Particles larger

By carefully controlling the precipitation reaction we can significantly increase a precipitate s average particle size. Precipitation consists of two distinct events nu-cleation, or the initial formation of smaller stable particles of precipitate, and the subsequent growth of these particles. Larger particles form when the rate of particle growth exceeds the rate of nucleation. 

The collection of particles larger than 1—2 p.m in Hquid ejector venturis has been discussed (285). High pressure water induces the flow of gas, but power costs for Hquid pumping can be high because motive efficiency of jet ejectors is usually less than 10%. Improvements (286) to Hquid injectors allow capture of submicrometer particles by using a superheated hot (200°C) water jet at pressures of 6,900—27,600 kPa (1000—4000 psi) which flashes as it issues from the nozzle. For 99% coUection, hot water rate varies from 0.4 kg/1000 m for 1-p.m particles to 0.6 kg/1000 m for 0.3-p.m particles. 

Collection. IDPs can be coUected in space although the high relative velocity makes nondestmctive capture difficult. Below 80 km altitude, IDPs have decelerated from cosmic velocity and coUection is not a problem however, particles that are large or enter a very high velocity are modified by heating. Typical 5-)J.m IDPs are heated to 400°C during atmospheric entry whereas most particles larger than 100 ]Am are heated above 1300°C, when they melt to form cosmic spherules (Pig. 6). 

For acid mists, the Brink impactor is often used (Fig. 10) (17). The mist is first drawn through a cyclone to remove particles larger than 3 fim. A five-stage impactor is used to classify mist particles of diameter 0.3—3.0 fim. 

In general, this equipment offers an economical heat-transfer area for first cost as well as operating cost. Capacity is hmited primarily by the air velocity which can be used without excessive dust entrainment. Table 12-32 shows hmiting air velocities suitable for various sohds particles. Usually, the equipment is satisfactory for particles larger than 100 mesh in size. [The use of indirect-heated conveyors eliminates the problem of dust entrainment, but capacity is limited by the heat-transfer coefficients obtainable on the deck (see Sec. 11)]. 

From the standpoint of collector design and performance, the most important size-related property of a dust particfe is its dynamic behavior. Particles larger than 100 [Lm are readily collectible by simple inertial or gravitational methods. For particles under 100 Im, the range of principal difficulty in dust collection, the resistance to motion in a gas is viscous (see Sec. 6, Thud and Particle Mechanics ), and for such particles, the most useful size specification is commonly the Stokes settling diameter, which is the diameter of the spherical particle of the same density that has the same terminal velocity in viscous flow as the particle in question. It is yet more convenient in many circumstances to use the aerodynamic diameter, which is the diameter of the particle of unit density (1 g/cm ) that has the same terminal settling velocity. Use of the aerodynamic diameter permits direct comparisons of the dynamic behavior of particles that are actually of different sizes, shapes, and densities [Raabe, J. Air Pollut. Control As.soc., 26, 856 (1976)]. 

Washing in a continuous decanter is fairlv effective on solid particles larger than 80 jlrn (200 mesh), provided the particles are reasonably uniform in size with porous structure, Othenvise, the vv ash tlovvvs across the cake surface with little penetration because the pores at the cake surface are plugged bv fines. Rinsing efficiency, the proportion of soluble impurities displaced from the solids, is in the range of 50 to 80... 

Particles larger than 100 im fall through the atmosphere so rapidly that turbulence has less chance to act upon and disperse them. The trajectories of such particles are treated by a ballistic approach. 

Particles larger than the cut-off size are more likely to be separated by the cyclone, and particles smaller than the cut-off size are more likely to penetrate the cyclone. 

Coarse solid particles Any solid particle larger than 50 xm, and solid particles contained in or on any liquid particle. 

Smoke is taken as having a particle size of less than one pm. Dust consists of particles I-76 pm in diameter. Grit can be interpreted as particles larger than dust. These definitions were taken from the Beaver Report of November 1954 which formed the basis for the 1956 Act. 

The standard unit normally used for measuring dust particles is the micron (pm one-thousandth of a millimeter). The smallest particle visible to the unaided eye is between 50 and 100 pm and the most dangerous sizes are between 0.2 and 5 pm. Particles larger than this are usually unable to penetrate the lung defenses and smaller ones settle out too slowly. Some dusts can be both toxic and fibrous (e.g. asbestos) and are therefore harmful even outside these parameters. It may therefore be assumed that dusts which are visible (i.e. between 50 and 100 pm), are quite safe. However, this is not the case, as dust clouds never consist solely of particles of one size. Analysis would show percentages of all sizes, and it is for this reason that special care is needed in measuring dust clouds and concentrations. 

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