(70dp) Powder Technology: Interaction between Theoretical, Practical Teaching and Sensory Analysis

Teaching ?Powder Technology? followed by a practical training is an essential part of Chemical engineering course. This highlights the growing interest of industry of the powder technology, not for the process optimization only, but also for controlling their technology development. This technology is a young science, intervening in a considerable number of industrial productions (chemistry, cosmetics, metallurgy, painting, environment, food?). Teaching powder technology within the ?Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Lille? covers study of the physical properties of powders: theory and measurement techniques of sampling, porosities, true and apparent densities, particle size distribution, average diameters, specific surface and particle shape. In the same way this topic treats cohesive and non cohesive powders by showing the importance of the interaction forces, the influence of the particles physical properties, the phenomenon of agglomeration and the distribution of the strength within the powder. Various tests of measurements the flows properties of powders as shearing cell, tapping, angle of slide, angle of repose, floodability and compacting test.

During classes, the students work in small workshops to carry out sensory analysis to sensitize them by the ?touch? and the ?sound? with the various powders behaviours (free flow, non free flow, cohesive and non cohesive powders) by applying rapid tests. The students get training in collaboration with industry. During the training the students search a suitable solution to the problem. This teaching aims to train students to be operational and to sensitize them on the current changes in powder manufacturing in industry. The Industry is interested more and more in manufacturing powders with controlled properties (best flow, sphericity, monodispersibility, reactivity and colour). The solutions are searched with an aim of manufacturing a well defined and marketable product.