Abstract
By the use of an Alpine Mikroplex classifier which is one of the typical fine particle size air classifiers, the classifier's classification mechanism was systematically analyzed paying attention to several different operating variables and characteristics of classification, as well as powder properties.
As the results, it was found that a repulsion phenomenon of particles on the vane plays an important role in the classifier process. It was also proven that Rumpf's equation giving cut size is useful when the thickness of the vane is taken into account.
By comparing these results, it is concluded that a Mikroplex Classifier has a different working mechanism both in the coarse and the fine ranges of the particle size of the fractional recovery curve. From this finding, it is confirmed that the Mikroplex classifier has a working mechanism different from a Sturtevant-type air classifier.
Finally, in the relationship between the powder properties and the characteristics of the classification, it was found that powder properties had a good relationship with the ratio of partition, to the coarser products β, i. e., the higher the flowability and the floodability of powder, or the lower the adhesion of powder, the smaller the values β are.
