Enhancing fluidization quality of nanoparticle agglomerates by combining vibration, stirring and jet assistances

• Published in: Powder technology 2023-12, Vol.430, p.118996, Article 118996
• Main Authors: Zhang, Liyuan, Liu, Daoyin, Wu, Xin, Zhang, Wangle, Feng, Hao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agglomerate size distribution; Elutriation; Fluidization; Nanoparticle agglomerate
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2023.118996

Gas fluidization is an efficient method to process nanoparticles. In this study, we employ 3D printing to fabricate a hollow stirring structure of blades with jet holes and position it in a vibrating fluidized bed to realize an integration of vibration, stirring and jetting assistance methods, without increasing structural complexity. The fluidization of SiO2, Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticle agglomerates with different primary particle sizes and surface properties are investigated. The combination of vibration and stirring improves the bed expansion obviously, while a further addition of the gas jets at a velocity of a few meters per second allows a further small improvement of bed expansion. The jets slightly reduce the agglomerate size in the dense bed, the agglomerate size at the bed outlet, and the elutriation rate. By combining vibration, stirring and jets, the fluidization is enhanced while the elutriation is kept low during fluidization lasting for a few hours. [Display omitted] •Enhanced fluidization of nanoparticles by combining vibration, stirring and jets.•Enchanced fluidization while controlled elutriation for different nanoparticles.•A fluidization regime for different nanoparticles is summarized.•Jets can reduce the material loss caused by elutriation.•Jets can further improve fluidization only if the bed is already fluidized.