School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Mapua Institute of Technology

Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1

COMPUTATION

• For 40 mesh:

Dpi = (A40 + 0) / 2
= (0.0165 in + 0) / 2
= 0.00825in

mi = WR – W1
= 386.5 – 386
mi = 0.5 g

xi = mi / MT
= 0.5 g / 49.3 g
xi = 0.0101

xi/Dpi = 0.0101 / 0.00825 in

xi/Dpi = 1.22 /in

xi/Dpi2 = 0.0101 / (0.00825 in)2

xi/Dpi2 = 148.39 /in2

xi/Dpi3 = 0.0101 / (0.00825 in)3

xi/Dpi3 = 17987.03 /in3

Dp = ∑(xi/Dpi2) / ∑(xi/Dpi3)
= 41366/in2 / 21438462.97/in3
Dp = 1.93x10-3 in

DpV = [1 / ∑(xi/Dpi3)]⅓
= [1 / 21438462.97/in3]1/3
DpV = 3.60x10-3 in

DpA = [∑(xi/Dpi) / ∑(xi/Dpi3)]1/2

= [143.39/in / 21438462.97/in3]1/2
DpA = 2.59x10-3 in

DpVA = 1 / ∑(xi/Dpi)
= 1 / 143.39/in
DpVA = 6.97x10-3 in
 School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
Mapua Institute of Technology
Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The screen size or mesh needed for the computation of particle size must be
confirmed, the lowest being the top while the highest at the bottom. The screens must be
brushed well to remove dirts that might affect the screening. The grinder was expected to
be clean including the grinding blades, glass cover, screen and channel leading to it.
Replace the glass cover and make sure clips are secure. Never open when grinder is
running or debris will fly off as well as to avoid injuries from the sharp blades. Place a
clean dry jar in the space below the grinder mouth. A new, clean jar should be used for
every sample. The sample was poured in through the cup on the top. Grinding time
depends on the amount of sample. Be sure the sample is mixed by shaking the jar when it
is full or filling several jars at a time. Between samples of the same treatment, clean the
cup, blade propeller, and screen with a small metal brush and vacuum. If this in not
adequate a metal spatula may be used to clean out particles around the edge of the
grinding blades and screen. Between treatments, all surfaces that come in contact with the
sample must be wiped down and vacuumed.
The data shows that the size diameter of a particle affect the length mean
diameter, the volume mean diameter, the surface mean diameter and the volume mean
diameter.Plotting the data between the sizes of the particle versus the mass fraction of the
material retained in the screen, a bell shape curves was generated. It means that this
variable is not directly proportional to each other because there’s no linear relationship
between them. Eventhough the data gathered show the relationship of some variable, still
it show some inaccurate data. The inaccuracy is due to the insufficient cleanliness of the
sieve.
 School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
Mapua Institute of Technology
Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1

CONCLUSION

• Operation of Wiley mill and sieve shaker was learned and understood.

• The screen analysis was represented by a graph (mass fraction vs. average
diameter) and/or by computation of particle size.

• The length mean, volume mean, surface mean and Sauter mean diameters were
computed to be 1.93x10-3 in, 3.60x10-3 in, 2.59x10-3 in, and 6.97x10-3 in
respectively.
 School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
Mapua Institute of Technology
Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1

STUDY QUESTIONS

• What are the factors that affect the efficiency of a screen?

Rate of Feeding: If feed rate is too high, there is insufficient residence time. The screen
becomes overloaded, and some "fines" leave with the oversize.

Particle Size: Large particles can impede the path of smaller ones, and a preliminary
separation may be required if a high proportion of larger particles are present

Moisture: Moisture can cause adhesion of small particles to larger ones, so some
undersize leave with the oversize

Worn Screens: Oversize may fall through damaged areas

Clogging of Screens: Particularly likely when the size of particles is very close to the
screen aperture. Result can be undersize leaving with oversize.

Electrostatic Charge: When screening dry powders, surfaces can become charged,
resulting in small particles clumping together and leaving with the oversize. Grounding
of screens may be necessary.