Effects of the properties of bulk solids on the relative performance of polyethylene and stainless steel wall lining materials in mass flow hoppers and other applications

Abstract

Reducing the friction between the walls of storage vessels and the bulk solids that they contain is widely known to be beneficial in obtaining more satisfactory flow patterns in such vessels, and to reduce flow problems. In particular, the advantages of low friction in promoting a mass flow discharge pattern are well understood; means of obtaining data to design a hopper for mass flow are also well established. In recent years a number of polyethylene materials have come on to the market, intended for use in lining silos and claimed by their manufacturers to offer low wall friction in comparison with other materials. In this paper, one particular commercial grade of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material has been tested alongside a commonly used type and finish of ferritic stainless steel. The wall friction has been measured for both materials, with a variety of bulk solid materials and conditions, and the hopper half-angles needed for mass flow computed for each combination. The results show that the UHMWPE material does not always offer a lower friction than the stainless steel; in some cases it offers much lower friction and hence much greater scope for obtaining mass flow discharge. However, in other cases it gives significantly higher friction and is a bad choice for promoting flow. The principal conclusion is that, under certain circumstances, UHMWPE offers substantial advantages over other wall materials. However, this advantage is by no means universal and, if it is to be considered for employment in a hopper design, then a wall friction test should be undertaken. This test should use a sample of the bulk solid to be handled against both the UHMWPE material and other possible materials.