THE DETERMINATION OF THE ANGLE OF FLOW OF SMELTER GRADE ALUMNA

The unsatisfactory nature of the traditional "angle of repose" test in predicting the flow properties of smelter grade aluminas has been recognised. A simple method has been developed to measure the angle described by residual material in a container from which alumina has flowed. The "angle of flow" of an alumina may be regarded as complementary information to the time of flow from a standard flow cone. The "angle of flow" is useful in understanding the behaviour of alumina in materials handling systems. An additional benefit of the procedure is that the bulk density of the alumina is determined at the same time. The method is under consideration for issue as an Australian standard.