USE OF FLUIDIZING TECHNIQUES IN PNEUMATIC HANDLING OF PROCESS MATERIALS.

Mention fluidization in the rubber and plastics industry and the mind almost instantly connects it with the Rapra designed fluid bath. Fluidization of carbon blacks and processing powders to make them handle is an entirely different matter. Basically, it is the passage of low pressure air through a permeable membrane. When the membrane is set at an angle (min 3 degree ) with black or powder on it, passage of air through the membrane breaks down the frictional resistance between membrane and powder, causing it to flow like water in the down slope direction. At this point, a practical demonstration of fluidization techniques on a model airslide may help to give a better understanding of this article.