Electrostatic effect on the flow behavior of a dilute gas/cohesive particle flow system

Cohesive (Group C) particles have been widely used in various industries. To handle and process such fine particles, a clear understanding of the flow behavior and interparticle force, is needed. To achieve that objective, a Laser Doppler Anemometer system was used to measure particle velocity, fluctuating velocity, and size and extent of agglomeration or cluster formation of particles in a dilute gas/fine oil shale particle flow system with particle density of 2,082 kg/m3, average particle volumetric concentration of 1.5%, and average particle mass flux of about 100 kg/m2·s in a controlled-moisture environment. The flow behavior of the particles was also studied for a mixture of 99% shale particles and 1% antistatic agent (Larostat powder, a quaternary ammonium compound) to examine the role of electrostatic force in gas/cohesive particle flow behavior. The addition of Larostat powder significantly reduced the electrostatic force and, in turn, made Group C particles behave similar to Group A or in some cases to Group B particles. In addition, our experimental data showed that the Maxwellian distribution function is a reasonable assumption to describe the velocity probability density function of the shale particles with or without antistatic agents.