Particulate solids mixing

Mixing together of particulate solids, sometimes referred to as blending, is a very complex process in that it is very dependent, not only on the character of the particles — density, size, size distribution, shape and surface properties — but also on the differences of these... 

The most common example of dispersive mixing of particulate solid agglomerates is the dispersion and mixing of carbon black into a rubber compound. The dispersion of such a system is schematically represented in Fig. 3.22. However, the break up of particulate agglomerates is best explained using an ideal system of two small spherical particles that need to be separated and dispersed during a mixing process. 

FED (3)] and viscous dissipation in the molten regions. As melting progresses the latter mechanism becomes dominant. Mixing disperses the newly formed melt into the mass [creating a solids-rich suspension] the melt that comes in intimate contact with solid particles cools down and at the same time heats up the surface layer of the particles the particulate solid charge is eventually converted into a richer, thermally inhomogeneous suspension and ultimately into a... 

There are no standard engineering classification methods for mixing equipment, and often, quite different types of mixers can fulfill the same mixing task. Nevertheless, we can subdivide mixers used in processing into three broad categories particulate solids mixers, laminar distributive mixers, and laminar dispersive mixers. This classification, on the basis of application, is supported by the nature of the primary mixing mechanism taking place in them. 

Next we assume that the particulate solids at the beginning of the mixing chamber fill the rolling pool until the point of the minimum rotor diameter. The maximum degree of particulate bed densification and compaction, as it is forced through... 

Various methods of contacting fluids with particulate solids are shown in Figure 5.13. These contacting methods include countercurrent, crosscurrent, and cocurrent plug flow as well as mixed solids flow-intermediate gas flow, and semi-batch operations. Consideration of the residence time distribution for each type of fluid-solid contact is necessary to understand its effect on the conversion. As a result of given residence time distribution, E t), the average conversion of B, Xb, is given by... 

For suspension of free-settling particles, circulation of pseudoplastic slurries, and heat transfer or mixing of miscible liquids to obtain uniformity, a speed of 350 or 420 r/min should be stipulated. For dispersion of dry particles in liquids or for rapid initial mixing of liquid reactants in a vessel, an 1150- or 1750- r/min propeller should be used at a distance Df/4 above the vessel bottom. A second propeller can be added to the shaft at a depth Da below the liquid surface if the submergence of floating liquids or particulate solids is otherwise inadequate. Such propeller mixers are readily available up to 2.2 kW (3 hp) for off-center sloped-shaft mounting. 

Williams J. Khan M. The mixing and segregation of particulate solids of different particle size. Chem Eng 1973 7(1) 19-25. 

Ralf Weinekotter - Hermann Gericke Mischen von Feststoffen (Mixing of particulate solids)... 

It has been shown, both theoretically and experimentally, that with certain systems of particulate solids in which precautions were taken to prevent segregation, a randomly mixed batch was achieved from a mixing process. 

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