Segregation Kinetics of Particulate Solids Systems I: Influence of Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution

Abstract

Rates of segregation of initially randomly distributed mixtures of steel spheres of various sizes have been studied. Extent of segregation was determined by sampling the entire system and expressed as the standard deviation of the sample compositions from the mean composition of the system. The several idealized systems studied showed apparent first-order kinetics, and rate constants were determined as a function of particle size and particle size distribution. Segregation in these studies proceeded to an equilibrium state in which mixing and unmixing effects were balanced. Rates of segregation of initially randomly distributed mixtures of steel spheres of various sizes have been studied. Extent of segregation was determined by sampling the entire system and expressed as the standard deviation of the sample compositions from the mean composition of the system. The several idealized systems studied showed apparent first-order kinetics, and rate constants were determined as a function of particle size and particle size distribution. Segregation in these studies proceeded to an equilibrium state in which mixing and unmixing effects were balanced.