Electrostatic dispersion of fine particles in the air

The paper studied the method of keeping fine particles from aggregating in the air by electrostatic dispersion. The effects of electrode voltage, diameter, humidity and rest time, as well as van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces and liquid bridge forces between particles on electrostatic dispersion of powder were discussed. It was shown that optimal electrostatic dispersion effect of calcium carbonate and talcum particles can be achieved with corona voltage of 29 kV, particle size of 2-25 mum, and proper rest time of 48 h. Criteria for electrostatic dispersion were put forward on the basis of experimental results. Theoretical calculation indicated that the criteria for electrostatic dispersion were in good agreement with experimental results. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.