The throat classifier: A novel air classifier for the control of dust in manufactured sands

Abstract

The depletion of natural sources of sand has triggered a considerable amount of research regarding the utilization of manufactured sands in concrete production. In this context, the excess of dust in manufactured sands is a problem that needs to be solved. This work presents a novel type of air classifier called the throat classifier. The classifier was specifically designed for the removal of dust from manufactured sands. An experimental study was performed using manufactured sands with different gradations to explore the main features of the classifier. Results demonstrate that the classifier is able to improve the particle size distribution of the manufactured sands and collect the excess of dust as two additional products.