Pressure drop and flow characteristics for the pneumatic transport of fine particles through curved and straight circular pipes

Abstract

The initial results of an investigation into the flow properties of a gaseous suspension of fine particles are reported. The objective of the work has been the acquisition of extensive experimental data, the analysis of which provides a better understanding of the pressure drop and flow characteristics of pneumatically transported solid particles. The versatility of the test rig is demonstrated by the diversity of the investigations performed during this study. Quantitative results were acquired for the flow of different-sized alumina particles flowing through vertical and horizontal pipes of different diameters, and around six bends of varying geometry. Dimensional analysis is profitably applied to the correlation of the experimental. data and the ensuing deductions examined critically. These conclusions were either substantiated or refuted by a visual appreciation of the nature of the flowing suspension. Investigations into bend erosion have explained the mechanism of the erosion process, and the data analysis has produced an equation which defines the mean wear rate as a function of the mean air velocity and the solids-to-air mixture ratio. This study has revealed the need for extensive study of topics not yet fully examined. Suggestions for further work are included at the end of Chapters 5, 6, ? and 8.