Evaluation of Scaleup Procedures Using “System” Approach for Pneumatic Conveying of Powders

Abstract

This article presents results from an ongoing research effort aimed towards developing a validated scaleup procedure for pressure drop for the dense-phase pneumatic conveying of powders. Two existing/popular forms of the “system” approach for scaling up of diameter were evaluated. The validity of the current technique for length scaleup using a “system” approach was also examined. The existing method showed good potential for dilute-phase flow, but resulted in appreciable under-predictions when predicting for dense-phase flow. The effect of bends on the accuracy of the method was also investigated. In this study, steady-state conveying data of four different powders conveyed in various pipes (diameter/lengths) were used for the purpose of scaleup investigations.