Micro‑Jet Assisted Nanopowder Fluidization (Fluidized Mixing & Blending of Nanopowders with Secondary Gas Flow, Tech ID: 06‑057)
Technology Overview: A fluidized‑bed method and apparatus that uses a standard upflow fluidizing gas plus a secondary, typically downward micro‑jet to introduce turbulence and shear, aerate agglomerates, and break up nano‑scale clusters—achieving full‑bed fluidization and enhanced mixing/blending even for cohesive nanopowders. ,
Industry Pain Point: Nanoparticles fluidize as fragile agglomerates and can channel or defluidize without assistance; reliable dispersal and mixing at scale is difficult with conventional gas‑only beds.
NJIT Solution: Introduce a secondary, oppositely directed micro‑jet flow near the distributor to circulate powder, reduce re‑agglomeration, and enable uniform fluidization across the entire bed for improved processing yields.
Key Features & Advantages
- Opposing micro‑jet generates shear to deagglomerate nanopowders.
- Full‑column fluidization and enhanced circulation for better blending.
- Applicable to carbon blacks, catalysts, pigments, and advanced materials.
Development Stage: TRL 4–5 – Laboratory/pilot validation.
Target Markets
- Specialty chemicals (carbon black, pigments, fillers)
- Catalyst manufacturing & battery materials
- Advanced composites and additive manufacturing feedstocks
Commercial & IP Details
Inventors: Juergen Flesch; Robert Pfeffer; Jose Quevedo