Showing papers by "Robert Pfeffer published in 2009"
TL;DR: In this article, a nanosized particles are used to pre-coat the fine cornstarch particles to improve the fluidization behavior of cohesive powders in a Mini-Glatt fluidized bed.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the hydrodynamic characteristics of inverse fluidized beds of aerogel granules of different size ranges were studied by measuring the pressure drop and bed expansion as a function of superficial velocity.
Abstract: Surface-treated hydrophobic aerogel (Nanogel) granules of sizes between 500 and 850 μm, 1.7 and 2.3 mm, and 0.5 and 2.3 mm are fluidized by a downward flow of oil-contaminated water in an inverse fluidization mode. Aerogel particles are nanostructured, extremely light and porous, have a very large surface area per unit mass, and are sufficiently robust to be fluidized. Their hydrophobic surface gives them a strong affinity for oil and other organic compounds, with the exclusion of water. These desirable properties make them an ideal sorbent or filter media for the removal of oil from wastewater. The hydrodynamic characteristics of inverse fluidized beds of aerogel granules of different size ranges were studied by measuring the pressure drop and bed expansion as a function of superficial velocity. The oil removal efficiency and capacity of the aerogel granules in the inverse fluidized bed were found to depend mainly on the size of the granules, the initial height of the bed (amount of powder used), the voi...
36 citations
Patent•
01 May 2009TL;DR: In this article, a filter for purifying a gas phase system comprises an aerogel material in an amount sufficient to remove at least a portion of a contaminant present in the system.
Abstract: A purification method comprises directing a system having a gas phase component and a contaminant through a filter including an aerogel material, e.g., hydrophobic silica-based aerogel particles. A filter for purifying a gas phase system comprises an aerogel material in an amount sufficient to remove at least a portion of a contaminant present in the gas phase system. In preferred examples, the filter is a fluidized bed. In further examples, the filter is a packed bed.
12 citations
Patent•
12 May 2009TL;DR: In this article, a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field was used to increase the packing density of aerogel particles, which can increase mixing and packing density.
Abstract: A method for packing and/or mixing particulate materials, e.g., aerogel particles, includes combining materials having different particle sizes and applying a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field. A negative pressure differential in the presence of vibration also can be used. The method increases mixing and packing density.
5 citations
3 citations