There are several important factors to consider when selecting a fluidizer. These include particle size and consistency, gas flow, and flow rate. These are all factors that must be considered to ensure a smooth application process. In addition to these factors, a good fluidizer will have the capability to handle both dry bulk products and contaminated air.
Particle Size
In a laboratory setting, particle size is a crucial factor governing the fluidization of nanoparticles. Large particles fluidize at extremely high velocities, leading to highly porous beds. By contrast, small particles have a relatively smaller agglomeration size and fluidize at much lower velocities. Fluidization of nanopowder is a common process that involves suspending particles in a gas stream that is moving upwards. In order for the process to work, the gas stream must have sufficient velocity to ensure that gravity and drag are in balance. The fluidization of nanopowders has gained considerable attention over the last decade.
Gas Flow
Choosing the correct fluidizer is essential for the smooth and even conveyance of liquids or bulk products. A good fluidizer should have a clean air supply and be free of clogs. Poor air quality can hinder inter-coat adhesion and application, causing powders and liquids to stick together. In addition, a good fluidizer must be able to handle both types of air. For example, if you are working with dry bulk products, a good fluidizer must have components that are designed to help you discharge these products from bulk road tankers or storage silos.
The packing in a fluidizer is another essential factor. The packings used in fluidized beds determine the flow characteristics of gaseous and liquid flows. Higher Reynolds numbers will result in a turbulent flow, while low Reynolds numbers will result in a less turbulent flow. Using the previous equation to determine bubble size, determine the average bubble diameter of a fluidizer.
Coating Thickness Consistency
A fluidizer should have features that can help you achieve a consistent coating thickness. The coating thickness of a coating solution is affected by several factors. The film thickness can be too thick or too thin, and either one will cause a poor finish. A common cause of poor coating thickness is grounding. Other causes include poor equipment settings, worn components, and improper rack design. In addition, part presentation and powder flow can affect coating thickness. Low humidity also affects the coating thickness.
The thickness gauge you select should be able to measure different types of materials. There are metal and non-metal gauges, which are designed to measure metallic and non-magnetic materials. A non-contact gauge uses an ultrasonic principle to measure the coating’s thickness. Another important factor in coating thickness control is the density of the powder within the fluid bed. The higher the density, the thicker the coating on the part will be. This problem can be reduced by fixing the part in such a way as to minimize the density of the powder.
Flow Rate
When choosing a fluidizer, there are several factors to consider. These include particle size, particle density, fluidization regime, and particle portability. Particle size is a key factor in the design of fluidized bed systems and is a major determining factor in fluidization characteristics. Moreover, a fluidizer’s air supply should be clean and free of clogs. If it is clogged, it can muck up the application process and inter-coat adhesion. Alternatively, if the air is contaminated, it will cling to the surface and contaminate the powder. Ideally, a good fluidizer must handle both types of air.
Fluidized bed reactors have changed over the years. They now offer greater solid volume fractions than the slurry bubble column. They also often operate in counterflow mode, where particle density is lower than the liquid phase. This mode enables greater solid-liquid contact and mixing and easy pH control. Other factors to consider when choosing a fluidizer include the hydraulic retention time (HRT), sludge loading rate (SLF), bioparticle settling time, and the frequency of sludge discharge.