Metal powders are components with multidisciplinary usage as their application is very broad. Their consistent characterization across all disciplines is important for ensuring repeatable and trouble-free processes. Ten metal powders were tested in the study. In all cases, the particle size distribution and morphology (scanning electron microscope—SEM photos) were determined. The aim of this work was to inspect the flow behavior of metal powders through another measured characteristic, namely the angle of internal friction. The measured values of the effective internal friction angle in the range 28.6–32.9°, together with the spherical particle shape and the particle size distribution, revealed the likely dominant mode of the metal particle transfer mechanism for stainless steel 316L, zinc and aluminum powder. This third piston flow mechanism is described and illustrated in detail. The angle of internal friction is mentioned as another suitable parameter for the characterization of metal powders, not only for the relative simplicity of the determination but also for gaining insight into the method of the movement of individual particles during the flow.

This paper presents the use of new modern methods for the research of movement of material on a belt conveyor. One of the innovative methods is Particle Image Velocimetry (“PIV”), which was used to scan and assess the two-dimensional vector field of speed of particles on the belt conveyor....

Results obtained from measuring the required amount of steel abrasive material with various fragmentations, which is transported by a special kind of scraper conveyor, offers information that is useful for operators of the abrasive blast cabinets. The presented article describes an innovative methodology developed for determination of the most relevant operational parameters relating to the above-mentioned situation. The most important parameters in this case are: the optimal amount of the abrasive material, the conveying speed of the scraper conveyor and the feeding of the conveyor with regard to partial or full elimination of instable operational area. Elimination of the instable operational area is possible by means of a simple constructional modification of the given conveying system according to the results obtained from experimental investigation, which was performed using special, originally developed laboratory testing equipment.