Clear air in here - Dumping and conveying feather-light material: a dust-free solution for Nye Lubricants

摘要

Synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide, otherwise known as 'fumed silica,' is one of the lightest substances known. Bulk density is 38 kg/m{sup}3 with average particle sizes from 0.2 to 0.3 micron. Particles form agglomerates that look and behave like down feathers. Handled incorrectly, the powder readily escapes as nuisance dust "so light that it actually hangs in the air," says Jim McGown, Nye Lubricants facilities manager. Although feather light, the bulk density of the loosely packed agglomerates can more than double when force is applied, causing packing. These properties make the fine, white, semi-free-flowing powder a challenge to handle.