An innovative device for powders classification based on combined aerodynamic and electrostatic separation of particles

¹ CIRAD, unité de recherche Biomasse-Energie, TA-B 114/16, 34060 Montpellier cedex, France
² INRA-CIRAD-University of Montpellier-Supagro Montpellier, unité mixte de recherches IATE, 34060 Montpellier cedex, France

^* Corresponding author : xavier.rouau@inra.fr

Published online: 30 June 2017

Abstract

An innovative separator have been developed which aims at sorting out powders fractions according to aerodynamic and electrostatic properties of particles. The prototype is composed of a projection unit, a separation module and a classification/collection zone. The projection part is ensured by a pressurized gun. The separation module is conceived to disperse particles according to front and transverse directions. At the output of the gun, electrodes can be disposed to deviate the trajectory of charged particles. The classification part is made of a series of collecting bins. Starch, fine ash powders, and mixtures of these two materials were used to test the working of the separator. The efficiency of the separation was assessed by yields and particle sizes distribution of the collected fractions in the different bins. An aerodynamic classification was achieved along the main axis, with the finest particles crossing larger distances. With a blend of starch and ash, particles from both materials were unevenly distributed in the classifyier, opening the way to a possible separation based simply on aerodynamic properties. When an electric deviation was applied in addition to the projection of powders, the distribution of particles in the collecting part was modified.