Unit Operations of Particulate Solids Theory and Practice

CHARACTERIZATION OF PARTICULATE SYSTEMS AND RELATION TO STORAGE AND CONVEYING
Introduction
Definitions of unit operations
Powder and particle technology
The solid state: main distinctive properties

Bulk Solids: Properties and Characterization
Introductory aspects
Classification of powders
Sampling
Failure properties
Laboratory exercise: determination of some failure properties of powders
Particle size analysis
Laboratory exercise: particle size analysis by different methods

Storage and Conveying of Bulk Solids
Introduction: storage alternatives
Outdoors storage
Confined storage
Laboratory exercise: evaluation of wall loads in silos
Bulk solids conveying
Laboratory exercise: pneumatic conveying characteristics of different granules

BULK SOLIDS PROCESSING
Size Reduction
Fundamental principles of comminution
Energy requirements in comminution
Size reduction equipment
Criteria for selecting size reduction processes
Laboratory exercise: determination of reduction relations using a hammer mill

Size Enlargement
Introduction: agglomeration processes
Aggregation fundamentals: strength of agglomerates
Agglomeration methods
Selection criteria for agglomeration methods
Design aspects of agglomeration processes
Applications
Laboratory exercise: comparing methods for tumbling agglomeration of powders

Mixing
Introduction
Blending mechanisms
Statistical approach of mixing processes
Mixing equipment
Design and selection factors
Laboratory exercise: determination of blending indices for different tumbling mixers

Fluidization
Theoretical fundamentals
Fluidized regimes
Applications of fluidization
Laboratory exercise: fluidized-bed coating of food particulates

SEPARATION TECHNIQUES FOR PARTICULATE SOLIDS
Introductory Aspects
Different mixtures relevant in industry
Classification of separation techniques
Specific techniques for granular materials

Solid Mixtures
Screening
Electromagnetic separation
Electrostatic separation
Laboratory exercise: efficiency of separation on single-stage screening

Solid–Fluid Systems
Introduction: simultaneous flow of fluids and solids
Separation efficiency
Solid–gas separations
Solid–liquid separation techniques

Appendix 1: International (SI) System of Units
Appendix 2: Density and Viscosity of Water at Different Temperatures and 101.325 kPa
Appendix 3: Density and Viscosity of Air at Different Temperatures and 101.325 kPa
Appendix 4: Dimensional Analysis
Appendix 5: Standard Screen Scales
Appendix 6: Guidelines for the Preparation of Laboratory Reports
Appendix 7: Notation

Index

References appear at the end of each chapter.

Biography

Enrique Ortega-Rivas is a professor at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua. He is a member of the editorial boards of Food and Bioprocess Technology: An International Journal, Food Engineering Reviews, and The Open Food Science Journal. A National Researcher of Mexico, Dr. Ortega-Rivas was a Fulbright scholar and has held positions at Food Science Australia, Monash University, and Washington State University. His research interests include food engineering, particle technology, and solid–fluid separation techniques.