Device for characterizing the particle size distribution of powders and its uses
The invention is a device for characterizing the particle size distribution of powders, comprising a supply member, a discharge member, a weighing member, a continuous vibration member, a screening member and, optionally, a control member, said device being characterized in that the screening member is a member that rotates about a horizontal axis and has at least four positions corresponding to two screens of different mesh size, one release space and one anti-shock plate. Another subject of the invention is the use of such a device for characterization of the particle size distribution of powders and especially their in-line characterization, that is to say characterization during their manufacturing process.
1. A device for characterising the particle size distribution of powders, comprising a supply member, a discharge member, a weighing member, a continuous vibration member, a screening member and, optionally, a control member, wherein the screening member is a member that rotates about a horizontal axis and has at least one position for an empty space or powder release and introduction space, one position for an anti-shock plate having a shock absorbing pad for receiving powder, and at least two positions corresponding to two positions of different mesh size for screening powder, wherein the device has a cleaning member comprising at least one nozzle and/or one ultrasound generator located at the periphery of the screening member, wherein the device has a resilient coupling member between the horizontal axis of the screening member and the continuous vibration member, and wherein the anti-shock plate is not a screen.
2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the screening member is cylindrical or polygonal in shape.
3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the anti-shock plate is made of stainless steel and is equipped with a pad produced using natural rubber and silicone gel.
4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the resilient coupling member is of the elastomer type.
5. The device according to claim 1 , comprising a control member.
6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the anti-shock plate of the screening member is positioned downwards.
7. The device according to claim 5 , wherein the control member is an onboard or remote control member.
8. The device according to claim 5 , wherein the control member is a computer or a PLC.
9. A method for determining the particle size distribution of a powder comprising introducing the powder into the device of claim 1 , and determining the particle size distribution of the powder.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the determination of the particle size distribution of the powder takes place in-line during the manufacturing of the powder.
11. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder has a moisture content of less than 5% by mass of water, as determined by differential weighings, before and after drying of the powder.
12. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder has a moisture content of less than 2% by mass of water, as determined by differential weighings, before and after drying of the powder.
13. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder has a moisture content of less than 1% by mass of water, as determined by differential weighings, before and after drying of the powder.
14. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder has a mean diameter of between 0.05 and 10 mm.
15. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder has a mean diameter of between 0.1 and 5 mm.
16. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder has a mean diameter of between 0.2 and 2 mm.
17. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is used in the food sector.
18. The method according to claim 17 , wherein the powder comprises sugar crystals, salt, flour, powdered milk or dehydrated food material.
19. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a washing powder.
20. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a ceramic powder.
21. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a plastic powder.
22. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a metallic powder.
23. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a paint powder.
24. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a pharmaceutical powder.
25. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a printing toner.
26. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a fertilizer.
27. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder is a mineral matter.
28. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder comprises natural and/or precipitated calcium carbonate and/or dolomites and/or talc.
29. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the powder comprises natural calcium carbonate.
30. The method according to claim 29 , wherein the calcium carbonate is prepared from marble, chalk, limestone or mixtures thereof.