Powder and Bulk Engineering

PBE0120

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34 / January 2020 powderbulk.com AGGLOMERATION ADVISOR Greg Mehos, president Greg Mehos & Associates LLC Choosing agglomeration technologies A gglomeration is the process of converting ne powder particles into larger ones through the introduction of exter- nal forces. Size enlargement can be accomplished by a variety of means, including mixing with a liquid, applying pressure, and heating. In this column, we'll explore the basic types of agglomeration mechanisms, the technologies and equipment involved, and how to choose the process most suitable for your neces- sary end results. Agglomeration mechanisms Particles are held together by a num- ber of mechanisms. Liquid bridges in spaces between individual particles can form strong agglomerates as a result of capillary forces that develop when the voids are lled with the liquid. Binders, such as lignosul- fonates, mineral oil, and kaolin clay, that readily adhere to solid particles can be effective agglomerating aids. Solid bridges between particles can also be formed as a result of sinter- ing, partial melting, and recrystal- lization during drying. Attractive forces such as van der Waals forces, valence forces, and hydrogen bridges can also hold solid particles together. If adjacent particles interlock, very strong agglomerates form. Technologies available for size enlargement fall into three general categories, tumble-growth agglom- eration, pressure agglomeration, and agglomeration by heat or sintering. When deciding what process is best for your agglomeration needs, there are a few things to consider. Tumble- growth agglomeration equipment tends to have a low capital cost but may have a high capital cost if dry- ing is a required part of the process. Pressure agglomeration equipment and equipment that agglomerates particles by heat or sintering gener- ally have high capital costs but low operating costs. Simple tests can be used as screening tools to determine the most suitable agglomeration process for a particular powder. Liquid can be added to a ne powder in a small kitchen blender to determine if the liquid will indeed wet the powder without the addition of a surfactant, which would lower the surface ten- sion, allowing the liquid to spread over the solid surface. Alkylbenzene sulfonate and lauryl sulfate are just two examples of commonly used surfactants and are inexpensive to incorporate into your agglomera- tion process. A simple test can also give the investigator a sense of how much liquid must be added to avoid producing a slurry or paste. Hydrau- lic presses can be used to gauge the likelihood that pressure agglomera- tion is a suitable technology. 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