This week’s Photo of the Week shows an attrition tester in the FEECO Innovation Center.
Attrition occurs when product rubs against itself, causing the surface particles to break off against each other. This is typically seen with extruded pellets, where hard edges are present, and often results in less on-size product, and creates undesirable dust. While attrition is not near as much of an issue with round pellets, it is still important to reduce it as much as possible.
This attrition tester works by simulating conditions where pellets rub against each other; On-size pellets are put into the machine, agitated, and then measured to see what portion of the sample is still on-size.
When too much attrition is occurring, the process can be adjusted to create a stronger pellet, more resistant to surface wear. A coating may be added, or the process binder could be increased or changed.
Attrition tests help to ensure that the pellet product is of the highest integrity possible, and are frequently utilized during feasibility testing in the FEECO Innovation Center. To learn more about our agglomeration capabilities, contact us today!