Studying particle attrition in a solid-liquid agitated vessel using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM)

Over-processing particles during mixing in the mineral and chemical processing industries can lead to particle damage and diminished product quality. Therefore, the mixing tank design needs to be optimized to keep particles suspended while minimizing energy consumption and particle attrition. This study investigates particle attrition in a mechanically agitated vessel using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM). The effects of three different impeller types were studied under baffled and unbaffled conditions using solids concentrations from 5 to 30 wt%. Increasing solids concentration increased the particle count up to three times due to increased levels of particle attrition. The increase in particle counts due to attrition was lower under unbaffled conditions for 25 and 30 wt% solids for all impellers, indicating process intensification possibilities with lower particle attrition for these solids concentrations. Compared to a pitched blade or Ruston turbine, an A310 impeller minimized particle attrition close to zero under unbaffled conditions.

Automated summary

Over-processing particles during mixing can lead to particle damage and reduced product quality in the mineral and chemical processing industries. This study investigated particle attrition in a mechanically agitated vessel using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM). It was found that increasing solids concentration resulted in increased particle count due to higher levels of attrition. However, under unbaffled conditions, certain impellers showed lower particle attrition, suggesting potential for process intensification.