Experimental study of the aerosolization of fine alumina particles from bulk by a vortex shaker

The use of a vortex shaker for particle aerosolization from pseudo-bidisperse micron-sized alumina bulk powders has been studied in view of its application as a dustiness characterization method. A parametric study has been carried out with respect to the bulk mass as well as the vortex speed. A minimum sample size and lower and upper limits for the rotational speed have been identified for this powder. Within these boundaries, the aerosolized particles’ mass concentration is found to be proportional to the sample’s kinetic energy multiplied by its mass. At too high rotational speeds, the particle size distribution is changed. [Display omitted] •The suitability of vortex shakers as particle aerosolization/dustiness tests is shown.•Even small amounts of pseudo-bidisperse micron-sized alumina could be characterized.•The parametric study yields a minimum sample size (sample mass).•Lower and upper limits for the rotational speed have been identified for this powder.•Aerosol mass concentration is proportional to sample’s kinetic energy times its mass.