Sono-deagglomeration of zeolites: Kinetic and energy analysis

The performance of zeolites is linked to their particle size distribution, making control over particle size critically important. This work investigates the sono-deagglomeration behavior of NaZSM-5 and NaY, focusing on the energy-size reduction relationship and process kinetics using Kapur functions. Both zeolites were successfully deagglomerated, and the energy-size reduction relationship was independent of the input power. However, the exact relationship appeared to be compound specific. The influence of the ultrasonic device type was examined by comparing a plate and horn transducer. The horn outperformed the plate due to its ability to generate stronger acoustic streaming. For both devices, the energy-size reduction relationship remained independent of power. Tests with three solid loadings (5, 10, and 20 w/w%) showed that higher loadings are energetically more favorable. Additionally, these tests indicated that the specific breakage rate scales with power raised to an exponent between 0.3 and 0.5. Lastly, three ultrasonic modes (continuous, pulsed, variable power) were evaluated. All modes followed the same energy-size reduction trend, indicating the ultrasound mode does not influence deagglomeration. In conclusion, size reduction is governed by the total calorimetric energy input and device choice, rather than power or mode.