(477a) Quantifying Mixing and Segregation in a Binary Granular System Using 3D X-Ray Imaging

The mixing and segregation of multi-component granular systems are important to many industrial processes and can be found in industries such as food processing and pharmaceutical production. Product quality is often identified by the homogeneity (or lack thereof) of the mixture. X-ray imaging provides one possible approach to quantifying mixing effectiveness. This presentation will summarize the use of 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging to quantify mixing and segregation in a binary granular system. The two-component system is composed of known total volume fractions of 500-600 micron glass beads (GB) and 500-600 micron ground walnut shell, representing a model system of differing densities. The challenges and solutions associated with X-ray imaging will be presented. Sample results show that 3D X-ray CT imaging can be used to quantify local mixing and segregation in binary granular systems composed of particles of differing densities.