Device for Sorting Micron Size Dielectric and Conducting Powders

摘要

A laboratory classifier was designed and fabricated to classify several testpowders in the micron and submicron size range. These powders represent both conducting and dielectric media. The classifier is based on an inertial and electrical separation and sorting of particles according to the particle size. Test particles of known size characteristics were used to determine the performance of the devices. Particles in the micron and submicron size range are used for various applications such as obscuration smokes, coatings, ceramic, and composite materials. It is often desirable to use particles of specific size and shape to maximize the performance potential of smokes or other materials. A device to sort (or to classify) particles in these micrometer and smaller size ranges would represent a reasonable solution since inexpensive, commonly available materials such as pigments and other powders containing a broader size distribution may be used as the starter material.