Introduction to Particle Technology

Book excerpt: Particle technology is a term used to refer to the science and technology related to the handling and processing of particles and powders. The production of particulate materials, with controlled properties tailored to subsequent processing and applications, is of major interest to a wide range of industries, including chemical and process, food, pharmaceuticals, minerals and metals companies and the handling of particles in gas and liquid solutions is a key technological step in chemical engineering. This textbook provides an excellent introduction to particle technology with worked examples and exercises. Based on feedback from students and practitioners worldwide, it has been newly edited and contains new chapters on slurry transport, colloids and fine particles, size enlargement and the health effects of fine powders. Topics covered include: Characterization (Size Analysis) Processing (Granulation, Fluidization) Particle Formation (Granulation, Size Reduction) Storage and Transport (Hopper Design, Pneumatic Conveying, Standpipes, Slurry Flow) Separation (Filtration, Settling, Cyclones) Safety (Fire and Explosion Hazards, Health Hazards) Engineering the Properties of Particulate Systems (Colloids, Respirable Drugs, Slurry Rheology) This book is essential reading for undergraduate students of chemical engineering on particle technology courses. It is also valuable supplementary reading for students in other branches of engineering, applied chemistry, physics, pharmaceutics, mineral processing and metallurgy. Practitioners in industries in which powders are handled and processed may find it a useful starting point for gaining an understanding of the behavior of particles and powders. Review of the First Edition taken from High Temperatures - High pressures 1999 31 243 – 251 "..This is a modern textbook that presents clear-cut knowledge. It can be successfully used both for teaching particle technology at universities and for individual study of engineering problems in powder processing."