Behavior of Fine Particles on a Plate under Ultrasonic Vibration [Translated]†

Abstract

The behavior of particles on a vibrating plate was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Ultrasonic vibration of 39 kHz was applied, and the mass median diameters of test powders were in the range of Dp50=0.5 to 46 μm. Experimental results showed that all particles moved randomly on the vibrating plate. Fine particles, approximately 10 μm or less in mass median diameter, formed many small agglomerates, which also vibrated with their shapes and sizes intact. The size distribution of agglomerates could be represented by a log-normal distribution. Adhesion and separation stresses in an agglomerate were used to theoretically analyze the agglomeration mechanism. The analysis showed that agglomerate diameter was inversely proportional to primary particle diameter. Furthermore, it was shown that compressive breaking load could be estimated from the analysis.† This report was originally printed in J. Soc. Powder Technology, Japan. 36(1), 16-22 (1999) in Japanese, before being translated into English by KONA Editorial Committee with the permission of the editorial committee of the Soc. Powder Technology, Japan.