| Abstract Scope |
The Bayer process, used to produce alumina involves ATH precipitation—a key step influencing final product quality. Hydrodynamic parameters like flow regime, agitation, seed dispersion, and suspension dynamics critically affect ATH’s morphology, particle size, surface properties, and reactivity by governing its nucleation and crystal growth behaviour.
Optimizing hydrodynamic parameters enhances ATH properties like bulk density, sphericity, and purity, meeting standards for polymer composites and flame-retardant fillers. Correlations between these parameters and ATH’s morphology, crystallinity, and particle size are established using techniques such as SEM, XRD, Sedigraph, BET Surface Area Analysis, TGA-DSC, Zeta Potential, ICP-OES/XRF, and FTIR, etc.
This study examines how hydrodynamics in precipitation tanks influence ATH’s properties. Experimental fluid dynamics and characterization confirm that optimized mixing and flow enhance seed dispersion, crystal growth, and reduce agglomeration. This approach improves ATH quality, process efficiency, sustainability, significant environmental advantages and enables controlled particle size, porosity, surface area, and consistent purity. |