Relationship between outlet diameter of tube and mesurement range of particle diameter in vibrating tube method

Ishii, Katsunori ; Suzuki, Masahiro ; Yamamoto, Takuma; Kihara, Yoshiyuki; Kurita, Tsutomu ; Kato, Yoshiyuki ; Yasuda, Masatoshi*; Matsusaka, Shuji*; Yoshimoto, Katsunobu

Particle flowability test using a vibrating tube with a tapered end was carried out to evaluate the applicability of this method to the analysis of MOX particles for nuclear fuel pellet fabrication. In this experiment, zirconia particles were used as model particles, which are less than 850 micrometers in diameter. The sample particles were prepared by mixing the particles with different sizes. The experimental results showed that stable fowability evaluation is possible for particles larger than 45 micrometers and less than 850 micrometres, adjusting outlet diameter of tube and inclination angle of tube.