Optimization of the Technological Process of Dispersing Brass Waste in a Carbon-Containing Environment by Setting up a Full Factorial Experiment

Abstract

Purpose of research. Optimization of the technological process of dispersing brass waste in a carbon-containing environment by setting up a full factorial experiment.Methods. The electroerosion process of LS58-3 alloy waste was carried out on a patented device, LS58-3 alloy waste (GOST 15527-2004) was used as metal waste. Isopropyl alcohol (GOST 9805-84), which is a carbon-containing medium, was chosen as the working fluid (dispersing medium).Variable parameters during operation of the installation were: the voltage supplied to the electrodes (100...200 V); capacity of discharge capacitors (25...65 μF); discharge frequency 50...100 Hz.When an electric discharge occurs, the electrodes and wastes are instantly destroyed and the smallest powder particles are formed. The granulometric composition of the obtained powder was carried out using the Analysette 22 NanoTec particle size analyzer. The development of a mathematical model of the process of obtaining lead brass powder was carried out by conducting a full factorial experiment of type 23.Results. As a result of mathematical calculations, the maximum value of the optimization output parameter (average particle size) was determined, which was 23.8 μm at the following values of the factors (dispersion modes): the voltage supplied to the electrodes is 200 V, the discharge frequency is 100 Hz, and the capacity of the discharge capacitors is 65 μF.Conclusion. On the basis of the obtained results of studies and calculations, it is possible to conclude that by changing the operating modes of the EDM installation, it is possible to obtain powders of different sizes. The voltage applied to the electrodes and the capacity of the discharge capacitors have the greatest influence on the particle size of the resulting charge. When the values of these parameters increase, the mass yield of the powder increases, which directly depends on the size of the obtained particles.The obtained regression equation makes it possible to determine at which operating modes of the installation it is possible to obtain powder of a given particle size.