Measurement of velocity and concentration profiles of pneumatically conveyed particles in a square-shaped pipe using electrostatic sensor arrays

Abstract

Cross-sectional measurement of particle velocity and concentration in a pneumatic conveying pipe is desirable for the characterisation of particle flow dynamics and determination of particle mass flow rate. In this study, an inner-inserted electrostatic sensor array consisting of nine pairs of electrodes is implemented to measure the cross-sectional velocity and concentration profiling of particles over the whole cross section in a square-shaped pipe. Experimental tests were conducted on both vertical and horizontal pipe sections on a test rig under dilute conditions with different air velocities and particle mass flow rates. Test results show that the slope-shaped particle concentration profile changes to an arch-shaped one when the particles flow from a horizontal pipe to a vertical one. The particle velocity profile is arch-shaped in both vertical and horizontal pipes. A comparative study of cross-sectional mean particle velocity and concentration measured by the developed electrostatic sensor arrays is conducted.