Fluid energy (jet) mill principle: which mechanism produces the greatest size reduction?

Introduction / Context:
Fluid energy (jet) mills micronize powders by accelerating particles in high-velocity gas streams. Understanding the dominant breakage mechanism helps in predicting product fineness and choosing operating conditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Pulverization chamber with opposed or looped jets.
• Classifier outlet controlling top size.
• Hard, brittle feed suitable for micronization.

Concept / Approach:
In jet mills, particles are accelerated and repeatedly collide with each other at high relative velocities. The primary breakage is due to interparticle attrition and some impact during collisions; there are no mechanical grinding media, and wall impacts are secondary when properly tuned.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Note absence of grinding surfaces or media → compression/cutting are negligible.High-speed particle–particle collisions dominate → attrition/impact between particles.Among the options, “interparticle attrition” best captures the governing mechanism.

Verification / Alternative check:
Performance data correlate fineness with jet velocity and solids load, consistent with collision-driven breakage rather than compressive nipping.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Compression/cutting: typical in crushers or knife mills, not in jet mills.Impact (wall): present but not primary when the classifier is tuned; the dominant mechanism is particle–particle attrition.

Common Pitfalls:
Overfeeding to the point of excessive wall impact; inadequate classifier speed leading to coarse carryover.

Final Answer:
interparticle attrition