Extrapolatory Scaling in Particle Processing

Scientists and engineers are often faced with target environments and/or materials that are relatively inaccessible (due to economics, safety, or other considerations). In such cases, processes are developed and tested under conditions that are somewhat different than those in which it will be used operationally. As a result, process designers need the modeling and theoretical capabilities to extrapolate or scale test results from one set of conditions and process parameters to another. This session considers the effect of environmental conditions and related process parameters on particle processing, specifically as these affect granular flow behavior in scaling process operations, including the effect of gravitational and/or centripetal acceleration on granular flow, gas or liquid pressure in the continuous phase and interactions between the environment and particle properties, e.g., by atmospheric condensation or other physical or chemical interaction. In many cases, the basic capability to measure and control granular flows in processes is not yet fully developed, and the basic environmental effects on particle flow are still under investigation. Examples may include scale-up of processes for developmental materials that may be unavailable or available only in small quantities, e.g., where the use of a surrogate or stimulant material may be required for experimental work. Experimental, modeling and theoretical approaches are welcome, spanning industrial applications, space exploration and other scientific applications.