Particle dynamics in cyclone tribochargers

Triboelectric separation is of increasing importance in a number of industries. The initial tribocharging process is poorly understood, with tribocharger design and operation dominated by trial and error. Better physical understanding of tribocharger operation would be invaluable for the optimization of triboelectric separation processes. Cylindrical pneumatic cyclones are highly suitable for continuous-flow mineral separation applications. Charge measurements, trajectory modelling and high-speed video footage of particle motion have been combined to understand charging in terms of particle dynamics in a cylindrical cyclone. These observations are interpreted in terms of cyclone tribocharger design and operation.