Chemical Engineering Basics

Q1: Alloy powder manufactured by the following process have spherical shapes.

A Electrochemical deposition.

B Gaseous reduction.

C Atomisation.

D Mechanical attrition.

ANS:C - Atomisation.

Atomization, also known as atomisation, is a process used to produce fine particles or droplets of a material by breaking up a liquid or molten stream into small, uniform-sized fragments. This process is commonly employed in various industries to create powders, sprays, or aerosols with specific properties for diverse applications. Here's how atomization typically works:

  1. Preparation of Liquid or Molten Material: The material to be atomized is typically in liquid or molten form. This could be a metal, alloy, polymer, ceramic, or even a solution or suspension.
  2. Formation of Liquid Stream: The liquid or molten material is forced through a nozzle or atomizer device, which creates a continuous stream of the material.
  3. Breakup of Liquid Stream: The liquid stream is subjected to forces that break it up into smaller droplets or particles. Several methods can achieve this, including:
    • Mechanical Methods: High-pressure air or gas streams, spinning disks, or vibrating plates can be used to disrupt the liquid stream into smaller droplets.
    • Centrifugal Methods: Rotating nozzles or impellers can generate centrifugal forces to disperse the liquid into fine droplets.
    • Ultrasonic Methods: Ultrasonic vibrations can induce cavitation in the liquid, causing it to break up into tiny droplets.
    • Pneumatic Methods: Compressed gas streams can disperse the liquid into droplets as it exits the nozzle.
  4. Solidification or Drying: Once the liquid droplets are formed, they undergo solidification or drying to convert them into solid particles or powder. This can occur through cooling (for molten materials), solvent evaporation (for solutions), or chemical reactions (for polymerization).
  5. Collection: The resulting particles or powder are collected using filters, cyclones, or other separation devices. Depending on the application, additional processing steps such as sieving, drying, or surface treatment may be required.
Atomization is widely used in various industries for a range of applications, including:
  • Metal Powder Production: Producing fine metal powders for additive manufacturing (3D printing), powder metallurgy, coatings, and welding applications.
  • Spray Coating and Painting: Generating fine sprays of paints, coatings, or adhesives for surface finishing, automotive painting, and industrial coating processes.
  • Pharmaceutical and Food Processing: Creating powdered drugs, flavorings, and nutritional supplements for pharmaceuticals, food additives, and cosmetics.
  • Fuel Injection: Atomizing liquid fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel) in internal combustion engines for efficient combustion and power generation.
Overall, atomization is a versatile process that enables the production of fine particles or droplets with precise control over size, shape, and distribution, making it valuable across a wide range of industries and applications.



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