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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