Masters Theses

Abstract

"The study of fine particle classification is common, especially since a well defined particle size distribution is important in most processes and products. Many methods have been developed to classify micron-size particles, and although each has its own advantage, most cannot classify particles to an extremely narrow range. This is partly due to the cohesive nature of fine particles, which can be due to electrostatic attraction, moisture, or van der Waals forces. In order to overcome this problem, a wet method of classification has been chosen here. Taylor vortices, discovered in 1923, develop in the fluid contained in the annulus of two concentric rotating cylinders. It has been shown in recent years that Taylor vortices can be used to classify particles regardless of their size (which may range from a few microns to millimeters) and density difference between the particles and fluid. This method also allows for a semicontinuous throughput of particles. The present work outlines the use of Taylor vortices to classify fine particles to a narrower size distribution. The main objective here is to determine the parameters affecting classification of glass spheres of various initial distributions. Factors such as rotational velocity, system annulus size, particle to fluid density ratio, and particle feed rate have been investigated. The results obtained showed that both rotational velocity and particle feed rate have a significant effect on classification while classification for particles of size 10 µm or less was not feasible for the experimental parameter range studied here. The conclusions were supported both numerically and experimentally"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Henthorn, Kimberly H.

Committee Member(s)

Ludlow, Douglas K.
Mendoza, Cesar

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Pagination

vii, 57 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 71-72).

Rights

© 2009 Navina Tungapindi, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Fluid dynamics -- Data processingParticle size determination -- MethodologyTaylor vortices

Thesis Number

T 9500

Print OCLC #

436148573

Electronic OCLC #

309354864

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