Powder Processing Innovation and Field Challenges
Evolution of Powder Processing
With recent high-tech developments in the manufacturing industry, a growing need for advanced precision has emerged in the handling and processing of powdered materials. To meet this challenge, conventional powder technology is evolving into a new form known as, ”Fine Particulate Technology."
However, despite these steps forward, many powder processing issues remain unresolved. Due to the unique properties of powders, many processes are inefficient and uneconomical.
Sources of Challenges in Powder Processing
A survey of unit operations in typical powder processing industries (Table 1) shows that dust collection and material handling are the most frequently used operations. Consequently, problems such as powder dispersion during dust collection as well as blockages, caking and adhesion during handling operation is particularly high.
- Handling:
- Operations involving the transportation, storage, and operation of processing equipment without altering the properties of the powder.
Powder Properties That Most Urgently Require Solutions
Next, Table 2 presents the results of a survey on the powder properties that pose challenges in the powder processing industry. According to this survey, there is a stronger demand for solutions to flowability and adhesion issues than to problems caused by agglomeration, segregation and wear.
