CHE4162

Particle Technology

INTRODUCTION
Lectures: Dr. Edward Ooi
ooi.chien.wei@monash.edu (Room 5-5-35)

Tutorials: Dr. Edward Ooi

Labs:

Ms. Shaghayegh Pezeshkpoor

Overall learning objectives (LOs)

After completing this unit, the student will be able to :

Understand particle characterisation techniques;

Understand how the motion and fluid mechanics of a single particle
and multi-particle assemblies are affected by particle properties;
Select a suitable particle characterisation method;
Manipulate particle size distribution data;
Model particle flow in fluids and fluidized beds;
Be able to use particle properties to design a suitable powder hopper to
ensure powder flow;
Understand the underlying principles of several powder processing
operations;
Be able to design the key parameters for several unit operations;
Develop an appreciation for the complexities of powder handling and
processing.

Learning objectives (Sunway)

LO

Description

To perform particle size analysis and to manipulate particle size distribution

data by using the knowledge of particle diameter definitions, size
distributions and measures describing size distributions.

To model particle flow in fluids and fluidized beds by applying the knowledge
of motion and fluid mechanics of a single particle and multi-particle
assemblies.

To design the key parameters of typical powder processing operations by

applying the underlying principles of those unit operations.

To conduct experimental procedures on particulate solids and derive

information using the fundamentals of particle technology acquired in the
unit.

Relationship between Learning Outcomes

and Program Outcomes
PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12
LO1
LO2

LO3

LO4

Emphasized in the unit

PO1 Engineering knowledge

Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals and specialization in Chemical Engineering to the solution of complex
engineering problems.

PO2 Problem analysis

Identify, formulate, survey research literature and analyze complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first
principles of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences.

PO3 Design/Development of solutions

Design solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate
consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.

PO4 Research-based investigation of systems

Conduct investigations of complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and
interpretation of data, and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.

Its about PARTICLES !!

Industries

Food
Pharmaceuticals
Minerals processing
Chemicals
Power generation
Paint
Detergent
Cosmetics
Oil
Environmental
Plastics

Milk
powder

Pharmaceuticals

Chocolate

Biological Washing Powder

Importance of particle technology

Importance of particle technology

DuPont
Business covers chemicals, agricultural, pharmaceuticals,
paints, dyes, ceramics.
Around 60% of its 300 products are powders, crystalline
solids, granules, flakes, dispersions or pastes. A further
20% have powdered ingredients.

Size reduction consumes 1% of electricity worldwide.

Size enlargement processes (granulation, tabletting, spray
drying) are of similar world-wide significance.
Ennis, B.J. Unto dust shalt thou return. in Powders & Grains 97.
1997. Durham, North Carolina USA, 1997: Balkema

Importance of particle technology

o 75% of chemical manufacturing processes involve small
solid particles (fine particles) at some point.
o 70% of the nations pollution problems are due to
particulates [Meloy, 1980]
o In the US alone, the industrial output impacted by
particulate systems was almost one trillion dollars in 1993
for ten major industries alone [Xu, 2000].

Particle technology - people

Chemical engineers
Chemists
Physicists
Pharmacists
Mineral engineers
Food technologists
Metallurgists
Material scientists/engineers
Environmental scientists/engineers
Mechanical engineers
Civil engineers

Some processing steps involving

particle technology

Granulation
Tabletting
Spray drying
Extrusion

Crystallisation
Precipitation

Some processing steps involving

particle technology
Pneumatic
Mechanical

Comminution
Attrition

Some processing steps involving

particle technology
Dry blending
Dispersion

Source: corporate.basf.com

Some processing steps involving

particle technology
Filter

Cyclone

Bag House

Some processing steps involving

particle technology

Powder behaviour
Like SOLIDS: they can withstand some deformation.

Like LIQUIDS: they can be made to flow.

Like GASES: they can be compressed.

Powders are much more complicated!

Bulk properties of powders

Bulk properties of powders are affected by:

Particle size
Particle size distribution
Particle shape
Particle density
Particle surface area
Particle surface texture
Interparticle forces
Particle strength
Fluid-particle interaction

Education & research in

particle technology
Compared to our knowledge of chemistry and fluids:
Most graduating scientists and engineers are poorly prepared.

Powders are seen as low technology.

Experimentation is necessary, but difficult.
Powder properties and behaviour are difficult to model.
Design methods are poorly developed.

What we will learn (1)

1. Particle Characterization

SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS: Characterization requires good sampling

protocol, sound analytical procedures, and photographs that allow you to
monitor the particles continuously on-line (best case) or through grab
samples taken while trying to resolve a problem.

SIZE DISTRIBUTION: Should be carefully-controlled and consistent from

batch to batch, or over time (in continuous reactors) to give the least
trouble during processing and the best product characteristics.

SHAPE, STATE OF AGGREGATION, AREA: The particle shape, state of

aggregation, and surface area per gram should be characterized after each
key processing stage. Understanding and controlling the conditions which
produce the particles can help you to optimize them for their intended use.

What we will learn (2)

2. Particle Processing & Formation

FLOW, SEDIMENTATION, BED DENSITY: These significantly affect

processing, so you should characterize them and understand how changes in
these parameters will affect the process.

ATTRITION: Attrition resistance (resistance to breakage) should be known,

well-controlled and optimum for the task. Keep in mind that particle breakdown
during processing can destroy carefully developed characteristics.

STATE OF DISPERSION (IN LIQUIDS): Particles suspended in liquid may

flocculate, agglomerate, float, fail to wet-in, foul the walls, or stabilize foam.

STATE OF DISPERSION (IN GASES): Particles suspended in gas may pick

up a charge, explode, form agglomerates, or coat the walls.

What we will learn (3)

3. Safety and Hazards

SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENT: Evaluate and minimize

hazards related to:
a) Explosion or fire (of a dust cloud or fluidized bed or pneumatic
conveying line or dust buildup on equipment or walls).
b) Inhalation or contact with dusts or mists from the process.
c) Discharge to the environment of dust particles or sprays.

www.waterreels.com

Required resources
Prescribed Textbook:
Introduction to Particle Technology, 2nd edition, 2008,
Martin Rhodes. (Available from the bookshop)

Recommended Textbook:
Perrys Chemical Engineering Handbook, any edition, and
various chapters
Coulson and Richardsons Chemical Engineering Volume 2
Particle Technology and Separation processes
All are also available ONLINE via Library search catalog

Unit resources
CDROM:
Rhodes, Mathers, Zakhari, (2002) CDROM
of Laboratory Demonstrations in Particle
Technology.
Videos of particle technology phenomena.
Uploaded in separate folder on Moodle.

Unit schedule - 2016

Week

1
25/07
2

Lecture 2
Thu 8-9am in LT6002

L1: Introduction to Particle

Technology

L2: Single Particles in Fluids

L3: Particle Size Analysis

L4: Particle Size Distribution

Problem Set 1:
Single Particles in Fluids

L5: Packed Beds

L6: Introduction to
Fluidized Beds

Problem Set 2:
Particle Size Analysis

L7: Fluidized Beds

L8: HT and Reactions in

Fluidized Beds

Problem Set 3:
Packed Beds

Test 1

Private study

Problem Set 4:
Fluidized Beds

Private study

L9: Introduction to Hoppers

& Hopper Design

No tutorial

01/08
3
08/08
4
15/08
5
22/08
6*
29/08

Tutorials
Tue 2-4pm in T6324
Thu 4-6pm in T6303

Lecture 1
Wed 10-11am in LT6006

Unit schedule - 2016

Week

7
05/09
8
12/09

9
19/09
26/09

Lecture 1
Tue 8-9am in LT6006

Lecture 2
Wed 12-1pm in LT6005

Tutorials
Thu 2-4pm in T6302
Thu 4-6pm in T6302

L10: Hopper Design: Stress

Analysis

L11: Mixing and Segregation

Problem Set 5: Hopper Design

L12: Cyclones: Gas-Particle

Separation

Private study

Problem Set 6: Mixing/Segregation

AND
Problem Set 7: Cyclones

L13: Dilute Phase Pneumatic

Transport

L14: Dense Phase

Pneumatic Transport

No tutorial

Mid

Semester

Break

L15: Dust Explosions

L16: Health Effects

Problem Set 8: Pneumatic

Transport

Revision 1

Revision 2

Problem Set 9:
Dust Explosions

Test 2

Private study

No tutorial

10*
03/10
11
10/10
12

17/10

Workload
Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour tutorial per week.

You will also be expected to spend around 7 hours private

study, engaged in studying the text book, tackling the
exercises and preparing for the tests and the laboratory
exercises.
Lecture notes are NOT all inclusive. Lecture notes show
highlights - you NEED to study the entire textbook
chapter in your private study time.

Tutorial Problem Sets

Assistance with exercises will be provided in the tutorial
classes.
Solutions to the exercises available on Moodle in the week
following the practice class.
Attempt each exercise BEFORE consulting the solution.

______________________________________________
Two tests (Weeks 5 & 12) on course section just covered.

Each test is worth 10%.

Labs
Lab will be held from Week 3-12.
Preparation is required before the lab - review textbook.
chapter, preliminary calculations.
Work in groups of 4. Group selection on Moodle.
Each team tackles 2 lab exercises:
1. Particle size analysis
2. Fluidized bed for water system
One short lab report per team per lab exercise, submitted
within one week after the lab session. [Hardcopy and
softcopy]
Each lab report is worth 5%.

Assessment
Week

Activity

Value %

Test 1 (Single Particles in Fluids, Particle Size Analysis, Packed Beds,

Fluidized Beds)

10%

12

Test 2 (Pneumatic Transport, Cyclones, Mixing Segregation, Hoppers)

10%

3-7

Laboratory Experiment 1

5%

8-12

Laboratory Experiment 2

5%

Total continuous assessment

30%

Examination (3 hours)

70%

45% RULE:
To pass this unit, you must achieve at least a minimum of 45% on the
class-work, a minimum of 45% on the final exam, and an overall pass
mark of 50%.

Moodle
In Sunway Campus Sections
Slides for all lectures
Solutions to all problem sets
Test solutions
Announcements (or via email)
Group selection and lab signup
Lab report submission Turnitin Assignment
In other Sections:
Demo/videos related to syllabus covered
Unit guide and schedule
Past exam questions
Please monitor this site regularly for all information relating
to CHE4162.

Moodle
In Sunway Campus Sections
Slides for all lectures
Solutions to all problem sets
Test solutions
Announcements (or via email)
Group selection and lab signup
Lab report submission Turnitin Assignment
In other Sections:
Demo/videos related to syllabus covered
Unit guide and schedule
Past exam questions
Please monitor this site regularly for all information relating
to CHE4162.

Plagiarism, collusion and other

forms of cheating
Monash University is committed to
upholding standards of academic integrity
and honesty 1

1. Monash University Student Academic Integrity Policy.

MONASH
ENGINEERING

Penalties
Penalties for plagiarism, collusion, exam cheating and other
misconduct (eg hiring another person to write an
assignment) are serious:

0 N for the assignment or exam

0 N for the unit
Suspension from the University
Exclusion from the University
Loss of scholarship

Avoid Misconduct
Online resources
http://monash.edu.au/library/skills/resources/tutorials/
Academic Integrity modules
Citing and Referencing
Academic research on the Internet
Library Workshops
https://my.monash.edu.au/news-and-events/bookings/library/
Search the Library class booking system
Search - Academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism
Search Using references in assignments
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Read what you are signing!

Assessment Cover Sheet
When you sign this statement,
you are verifying that you have:
Not plagiarised, colluded or
cheated in any way
read the Universitys Student
Academic Integrity Policy and
Procedures.

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