Hydraulic classifier system for fractionation of nano CaCO3 particles

Abstract

A laboratory scale hydraulic classifier system was developed for calcium carbonate nanoparticles fractionation. The system is based on the differences in the settling velocity of particles in aqueous fluid at different dynamic viscosities along different settling stages. Different factors affecting the fractionation process were studied, such as the effect of water volume, L, terminal (settling) velocity in different stages, νs, CaCO3 feed concentration, g/L and flow rate (L/h) of the dispersed fluid solution. The particles obtained were characterized using SEM and showed that the developed system can fractionate particles within the size range 25–33 nm. A simple model for the results obtained is developed and discussed in terms of the different parameters affecting particles size is given. Further, the calcium carbonate used was characterized before and after fractionations using Vibratory sieve shaker, SEM, EDS, XRD and FTIR.