Apparatus for compacting powders
Fluffy powders, such as calcined kaolin clays or air floated clays, can be compacted using a process which comprises applying increasing amounts of pressure to a powder moving through a confinement area. The compacted product has an improved bulk density and improved wet out and slurry incorporation times as compared to the non-compacted starting material feed.
1. An apparatus for compacting a powder, wherein the apparatus comprises:
(a) a confinement area;
(b) means for placing a non-compacted powder in the confinement area;
(c) means for moving the non-compacted powder through the confinement area;
(d) means for compacting the powder by applying increasing pressure to the powder as the powder is moved through the confinement area; and
(e) means for discharging the compacted powder from the apparatus.
2. An apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein the pressure in the confinement area increases to about 450 pounds per square inch.
3. An apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein the confinement area is elongated.