Contents -
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1 In the Scheme of Things 3
1.1 Particulate Science and Technology 3
1.2 Our Realm 5
Chapter 2 The Single Particle 10
2.1 The Primacy of the Single Particle 10
2.2 Concept and Definition of a Particle 13
2.3 The Particle Surface 35
2.4 The Subsurface Region 50
2.5 Interior of the Particle 58
2.6 Particle Size 59
2.7 Conception and Definitions of Shape 62
Chapter 3 The Formation and Production of Particulates 77
3.1 The Several Processes 77
3.2 Atomization of Metal Powders 79
3.3 Spraying and Atomizing 83
3.4 Comminution 98
3.5 Crystallization 130
3.6 Production of Fine Powders 135
3.7 Granulation 136
3.8 Aerosol Particle Generation 150
3.9 Ultrasmall Particles and Clusters 154
Chapter 4 The Processing and Handling of Particulate Matter 167
4.1 Current State of the Art 167
4.2 Flow and Storage of Particulate Solids 169
4.3 Conveyance and Flow of Particulate Solids 188
4.4 Particulate Beds 204
4.5 Mixing of Particulate Solids 215
4.6 Solid-Liquid Mixing 238
4.7 Interparticle Separation Technology 242
4.8 Laboratory Separation Techniques 251
4.9 Particle-Fluid Separation 255
4.10 Compaction of Particulate Matter 279
4.11 Sintering 291
Chapter 5 Description of Particulate Assemblies 311
5.1 Description of Particle Sets 311
5.2 Properties of Particle and Particle Sets as Influenced by Variations in Particle Size and Particle Shape 313
5.3 Fundamental Statistical Concepts 328
5.4 Mean Diameters 334
5.5 Shape Factors 338
5.6 Distribution Functions and Functional Model 350
5.7 Test of Statistical Hypothesis (Statistical Inference) 356
5.8 Particle Size Data Types I and II 358
5.9 Calculation of Sample Statistics and Data Comparison
Finite Interval Model 359
5.10 Summary of Methods for Finite Interval Data 364
5.11 General Types of Log Normal Functions 366
5.12 Comparison of Sample Statistics-Log Normal Model 369
5.13 Surface Area and Specific Surface Calculations 372
5.14 Other Distributions 373
5 .15 Chapter Notations and Definitions 377
Chapter 6 Fine Particle Characterization 387
6.1 From Past to Future 387
6.2 Size AnalysiS and Sampling 389
6.3 Fundamentals of Methods for Determining Particle Size 402
6.4 Principles of Shape Determination Methods 413
6.5 Pattern Recognition and Particulate Characterization 428
6.6 On the Design of a System for Particle Shape Analysis 436
6.7 Feature Extraction 454
6.8 Particle Signature and the Meloy Equations 466
6.9 Property Representation 482
6.10 Principles of Stereology 498
6.11 Deterministic, Statistical and Fuzzy Classifiers 504
6.12 Interpretation of Coefficients 524
Chapter 7 Physical-Chemical Properties 544
7.1 An Elementary Starting Point 544
7.2 Visual Appearance 544
7.3 Absorption 552
7.4 Electrical Properties 564
7.5 Brownian Motion 570
7.6 Chemical Properties 574
7.7 Adhesion and Deposition of Particles 581
7.8 Particle Characteristics Important in Deposition 590
7.9 Magnetism 611
7.10 Thermal Conductivity 625
Chapter 8 Hazards 640
8.1 The Threat to Humankind 640
8.2 Dust Explosions 640
8.3 Health Hazards 646
8.4 Deserts and Sand Movement 657
8.5 Dust Flame Propagation 661
8.6 Health Hazard Case Studies 667
Author Index 680
Subject Index 694
PREFACE
Unity in Diversity
An essay to integrate the field of particulate science and technology seems opportune. Concern with specialized interest areas results in slow and usually steady progress and is a comfortable situation to work in. However, particularity of interest constrains ideas, whereas a sound unifying concept knows no natural boundary. Our field is currently asking searching questions and seeking definitive answers to broaden our outlook. We are ready to see what the other person is up to, to learn from the observations of others, and profit by interrelating their ideas.
However, in a broader and more fundamental sense, most of us who work in the field of finely divided matter would assert that, collectively, our present knowledge is only a promise of what it will be. Further, we individually know so little of what we need to know and, to add to our troubles, we realize that new knowledge is being accumulated at a pace faster than we can ingest on a regular diet of reading and study.
A rewarding approach to the problems inherent in mastering this diversity is to develop an appreciation for the wholeness of the field. Necessary specialized excursions can then be related to the whole-field view and fitted into a rational scheme of scientific explanation. This book is an attempt to provide a methodical whole-field view of fine particle science and technology. It in no way pretends to be exhaustive. There is a rich abundance of searching treatises on particular subjects available now to the specialist, so a general view both unifying the good work already accomplished and providing a comprehensive structure for guiding what is to come seems appropriate at this juncture.
Particulate science and technology is a fascinating field of study. I don't know anyone working in it who does not find it somewhat exciting. It is an ancient art and a baffling science simultaneously. I count myself among the lucky ones who wonder why matter in finely divided form behaves as it does.