Opposing‑Jet Assisted Nanopowder Fluidization (Fluidized Bed Systems & Methods Including Micro‑Jet Flow, Tech ID: 06‑057)
Technology Overview: An enhanced fluidized‑bed architecture that supplements the usual upward fluidizing gas with a strategically positioned opposing (downward) micro‑jet, creating localized turbulence and shear to aerate agglomerates and break up nano‑clusters. The opposing jet near the gas distributor enables full‑column fluidization and vigorous powder circulation—improving mixing and processing of otherwise cohesive nanopowders.
Industry Pain Point: Conventional beds struggle with nanopowders that channel, defluidize, or re‑agglomerate, limiting uniform mixing, coating, or blending at scale.
NJIT Solution: Introduce an oppositely directed micro‑jet to supply shear and turbulence precisely where needed, stabilizing fluidization and boosting bed homogeneity for nanoscale materials.
Key Features & Advantages
- Opposing micro‑jet breaks agglomerates; reduces re‑agglomeration.
- Full‑bed fluidization and enhanced circulation/mixing.
- Applicable to nanopowders/nanoagglomerates across pigments, carbon blacks, and catalyst supports.
Development Stage: TRL 4–5 – Laboratory/pilot validation.
Target Markets
- Specialty chemicals & pigments
- Battery, catalyst, and advanced materials manufacturing
- Additive manufacturing powders
Commercial & IP Details
Inventors: Juergen Flesch; Robert Pfeffer; Jose A. Quevedo