Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
237821 Powder Technology 2011 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

In this work, we propose a real-time analysis of the growth of a granular material by a high frequency ultrasonic method (around 5 MHz) based on normal incidence reflectometry. This method is non-destructive. It can be applied to the general case of cloudy solutions in optically opaque sedimentation cells. Results were obtained on glass balls used as a model granular material. Glass balls were sedimenting in water. Measurement of the deposit thickness (varying from several dozen of micrometers to several millimeters) leads to morphological and dynamic properties such as the volume solid fraction and the deposit growing rate. The strong influence of the particle size distribution (median diameter, broadness of the size distribution) on the dynamic properties of the particle packing was determined quantitatively. Our results are in good agreement with the classical model of sedimentation for an isolated sphere (Stokes law).

Graphical abstractWe study glass balls sedimentation in water by a high frequency ultrasonic method. Real-time measurement of the deposit thickness allows the determination of morphological and dynamic properties such as the volume solid fraction and the deposit growing rate. The strong influence of the particle size distribution on the deposit dynamic properties was determined quantitatively.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering (General)
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