(402b) Modeling of Changes In Particle Size-Shape Distribution Due to Breakage

Fragmentation and attrition of particles are of significant industrial and scientific interest. They affect many chemical engineering processes ranging from crushing and grinding to breakage of particles in agitated slurries. To better design such processes, it is necessary to model changes in particle shape as well as in particle size. In addition, it is essential to determine whether or not the models are able to represent real systems.

This paper presents experimental data for the breakage of crystals in a stirred vessel and compares the data with simulation results. Although a stirred vessel is used for experiments, the models are general and can be applied to comminution. Particles are analyzed before and after agitation in a stirred vessel to determine changes in the size-shape distribution. The approach is to model the breakage distribution function as a bivariate function of the particle volume and the shape factor. A comparison of models with recent experimental results for several aqueous systems is presented. This work provides a basis for incorporating particle shape into the modeling of particulate processes.