System development for bulk density data acquisition of granular materials: Effect of operational conditions and optimization

• Published in: Powder technology 2021-10, Vol.391, p.184-197
• Main Authors: Altino, Heitor Otacílio Nogueira, Lourenço, Giovani Aud, Ataíde, Carlos Henrique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amplitudes; Angle of repose; Bulk density; Cohesiveness; Data acquisition; Flowability; Granular compaction; Granular materials; Hausner ratio; Loose bulk density; Optimization; Packed granular materials
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2021.06.013

The current study presents the development of a system for the determination of loose and tapped bulk density, using measurements of volume of material during the tapping compaction process. The multiple regression technique associated with planned experiments was used to study the effects of number (500–3000), frequency (150–300 taps/min), and amplitude (3–16 mm) of taps on the tapped bulk density of ten materials. The materials' flowability was evaluated by the angle of response and Hausner ratio. The tapped bulk density increases with the number of taps until it reaches a stationary state. The increment of the frequency and amplitude of taps causes an increase followed by a reduction in the response variable. All materials demonstrate regions of optimum tapped bulk density, being possible to determine the common optimum regions for materials of the same class. The optimal bulk densities provide Hausner ratio flowability results consistent with the angle of repose. [Display omitted] •The effects of number, frequency and amplitude of taps on bulk density are analyzed.•Optimal tapped bulk density regions are observed for each material and class studied.•Low frequencies and amplitudes of taps may provide inadequate bed compaction.•Severe operational conditions are required for optimal packing of cohesive materials.•Optimal bulk densities provide Hausner ratio results consistent with angle of repose.