journal article·2025-12-10Open access

Development of an Experimental 3D Model of the Gas Flow in a Spiral Jet Mill and Validation of Abramovich’s Nozzle Jet Model

Lisa Marie Radeke, Mathias Ulbricht, Heyko Jürgen Schultz

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 24

Abstract

The processes occurring inside a spiral jet mill are significantly influenced by the flow conditions within the grinding chamber. As part of this work, an experimental 3D model of the grinding gas flow is successfully developed for the first time based on the results of PIV measurements. This model demonstrates the typical spiral vortex flow superimposed by the nozzle jets, as well as the characteristic comminution and classifying zones. In addition, the three-dimensional analysis of the nozzle jet enables the first experimental validation of the theoretical assumption proposed in the literature that the flow dynamics in this region can be described by Abramovich’s nozzle jet model. The vortex pair located on the back of the nozzle jet essentially contributes to the formation of the kidney-shaped flow cross-section of the nozzle jet. The two vortices are verified both by the flow dynamics based on the unloaded grinding gas flow and by observing the abrasion on the inner wall of the grinding chamber caused by the particle-loaded flow. Consequently, the experimental findings can be utilized to create a model of the deflected and deformed nozzle jet, thereby providing a profound understanding of the flow processes within a spiral jet mill, particularly in the region of the nozzle jets.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Mineral Processing and Grinding · Granular flow and fluidized beds · Fluid Dynamics and Mixing

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein, Adlerstraße 32, 47798 Krefeld, Germany

Institute for Coatings and Surface Chemistry (ILOC), University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein, Adlerstraße 32, 47798 Krefeld, Germany

Department of Technical Chemistry II, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 7, 45141 Essen, Germany

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