The processing of powders and granules is of great importance for various branches of industry, such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, coating, food and feed industry. Depending on the sector, the degree of solids involved can vary from 30-80% of the total product flow. In each of these processes the physical properties (such as cohesiveness, particle size distribution, compressibility, density, etc.) of powders and granular material will greatly affect the quality of the product and the flow properties of powders. Especially in the latter case, powders differ greatly from liquids and gases. Powder particles and granules can also experience wear during production, storage and (pneumatic) transport. The forces encountered can be divided into impact forces, compressive forces and abrasive forces. Impact and compressive forces can break powder particles and granules whereas abrasive forces can cause fines and dust, and this is often an undesired phenomenon.
You will learn how powder flow can be determined and how to change powder properties, so that the performance can be adjusted in applications.
+ Powder flow and storage: shear stress, wall friction, consolidation of powders, shear testing, hopper design
+ Production: formulation, granulation, coating.
+ Handling: mixing and segregation (also in relation to particle properties); how to manage it and how to measure it.
+ Solids transport such as pneumatic conveying and the strength of particles, also in relation to attrition, formation of dust, etc.
Among various readings there are short demonstrations. Many of the experimental methodologies and techniques discussed can be seen in operation.
This course is held at the premises of Delft Solids Solutions: Molenweer 2B, 2291 NR Wateringen, The Netherlands.
The course dates are 23 and 23 November 2023
