Assessing the potential of a fine powder to segregate using laser diffraction and sieve particle size measuring techniques

Abou-Chakra, H., Tüzün, Ugur, Bridle, Ian, Leaper, M.C., Bradley, Michael S.A. and Reed, Alan R. (2003) Assessing the potential of a fine powder to segregate using laser diffraction and sieve particle size measuring techniques. Advanced Powder Technology, 14 (2). pp. 167-176. ISSN 0921-8831

Abstract

This paper describes a research programme undertaken with a view to solving a serious
industrial powder handling problem. The aim of this research was to rationalize three grades of
an additive fine powder used in the manufacturing of a mixed product to one grade, with the aim
of reducing or eliminating the potential risk of particle segregation within the product. The use of
a segregation tester, specifically to quantify the propensity of a sample of bulk solid to segregate
when poured on to a heap, was central to this research. Particular attention was paid to the particle
size distribution curves of the final product within different areas of the segregation tester. Two
different techniques for characterizing particle size were used in the investigation— one based on
size separation using sieving analysis and the other based on the laser diffraction technique. These
techniques yield different measures of particle size distribution, resulting in different conclusions as
to the feasibility of particle size analysis being a useful indicator of the propensity of a powder to
segregate.

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