Previous mineralogical investigations (QemSCAN) performed on all effluent flotation streams of Mimosa mine (Zimbabwe) indicated the presence of appreciable amounts of platinum group minerals (PGMs), which are not recovered. Most, generally in excess of 70%, of the liberated PGMs in these streams belonged to the Pt-Pd-Bi-Te class in all the samples investigated. In the first part of this work, electrochemical investigations, electrochemically-controlled contact angle measurements and Raman spectroscopy have been employed to investigate the interaction of ethyl xanthate with Pd-Bi-Te and PtAs2. Impedance measurements showed lower capacitance values in solutions containing KEX indicating the formation of a continuous surface layer. Anodic and cathodic polarization diagrams show the mixed potential to be higher than the reversible potential of the xanthate-dixanthogen equilibrium reaction, hence the formation of dixanthogen on the surface is possible. Electrochemically controlled in situ Raman spectroscopy has confirmed the co-presence of xanthate with dixanthogen indicating that xanthate retains its molecular integrity when it adsorbs on the surface of the Pd-Bi-Te. The result of this investigation has shown dixanthogen to be present on both the minerals (PtAs2 and Pd-Bi-Te) when the surfaces are anodically polarized. Chemisorbed xanthate could be identified within 120 seconds yielding a hydrophobic surface as indicated by electrochemically-controlled contact angle measurements. Maximum contact angles of 63o were measured in the case Pd-Bi-Te. As a result the mineral surface is expected to be hydrophobic and a lack of collector interaction with the mineral is not the reason for low PGM recoveries experienced. Secondly, the flotation recovery of synthetically prepared Pd-Bi-Te was compared with that of chalcopyrite (a typical fast-floating mineral) and pyrrhotite (a typical slow-floating mineral), with microflotation tests. These indicated Pd-Bi-Te to be a fast-floater with flotation rates exceeding that of chalcopyrite. Predicted flotation rate constants (from the Ralston model) were significantly lower for small particles (with diameters similar to those lost to the effluent streams) compared with those of particle with intermediate sizes. This supports the suggestion that losses to effluent streams are caused by particle size effects. / Thesis (PhD (Metallurgical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering / unrestricted

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is always important to have reproducible processes and raw materials of high quality to ensure good quality products. AstraZeneca, that is a leading manufacturer of different pharmaceuticals, works according to GMP to make sure that their processes deliver products of the same quality every time. A problem that has occurred at AstraZeneca is when a raw material is not properly understood and variations in the raw material affects the final product. Variations in drug release in one of AstraZeneca´s products, Product X, has been linked to the cushioning excipient Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Variations in drug release has been noticed during change from one batch of MCC to another. The aim of this study was to investigate which material attributes of MCC that contributes to variations in the final product. Particle size and moisture content were identified as critical material attributes (CMA´s) and were therefore chosen to be investigated more thoroughly. By variating particle size and moisture content during manufacturing of Product X, the influence of these attributes could be investigated using Design of Experiment (DoE). An additional experiment that compared two MCC batches from different suppliers was also performed during this study. The results from these experiments showed that the particle size and moisture content of MCC does affect the drug release. Large particles and high moisture content gave rise to a faster drug release compared to small particles and low moisture content that gave rise to a slower drug release. It is however hard to draw conclusions regarding how small differences in particle size and moisture content could affect the drug release.

Orientador: Osvaldir Pereira Taranto / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T00:40:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_CarlosAlexandreMoreirada_D.pdf: 33350422 bytes, checksum: 046e0a2c090474593621166c81042136 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: As indústrias química, alimentícia e farmacêutica têm empregado extensivamente a operação de fluidização em inúmeros processos, devido às suas características bastante atrativas, que possibilitam um contato efetivo entre a fase sólida e fluida, o que reflete na geração de altas taxas de transferência de calor e de massa. No entanto, o regime de fluidização borbulhante, o qual é condição de partida dos processos que envolvem esta operação, frequentemente é afetado pelas condições operacionais. As temperaturas elevadas, o conteúdo de umidade excessivo das partículas e a introdução de líquidos no leito fluidizado podem conduzir a instabilidades no regime fluidodinâmico e provocar o colapso parcial ou total do leito, reduzindo a eficiência do processo. A manutenção de condições estáveis do regime de fluidização durante processos de recobrimento de partículas em leitos fluidizados é de fundamental importância para garantir uma eficiência de recobrimento favorável e evitar a formação de zonas sem movimentação e aglomeração das partículas no leito, pois estes fatores indesejáveis comprometem a mistura entre as fases e conseqüentemente a qualidade do produto final. Dentro deste contexto, a utilização de um sistema de monitoramento e controle em tempo real de processos de recobrimento de partículas é extremamente desejável para permitir a operação de regimes de fluidização estáveis e garantir um filme de recobrimento uniforme e boas condições de escoabilidade dos sólidos. A presente proposta de tese de doutorado tem por objetivo aplicar a metodologia de análise espectral Gaussiana dos sinais de flutuação de pressão (Parise et al. (2008)), para o desenvolvimento de sistemas de controle baseados em inteligência artificial (Lógica Fuzzy), visando monitorar a estabilidade do regime de fluidização em processo de recobrimento de partículas. Comparações entre as condições fluidodinâmicas dos processos com e sem controle foram analisadas para operações em leito fluidizado em escala de laboratorio. Para avaliar a qualidade das partículas foi utilizada uma sonda de monitoramento in-line (Parsum IPP70), onde se pôde verificar os instantes iniciais da aglomeração indesejada. Com a aplicação desde sistema automatizado foi possível associar a estabilidade da fluidização em função do elevado grau de aglomeração. O ponto de parada do processo pôde ser definido em 420 µm (inicial em 360 µm) e a partir deste o mecanismo de recobrimento acontece simultaneamente com o de aglomeração. Os parâmetros de monitoramento do regime conseguiram não somente identificar a fase inicial da defluidização, como também foi possível a partir deles, controlar o processo por Lógica Fuzzy-PI e estabilizar a operação para altas taxas de suspensão atomizadas / Abstract: The chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries have extensively used fluidization operation in many cases, due to its very attractive features that enable effective contact between the solid and fluid phase, which reflects the generation of high heat and mass transfer rates. However, the bubbling fluidization regime, which is the starting condition of the processes involved in this operation is often affected by operating conditions. Elevated temperatures, excessive moisture content of the particles and introduction of liquid into the fluidized bed may lead to instabilities in the fluid-dynamic regime and cause partial or total collapse of the bed, reducing the process efficiency. The maintenance of stable conditions of the fluidization regime for particle coating processes in fluidized beds is of fundamental importance to ensure a favorable coating efficiency and to avoid zones without movement and agglomeration of particles in the bed, because these undesirable factors compromise the mixing between the phases and therefore the quality of the final product. Within this context, the use of a monitoring system and real-time control of particle coating processes is highly desirable to allow operation in stable fluidization regimes and to ensure a uniform coating film and good condition of flowability of the solids. This doctoral thesis aims to apply the Gaussian spectral analysis methodology of the pressure fluctuation signals (Parise et al. (2008)) , for the development of control systems based on artificial intelligence (Fuzzy Logic), to monitor the stability of fluidization regime particle coating process. Comparisons between the fluid dynamic conditions of the processes with and without control were analyzed for operations in fluidized bed laboratory scale. To assess early stages of unwanted agglomeration, a monitoring in-line probe (Parsum IPP70) was used. With the application of this automated system, it was possible to associate the stability of fluidization with a high degree of agglomeration. The process stopping point could be set at 420 µm (initial in 360 µm) and after, the coating mechanism takes place simultaneously with the agglomeration one. The monitoring parameters of the system were able to identify the initial phase of defluidization, as well as it was possible to control the process by using Fuzzy Logic and to stabilize the operation for high rates of the coating suspension atomized onto the bed / Doutorado / Engenharia de Processos / Doutor em Engenharia Química

This work focuses on the hydration of four calcium aluminate phases – C3A, C12A7, CA and CA2. Above all, the influence of particle size and method of preparation on hydration behaviour were studied. Influence of these factors on hydration products were also investigated. Calcium aluminates were prepared by solid state synthesis and amorphous citrate method. Both methods were described in detail. The particle size was determined by laser diffraction. Isothermic calorimetry was used to investigate the process of hydration. Hydration products were identified by X-ray diffraction analysis and simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis.

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are frequently delivered to the patient in the solid-state as part of an approved dosage form (tablets, capsules, etc.). Understanding and controlling the solid-state chemistry of APIs is therefore an important aspect of the drug development process. APIs can exist in a variety of distinct solid forms, including polymorphs, solvates, hydrates, co-crystals and amorphous solids. Each form displays unique physicochemical properties that can profoundly influence the bioavailability, manufacturability, stability and other performance characteristics of the drug. Most APIs are purified and isolated by crystallisation from an appropriate solvent during the final step in synthetic process. The main objective of a crystallisation process is to produce crystals with desired properties such as particle size distribution (PSD), shape and purity. All pharmaceutical dosage forms must be produced in uniform units, and good content of uniformity is only possible when the size of the active component is carefully controlled. For on-line control of crystallisations of Quetiapine Fumarate to achieve desired PSD and no changed physicochemical purity was used the Lasentec Focus Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) system.

Ce travail de thèse s’articule autour de la génération et de la caractérisation de capsules d’organo-hydrogel ou simplement bi-gels, obtenues par la technologie du prilling et destinées à la délivrance contrôlée d’un principe actif (P.A), après administration par voie orale. L’Efavirenz (EFV), un antirétroviral utilisé dans le traitement du VIH/Sida, a été le P.A utilisé comme modèle de molécule de faible solubilité dans l’eau. Il a été dissous dans l’organogel composé d’huile de tournesol et d’acide 12-hydroxystéarique (12-HSA). L’organogel a été caractérisé par sa température de transition de phase sol-gel-sol. Et la thermoréversibilité caractéristique de cet organogel n’a pas changé avec l’introduction de l’EFV. Pour la caractérisation des organogels comme véhicule de P.A, ils ont été produits à deux températures (5°C et 25 °C) et avec deux concentrations de 12-HSA (5% et 20%). Pour les essais de libération de l’EFV deux milieux de dissolution ont été utilisés (pH 1,2 et 6,8) avec et sans enzymes. Le profil de libération de l’EFV à partir de capsules bi-gels (2500 à3000 μm de diamètre) est essentiellement lié à la quantité d’organogélifiant dans le coeur, à la présence de la membrane d’alginate et à l’état physique de cette membrane (hydratée ou sèche). Une réduction de 50% a pu être observée à pH acide en présence de la membrane externe. A pH acide la libération est plus lente qu’à pH 6,8, quand la membrane perd sa fonction protectrice et le coeur organogel passe à régler la libération. Deux mécanismes de relargage sont observés : l’érosion et la diffusion, expliqués par le modèle de Korsmeyer-Peppas. / This thesis focuses on the generation and characterization of organo-hydrogel capsules (bigels), manufactured by prilling technology for controlled drug delivery after oral administration. Efavirenz (EFV), an antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV/AIDS, is the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used as a model molecule of low solubility in water. It was dissolved in the organogel, which is compound of sunflower oil and 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA). The organogel was characterized by its phase transition temperature sol-gel-sol. The typical thermoreversibility of this organogel has not changed with introduction of EFV. The organogels were produced at two temperatures (5 °C and 25 °C) and with two concentrations of 12-HSA (5% and 20%) for being characterized as an API vehicle. Two dissolution media were used with and without enzymes (pH 1.2 and 6.8), for EFV release quantification. The EFV release profile from bi-gels capsules (diameter from 2500 to 3000 μm) is essentially related to the amount of organogelator in their core, to the presence of the alginate membrane and to the state physics of this membrane (hydrated or dry). The release of EFV has reduced 50% at acid pH in the presence of the external membrane. In simulated gastric fluid, the release is slower than at pH 6.8 (simulated intestinal fluid). In the intestine, the membrane loses its protective function and the organogel’s core begins to control the release of EFV. Two release mechanisms are observed: erosion and diffusion, which can be explained by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model.

Ce travail porte sur l'étude de la gazéification de biomasse en Réacteur à Flux Entrainé (RFE), dans le contexte du développement de procédés pour la production de biocarburants de deuxième génération. L'objectif de cette thèse est de modéliser les différents phénomènes qui régissent la conversion de la biomasse dans des conditions représentatives d'un RFE. La pyrolyse et la gazéification de particules de hêtre de taille comprise entre 315 et 415 µm ont été étudiées entre 800 et 1400°C en four à chute de laboratoire. L'influence de l'ajout de H2O, de CO2 et de O2 sur les produits de gazéification a été explorée, et les essais ont été simulés à partir d'un modèle 1D. L'ajout de H2O ou de CO2 permet de diminuer les rendements en char de manière significative. En phase gaz, l'influence principale de ces deux espèces est la modification de la composition en espèces majoritaires avec la réaction de gaz à l'eau. L'ajout de O2 a pour effet d'améliorer la conversion du carbone de la biomasse en gaz, et de réduire de manière significative la production de suies et de char. Le modèle, basé sur une chimie détaillée, permet de simuler ces essais de façon très satisfaisante sur toute la gamme de variation des conditions opératoires. La pyrolyse et la gazéification de particules de hêtre tamisées entre 1,12 et 1,25 mm a été étudiée en présence de O2. À 800, 1000 et 1200°C, la conversion de ces « grosses » particules est plus faible que celles des petites particules, mais à 1400°C la taille de particule n'a pas d'influence. Enfin, une étude expérimentale a été menée dans un RFE pilote pour étudier l'influence de la quantité de O2, de la taille de particule et de la pression sur la gazéification de particules de bois. Ces essais ont été simulés de façon satisfaisante en adaptant le modèle 1D. / The present work deals with biomass gasification in Entrained Flow Reactor (EFR) in the context of the development of new Biomass-to-Liquid processes. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive model to better understand the phenomena controlling biomass gasification in conditions representative of an EFR. Biomass pyrolysis and gasification of beech particles sieved between 315 and 450 µm have been studied between 800 and 1400°C in a drop tube furnace. The influence of H2O, CO2 and O2 addition on gasification products has been investigated and the tests have been simulated with a 1D model. The addition of H2O or CO2 leads to a significantly lower char yield. The main influence of these two oxidants in gas phase is the modification of major species composition with water gas shift reaction. With the addition of O2, the carbon conversion into gas is improved and the char and soot yields are significantly lower. The simulations are in very good agreement with the experimental results. Biomass pyrolysis and gasification of beech particles sieved between 1.12 and 1.25 mm have been studied in presence of O2. Between 800 and 1200°C the carbon conversion into gas is lower than with the smaller particles but at 1400°C the particle size has no influence. At last, the influence of O2 addition, particle size and pressure on biomass gasification has been studied in a pilot scale EFR. These experimental results have been satisfactorily simulated by adapting the 1D model.

Les Hydrocarbures Aromatiques Polycycliques (HAP) sont des polluants dont la concentration est réglementée dans l’air ambiant, en raison de leurs caractères cancérigène et/ou mutagène. Ces composés, émis lors de combustions incomplètes, peuvent réagir dans l’atmosphère avec les principaux oxydants atmosphériques pour former des dérivés oxygénés (OHAP) et nitrés (NHAP), dont la toxicité est potentiellement encore plus importante. Dans ce contexte, ce travail a été réalisé par la combinaison de deux approches complémentaires : études de réactivité en atmosphère contrôlée et études de terrain, afin de mieux comprendre le devenir (formation/dégradation) de ces composés dans l’atmosphère. Ainsi, des particules naturelles, prélevées dans l’air ambiant, ont été exposées en réacteur à différents oxydants atmosphériques(O3, OH et NO2/O3). Les résultats montrent la dégradation effective des HAP et le benzo[a]pyrène, seul HAP réglementé aujourd’hui en Europe, apparait comme le composé le plus réactif. De plus, la formation significative de OHAP et NHAP a été mise en évidence, même si les quantités observées sont trop faibles pour boucler le bilan de masse, illustrant la formation de produits non détectés/détectables dans ce travail. La dégradation des HAP ayant été démontrée sur des particules naturelles, la question du lieu majoritaire de dégradation (atmosphère/support de prélèvement) a été étudiée au cours de différents échantillonnages atmosphériques, mettant en parallèle des préleveurs équipés ou non de pièges à ozone de type dénudeur. Ces études, bien que n’ayant pas permis de répondre définitivement à cette question, ont montré la formation de certains dérivés de HAP sur les supports d’échantillonnage. Suite à ces conclusions, des mesures ont été déployées sur le terrain, sur des sites de typologies différentes dans la région parisienne. Les concentrations en HAP, OHAP et NHAP mesurées se sont avérées 10 fois plus importantes sur un site trafic que sur un site périurbain. De plus, les différentes espèces mesurées sur chacun des sites ont montré que, contrairement aux HAP et OHAP, les NHAP majoritaires différaient selon la typologie du site. Ainsi, le site trafic a été identifié comme étant majoritairement influencé par des sources primaires, à l’opposé du site périurbain sur lequel les espèces secondaires étaient plus abondantes. Les études granulométriques ont montré que la distribution entaille des OHAP et NHAP particulaires était liée à leurs origines (primaire/secondaire). De plus, les OHAP et NHAP apparaissent associés à 85 % à la fraction la plus fine de l’aérosol (Dp < 2,5 µm), accentuant l’intérêt de leur étude d’un point de vue sanitaire. Enfin, la combinaison de l’étude de la distribution granulométrique de certains composés identifiés comme primaire ou secondaire, à celle des profils chimiques des NHAP ouOHAP, a permis de proposer des pistes quant à l’origine majoritaire de ces familles de composés dans l’air ambiant. / Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations are regulated in ambient air because of theirmutagenic and carcinogenic properties. They are largely emitted by combustion processes and may react withmain atmospheric oxidants to form oxygenated (OPAH) and nitrated (NPAH) derivatives, which can be moretoxic than their parent PAHs. In this work, PAH derivatives were studied using the combination of twocomplementary approaches: laboratory reactivity experiments in controlled conditions and field studies, inorder to better understand their source and fate in the atmosphere. Reactivity study of PAHs adsorbed onnatural particles was carried out by exposing ambient particles to atmospheric oxidants (O3, OH and NO2/O3)in appropriate reactors. Large decays of PAH concentrations were observed, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, which isthe only regulated PAH in Europe), appearing as the most reactive. The formation of OPAHs and NPAHs wasshowed. Nevertheless, quantities of both NPAHs and OPAHs formed were not sufficient to explain the totalamount of PAHs that react, highlighting the formation of other compounds, not detected in this work. PAHdegradation may occur in the atmosphere during the transport of air masses or directly on the filter during thesampling. The study of the major degradation processes was performed during field studies, using two highvolume samplers, one being equipped with an ozone scrubber. Even if, results were not enough to clearlyconclude about the relative importance of both degradation processes, the significant formation of some PAHderivatives on the sampling filter was observed. Then, field campaigns were led on different typologies ofsampling sites around Paris. PAH, OPAH and NPAH concentrations were about ten times higher at traffic sitethan at the suburban one. Moreover, for both OPAHs and PAHs, the major compounds were similar at bothsites, in contrary to the case of NPAHs that appeared different. The traffic site appeared strongly influenced byprimary emissions, whereas high amounts of secondary species were quantified at suburban site. Particle sizedistribution of OPAHs and NPAHs showed their strong association to the finest part of aerosols (Dp < 2.5 μm),highlighting the strong interest of this study considering sanitary impacts. Finally, the study of the particle sizedistribution of primary and/or secondary identified compounds, combined with chemical NPAH and OPAHprofiles, allowed to provide indications about the major origin of PAH derivatives in the atmosphere.

La région Nord-Pas-de-Calais figure parmi les régions françaises les plus concernées par les dépassements de valeurs limites journalières de concentrations de PM₁₀ (50 µg m-³). Sur le littoral, le niveau de fond atmosphérique particulaire demeure parfois élevé, bien que relativement éloigné des sources principales de particules que sont le trafic routier et l'industrie. Alors que de nombreuses études ont été réalisées sur les émissions en milieu industrialo-portuaire, il ressort un manque de connaissances concernant l'impact des émissions issues du secteur maritime, qu'il s'agisse d'apports naturels (sels marins) ou anthropiques (trafic maritime). Dans ce travail, deux campagnes de mesures ont été menées : en 2013 au Cap Gris-Nez et au premier trimestre 2014, simultanément au Cap Gris-Nez et dans le port de Calais. La concentration en PM₁₀ a été suivie et la composition chimique (métaux, ions hydrosolubles, EC, OC, traceurs organiques) en a été déterminée. Sur le site du Cap Gris-Nez en 2013, l'évolution des niveaux de PM₁₀ est similaire à celle observée en région, reflétant la fluctuation du fond atmosphérique. Les espèces majoritairement sont NO₃-, OC, SO₄²-, CI-, Na⁺ et NH₄⁺ et représentent 69% de la masse de PM₁₀. La proportion de ces espèces varie selon la saison et les conditions météorologiques (température, vitesse et direction du vent). Les situations de fortes teneurs de PM₁₀ sont caractérisées par une plus grande proportion de nitrate d'ammonium. Les données recueillies sur le site de Calais ont permis de montrer que les émissions du trafic maritime ont pour effet d'augmenter le nombre de particules ultrafines dans l'atmosphère. Sous cette influence, les concentrations en NOx et SO₂ apparaissent plus élevées, ainsi que celles des espèces V, Ni et Co qui peuvent être proposées comme traceurs du trafic maritime. L'utilisation de la factorisation matricielle nous a permis d'identifier 10 sources de particules et d'en estimer les contributions. Ainsi, en moyenne en 2013 au Cap Gris-Nez, 41% des PM₁₀ sont issus des aérosols inorganiques secondaires, 37% des sels marins et 10% de la combustion de biomasse. Pour cette dernière, la contribution peut atteindre 17% en hiver. Enfin, le trafic maritime (5%) contribue davantage à la concentration de PM₁₀ que le trafic routier (2%). / The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is one of the most concerned areas in France by exceedance of the PM₁₀ mean daily limit value (50 µg m-³). The particulate atmospheric background level can also be high on the coastal zone, despite the absence of any urban and industrial sources at its vicinity. Numerous studies have been performed regarding those sources, but there is still a lack of knowledge about the impact of emissions resulting from the marine compartment, including natural emissions (sea salts) and anthropogenic emissions (maritime traffic). Two measurement campaigns have been achieved, in 2013 at Cape Gris-Nez and in the first trimester 2014, simultaneously at Cape Gris-Nez and in the harbour of Calais. Concentrations of PM₁₀ were recorded and chemical composition was determined (metals, water soluble ions, Ec, OC, organic tracers). In 2013, the evolutions of PM₁₀ levels at Cape Gris-Nez and in the region similar, reflecting the atmospheric background fluctuation. NO₃-, OC, SO₄²-, CI-, Na⁺ and NH₄⁺ were found as the major species and correspond to 69% of PM₁₀ mass. The proportion of these species evolves depending on the season and the meteorological conditions (temperature, wind speed and direction). High PM₁₀ concentration situations are characterized by high proportion of ammonium nitrate. Data collected in Calais show that maritime traffic emissions increase the number of ultrafine particles in the atmosphere. Under this influence, NOx and SO₂ concentrations are higher, as those of V, Ni and Co, species that could be used as maritime traffic tracers. 10 sources were identified and apportioned by matrix factorization. In average, in 2013 at Cape Gris-Nez, 41% of PM₁₀ come from secondary inorganic aerosols, 37% from sea salts and 10% from biomass combustion. This last contribution can reach 17% in winter. Maritime traffic represents a higher contribution to PM₁₀ than road traffic, 5% against 2%.

Une technologie prometteuse pour répondre à la demande croissante en énergie renouvelable est la gazéification de biomasse lignocellulosique pour la production de biocarburants de deuxième génération. Ce procédé nécessite une alimentation en biomasse sous forme de poudre. Les problèmes de convoyage et de manipulation liés à la faible coulabilité de la biomasse broyée sont un verrou pour l’industrialisation des procédés BtL. La torréfaction comme procédé de prétraitement, en plus d'augmenter densité énergétique de la biomasse, peut influencer également les propriétés des particules obtenues après broyage, et en conséquence, l’écoulement des poudres. L'évaluation de l'écoulement des poudres de biomasse sous différentes conditions de consolidation est essentielle pour concevoir des technologies de manipulation et de convoyage efficaces.L'objectif de ce travail est d'évaluer l'effet des conditions de torréfaction et de broyage sur l’écoulement de poudres de biomasse. Une première partie consiste en une étude expérimentale dans laquelle la coulabilité d'échantillons torréfiés sous différentes intensités a été évaluée à l'aide d'un appareil de cisaillement annulaire. La coulabilité est corrélée à l'intensité de la torréfaction (mesurée par la perte de masse globale) pour deux essences différentes. La forme des particules semble être le paramètre qui influence de manière prédominante la coulabilité des poudres à l'état consolidé. La caractérisation de la coulabilité à l’état non consolidée a été effectuée à l'aide d'un tambour rotatif par l’analyse des avalanches des poudres. Des corrélations entre les caractéristiques des particules et la coulabilité sont ainsi établies. La modélisation de l'écoulement de la biomasse à l'aide de la Méthode des Éléments Discrets (DEM) constitue une deuxième partie de cette recherche. La taille submillimétrique des particules de biomasse, ainsi que leur faible densité, leur forme allongée et leur comportement cohésif sont des défis pour l’implémentation d’un modèle de réaliste d’écoulement particulaire en DEM. Un modèle DEM des particules de biomasse est mis en œuvre à l'aide d'une représentation simplifiée (assemblement de sphères) à gros grains de la forme des particules, ainsi que d'un modèle de force cohésif. Une procédure systématique de calibration des paramètres DEM permet d'obtenir un ensemble de paramètres ajustés. L'évolution expérimentale des contraintes de cisaillement d’une poudre dans un état consolidé peut alors être reproduite de façon réaliste. De même, le comportement d’avalanche des poudres dans un tambour tournant est également bien reproduit par les simulations, de façon qualitative et quantitative. Ces résultats mettent en évidence le potentiel des simulations DEM pour étudier l'effet des caractéristiques des particules, qui sont influencées par la torréfaction et les conditions de broyage, sur le comportement d'écoulement de la biomasse en poudre. / Gasification of lignocellulosic biomass for production of second-generation biofuels is a promising technology to meet renewable energy needs. However, feeding and handling problems related to the poor flowability of milled biomass considerably hinder the industrial implementation of Biomass-to-Liquid processes. Torrefaction as pretreatment step, in addition to improving energy density of biomass, also affects the properties of the milled particles (namely size and shape) that significantly influence flow behavior. The evaluation of biomass flow characteristics under different flow conditions is essential to design efficient and trouble-free handling solutions.The aim of this work is to assess the effect of the torrefaction and grinding conditions on the biomass flow behavior. A first part consists of an experimental study in which the flow properties of samples torrefied under different intensities were obtained using a ring shear tester. Flowability is correlated to the intensity of torrefaction, as measured by the global mass loss, for two different wood species. Particle shape seems to be the predominant parameter influencing flowability of powders in a consolidated state. Characterization of non-consolidated flowability through avalanching analysis using an in-house rotating drum was also conducted. Correlations between particle characteristics and flow behavior are thus established.The modelling of biomass flow using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) constitutes a second major part of this research. Challenging aspects of biomass particle modeling are their submillimetric size, low density, elongated shape and cohesive behavior. A material DEM model is implemented using a simplified (multisphere) upscaled representation of particle shape, along with a cohesive contact model. A systematic calibration procedure results in an optimal set of DEM parameters. The experimental shear stress evolution and yield locus can then be realistically reproduced. The avalanching behavior of the powders is also well captured by simulations, both qualitatively and quantitatively. These results highlight the potential of DEM simulations to investigate the effect of particle characteristics, which are driven by torrefaction and grinding conditions, on the flow behavior of powdered biomass.