Suspensions settling rates

Powders vary dramatically in particle size on the basis of their origin. It is common for catalyst manufacturers to classify powders in order to assure users of consistency from batch to batch since suspension, settling rates, filtration, and performance in slurry-phase reactions are all dependent on particle size. The effect on suspension, settling rates, and filtration is obvious. However, factors that favor these are unfavorable for kinetics. For reactions controlled by transport rates from the bulk fluid to the surface of the catalyst, the overall reaction rate is a strong function of geometric surface area and thus is favored by small particles. Pore diffusion resistance is also minimized by smaller particles since reaction paths to active sites are smaller. The only mode of reaction control not influenced by particle size is for those reactions in which rate is controlled by reaction at active sites. Therefore, a compromise for optimum filtration and maximum reaction rates must be made. 

As shown in Figure 2, adsorption of dispersants on particle surfaces can increase 2eta potential further, enhancing electrostatic repulsion. Increased repulsion between particles is evidenced by lower viscosity in concentrated slurries, or decreased settling rates in dilute suspensions. The effect of added dispersants on settling of (anhydrous) iron oxide particles is shown in Figure 3. 

Design basis. Particles in suspension will settle when the upward flow velocity of the fluid, Mli, is less than the settling rate of the particles, R. i.e. 

Stokes law is rigorously applicable only for the ideal situation in which uniform and perfectly spherical particles in a very dilute suspension settle without turbulence, interparticle collisions, and without che-mical/physical attraction or affinity for the dispersion medium [79]. Obviously, the equation does not apply precisely to common pharmaceutical suspensions in which the above-mentioned assumptions are most often not completely fulfilled. However, the basic concept of the equation does provide a valid indication of the many important factors controlling the rate of particle sedimentation and, therefore, a guideline for possible adjustments that can be made to a suspension formulation. 

Great care must be exercised when using graduated cylinders because decreases in the diameter of small containers can produce a wall effect, which often affects the settling rate or ultimate sedimentation volume of flocculated suspensions. Such small containers have a tendency to hold up the suspensions due to adhesive forces acting between the container s inner surface and the suspended particles. 

Adsorption of nonionic and anionic polyacrylamides on kaolinite clay is studied together with various flocculation properties (settling rate, sediment volume, supernatant clarity and suspension viscosity) under controlled conditions of pH, ionic strength and agitation. Adsorption and flocculation data obtained simultaneously for selected systems were correlated to obtain information on the dependence of flocculation on the surface coverage. Interestingly, optimum polymer concentration and type vary depending upon the flocculation response that is monitored. This is discussed in terms of the different properties of the floes and the floe network that control different flocculation responses. Flocculation itself is examined as the cumulative result of many subprocesses that can depend differently on system properties. 

Figure 3. Settling rate of Na-kaolinite suspension at pH 4.5 as a function of polyacrylamide (PAM 0.4-0)dosage.

Among the properties measured here, the settling rate is mainly a measure of the size of the floes and in later stages the compressibility of floes and floe networks, and the supernatant clarity is a measure of the size distribution of floes and size dependent capture of the particles and floes by the polymer. The sediment volume and the pulp viscosity on the other hand, are direct measures, not only of floe size and structure but also of adsorbed polymer layers. It is to be noted in this regard that it is this latter aspect which makes it possible to estimate the thickness of adsorbed polymer layers by measuring the viscosity of the medium and the suspension in the presence of polymers (20,21). This combination of effects is another reason one cannot always expect correlation between various flocculation responses. 

Chemical compatibility/Stability considerations White granules or grayish white powder. Aqueous solutions are neutral to litmus. Combustible Uses (routes) Orally, as a 0.1 to 5% mixture with water. Acts to increase viscosity of suspension, thereby reducing settling rate and improving homogeneity... 

Heterodisperse Suspensions. The rate laws given above apply to monodisperse colloids. In polydisperse systems the particle size and the distribution of particle sizes have pronounced effects on the kinetics of agglomeration (O Melia, 1978). For the various transport mechanisms (Brownian diffusion, fluid shear, and differential settling), the rates at which particles come into contact are given in Table 7.2. 

The main reasons for the modification of the settling rate of particles in a concentrated suspension are as follows ... 

MICHAELS, A. S. and Bolger, J. C. Ind. Eng. Chem. Fundamentals 1 (1962) 24. Settling rates and sediment volumes of flocculated kaolinite suspensions. 

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