The pneumoimpulsive system for deposit repair on inner surfaces of pneumatic-transport pipelines

Abstract

Results of tests of the technology for preventing deposit formation through periodic pneumoimpulsive actions, which was developed at the Institute of Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Siberian Division, Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk), are presented. Based on an analysis of the causes of the appearance of solid formations on the inner surface of pipelines (d = 80 mm) of the system for the pneumatic transport of alumina on the electrolytic tanks of OAO RUSAL Sayanogorsk, the test object, modes of the pneumoimpulsive treatment, and methods that it uses to monitor effectiveness are established. On the basis of results of laboratory and full-scale investigations, the flowchart of the cleaning system, including 12 points of action from which the pneumatic treatment are performed with the use of the PG-1/100 portable compact pneumogenerator, is determined, and the level of the initial pressure of the compressed air (4–5 MPa) in them, which provides effective action without breakdowns in the process of the mainline production, is selected. Tests lasting over 2.5 months showed that the pneumatic treatment on the experimental part of the pneumatic pipeline allowed us to enhance the alumina feed capacity by 30% over the similar untreated part.