Preparation of Slurries: Powder Wettability and Other Factors

In this article I write about process technologies for preparation of slurries, AKA “solids in suspension,” and the considerations that must be made in equipment design. Mainly this includes powder wettability, but I will also briefly outline reactions, rheology, and several other considerations. For slurry preparation, our initial state is one in which the dry […]

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Inline Mixers for Chemical Processes

Inline mixers can be defined as a configuration where the materials to be mixed are flowing continuously through the device. Residence time is generally short, on the order of seconds.  Oftentimes, plug-flow behavior (minimal back-mixing) can be approached. Inline mixers are used because of the general compactness and simplicity of the equipment relative to tank […]

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Considerations for Formulation of Products in Stirred Tanks

When formulating complex products, stirred tanks are traditionally used because of inherent advantages in semi-batch operations.  While there is interest in moving from batch to continuous processes in the context of process intensification [1], a semi-batch stirred tank will remain the best option for complex formulations. For instance, a single stirred tank can be designed […]

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Sprays in the Process Industries

“Say it, don’t spray it.”  Generally, this is good advice, but in industry it’s often profitable to spray it.  In simple terms, sprays mix liquid droplets into gas, often with the aim to generate high interfacial area.  In the process industries, the use of sprays is widespread.  For instance: Thermal quenching/cooling of hot gas, liquid, […]

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