on standard deviation that would be observed with completely random, fully
blended mixture

 At t = 0, there is some mixing for these type of solids

 For granular solids – conc. is expressed as number fraction of tracer particles

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 Mixing index for granular solids

 Sampling – number of spot samples

 A – tracer

 B – tracer free

 μp – overall concentration of tracer in mix

 N – number of spot samples

 n – average no. of particles per sample

 xi – conc. of tracer in ith sample

 x’ – average no. fraction of tracer in each sample

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 Statistical method/procedure to find out quality of mixing

 Standard deviation is measure of quality of mixing

 Mean deviation of conc.

 Mean square value of deviation

 Root mean square value – standard deviation

 Sample standard deviation - s
 Population standard deviation – σ

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  Standard deviation for completely random mix

 For granular solids mixing index is defined as

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 Mixing Index at zero time for granular solids

 Standard deviation at complete mixing – granular solid

 Standard deviation at zero mixing - paste

 For n = 1 , two relations are identical

 For a sample of one particle, taken from a mixture of granular solids, the analysis

shows either xi = 0 or xi = 1 i.e. the same as with completely unmixed material at zero
time, So, S.D. at zero mixing can be used for granular solids when n = 1
 So, mixing index at zero time for granular solids is;

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 Rate of Mixing

 Rate is proportional to driving force

 Time calculated for given degree of mixing

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 Axial Mixing

 Mixing

 Radial

 Axial

 Degree of axial mixing is measured by injecting the small amount of tracer into

feed and check the conc. of tracer at outlet

 Max conc. Of tracer

 Length of time

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 Size Reduction

 Large size particles are converted into smaller particles. The process is also called as

comminution.

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 Size Reduction Methods

1. Compression

2. Impact

3. Attrition/rubbing

4. Cutting/Shear

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 1- Compression

 Gripping + compressing between two surfaces

 Work done by both surfaces

 Feed:
 Very coarse
 Abrasive
 Non-sticky

 Product: relatively coarser

 Example: Nut cracker

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 2- Impact

 Striking / collision of one body to another moving body

 Gravity impact

 Dynamic impact

 Feed:
 Brittle
 hard
 Abrasive
 High moisture

 Product: fines, intermediate, some coarse

 Example: Hammer

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 3- Attrition/ Rubbing

 Sliding / scrubbing / rolling of material with surface or each other

 Feed:
 Soft
 Non-Abrasive

 Product: fines

 Example: file

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 4- Cutting / Shear

 Slipping of planes

 Trimming action

 Feed:
 Ductile
 Fibrous

 Product: definite shape / definite size – no fines

 Example: Pair of shears

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 Criteria for Comminution

 Performance Parameters
 Capacity
 Energy requirement
 yield

 Ideal Comminution Equipment

 High Capacity
 Small energy requirement per unit product
 Yield a product of single size or size distribution

 Performance Evaluation:
 Ideal operation is taken as standard
 Compare the actual with existing one
 Not feasible for crushing & grinding because of large deviation
 Empirical relations

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 Characteristics of Comminuted product

 Objective
 Small particles from larger one
 Small particles are desired
 Either b/c of their large surface
 Or b/c of their shape, size & number

 Non uniform product – mixture of different sizes

 Ranging from max. particle size (coarse) to min. particle size

 Ratio of diameters of largest and smallest particle is of the order of 10 4

 Comminuted products are smoothed by abrasion and their size is specified

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 Energy & Power requirement

 Cost of power and energy is major expense

 Mechanism involved in size reduction

 Material feed is distorted and strained
 Energy is stored as mechanical energy of stress
 Additional force beyond ultimate strength
 Fracture occur
 New surfaces generated
 Energy
 To run equipment
 losses

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