The effect of solid interaction forces on pneumatic handling of sorbent powders

Abstract

Abstract This study shows that a comparison of powder characteristics–‐particle morphologies, particle size distributions, and static dielectric and Hamaker constants–‐can be used to interpret differences in dispersion and transport behavior between powders. These differences are attributed to the relative values of the solid‐solid interaction forces experienced by each powder in the process. The static dielectric constants of the powders are used as the material properties related to the relative magnitudes of the electrostatic forces. Similarly, the Hamaker constants are the material properties used to indicate the relative magnitudes of the van der Waals forces. The effects of differences in particle morphologies and size distributions are used to evaluate the dispersibility and efficiency of transport of four calcium‐based powder materials used as sorbents in flue‐gas desulfurization.