MODELING OF AGGLOMERATING SYSTEMS - FROM SPHERES TO FRACTALS

The modelling of agglomerating systems is demonstrated by focusing on processes where liquid binder provides the dominant adhesion force bet ween particles. Current theories, developed from the classic pendular bridge force expressions, are still restricted to using empirical para meters to apply the pair-wise forces to multi-particle agglomerates. H owever, the use of contact mechanics, coupled with such models, is pro ving to yield useful information on the deformation and breakage behav iour of agglomerates, which in turn will apply to overall growth behav iour. Advances are also being made in computer simulations which can i ncorporate these theories. Recent advances in the concepts of fractal analysis to provide quantitative information on the openness of agglom erate structures (from which qualitative information on the growth mec hanisms can be inferred) are described. Here, too, the use of computat ional techniques, such as image analysis, is enhancing our ability to make comprehensive measurements of agglomeration phenomena, from which new models can be developed to improve the design and operation of pr ocess equipment.