Particle degradation in pneumatic conveyors: Use of data from a pilot-sized test facility to predict degradation in an industrial conveyor

• Published in: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part E, Journal of process mechanical engineering Vol. 216; no. 2; pp. 65 - 71
• Main Authors: Bridle, I, Woodhead, S R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2002; Mechanical Engineering Publications; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biometrics, statistics, experimental designs, modeling, agricultural computer applications; Continuous conveyors: mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Generalities. Biometrics, experimentation. Remote sensing; Material handling, hoisting. Storage. Packaging; particle degradation; pneumatic conveying; scaling; particle impacts; Scaling law; Food industry; Pneumatic conveyance; Experimental study; Particle collision; Damaging; Rice
• ISSN: 0954-4089; 2041-3009
• DOI: 10.1243/095440802760075779

Abstract Degradation of bulk solid product during pneumatic conveying is of concern in a range of process industries. However, prediction of product degradation levels at the conveyor design stage has proved challenging. This paper presents a proposed prediction technique, based on the use of a pilot-sized test facility to provide relevant empirical data. The results of experiments undertaken using malted barley, basmati rice, and granulated sugar are reported. For each bulk solid material, a wide range of conveying conditions have been examined, consistent with common industrial practice. Correlations between predictions and experimental data obtained in an industrial-scale conveyor are presented and discussed.