The influence of humidity on dry separation of granular particles based on geometrical characteristics

The influence of atmospheric humidity on dry separation of particles was experimentally investigated, making use of the difference in particle motion on an inclined wall, due to different geometrical characteristics. Using a tilted rotating cylinder with blades, glass beads with size and shape distributions were separated according to their geometrical characteristics under various levels of humidity. Fractional recovery of particles is discussed in relation to shape and size of particle and humidity. An angle of repose of the particles was also measured in order to determine the influence of adhesion force, which is closely related to humidity. Glass beads were separated predominantly based on their shape characteristics. Fractional recovery of particles changes strongly around a relative humidity of 60–70%, at which point the angle of repose also changes markedly. The influence of interaction between particles, which becomes significant for smaller particles, was found to reduce the fractional recovery and diminish the influence of humidity.