In‐line Particle Size Analysis in the fines outlet of an air classifier

Abstract

Laser diffraction (LD), with reference to the analysis time, is highly advantageous for the automation of particle size analysis. The high measuring frequencies allow quasi-continuous measuring operation. The fineness values obtained from the particle size distribution (PSD) can be transformed into electrical signals for automatic process control. For industrial purposes, an encapsulated measuring cell was developed where the laser beam penetrates the dispersed fines stream via two optical windows. Thus, hazardous materials can also be measured, specifically pharmaceutical or chemical products, or applications requiring explosion-proof plant design are possible. Great efforts had to be made to keep the inner side of the windows clean from product dust. Ultimately, batches running for more than 8 h could be analysed continuously without any contamination of the windows. For the PSD measurements, a standard LD instrument was used with a measuring range of 0.5/0.9-175 pm. As product fineness is monitored continuously in-stream, and virtually without delay, any changes in the fineness during classifier operation can be detected immediately. On the one hand, this opens up a new field for studies of classifier performance. On the other, immediate quality control of even very small batches is possible during the micronization process. The results demonstrate very clearly, for example, the importance of controlling the feed rate to the classifier. Therefore, fineness control by means of this in-line technique gives superior advantages for direct adjustment of the classifier speed.