SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NANOPARTICLE AND NANOGGLOMERATE FLUIDIZATION

摘要

With the coupling of an external field and aeration (or a flow of another gas), nanoparticles can be smoothly and vigorously fluidized. Multiple external fields and/or pre­treatment may be employed with the fluidizing gas: sieving, magnetic assistance, vibration, acoustic/sound or rotational/centrifugal forces. Any of these forces, either alone or in combination, when coupled with a fluidizing medium, provide excellent means for achieving homogenous nanofluidization. The additional force(s) help to break channels as well as provide enough energy to disrupt the strong interparticle forces, thereby establishing an advantageous agglomerate size distribution. Enhanced fluidization is reflected by at least one of the following performance-related attributes: reduced levels of bubbles within the fluidized system, reduced gas bypass relative to the fluidized bed, smooth fluidization behavior, reduced elutriation, a high level of bed expansion, reduced gas velocity levels to achieve desired fluidization performance, and/or enhanced control of agglomerate size/distribution. The fluidized nanoparticles may be coated, surface-treated and/or surface­modified in the fluidized state. In addition, the fluidized nanoparticles may participate in a reaction, either as a reactant or a catalyst, while in the fluidized state.