2D-fractal based algorithms for fine and ultrafine particulate solids systems characterization

Fractal geometry concerns the study of non-Euclidean geometrical figures generated by a recursive sequence of mathematical operations. The proposed 2D-fractal approach was applied to characterise the image structure and texture generated by fine and ultrafine particles when impacting on a flat surface. The work was developed with reference to particles usually produced in the ornamental stone sector during the different working phases carried out in dry conditions. Specific milling actions have been performed at a laboratoty scale on different ornamental stone products, in order to generate different particle populations to utilize in the study. The aim of the work was to develop a simple, reliable and low cost analytical set of procedures with the ability to establish correlations between particles detected by fractal characteristics and their classical attributes, e.g., i) size class distribution, ii) shape, iii) composition, etc. Such a logic should constitute the core of a control engine with the ability to optimize dust capture abatement strategies, according to produced dusts characteristics.