Transient parameter analysis of fluidized dense phase conveying

Abstract

Fluidized dense phase pneumatic conveying is a common mode of flow for conveying fine particles. Experimental and theoretical investigations conducted for this work suggest that the flow mechanism involved in this type of conveying is highly transient or pulsatile rather than in steady state. Assumption of steady state flow behavior by several researchers has resulted into lower accuracy in predicting the conveying parameters. Pressure fluctuating signals of the gas pulses from the pressure transmitters shows the transient nature of the flow. These are characterized by pulse parameters, in particular, the pulse amplitude and the pulse frequency. These transient parameter variations along the length of pipeline have been investigated and are presented in this paper. Analysis shows that these transient parameters are influenced by pneumatic conveying parameters like the air mass flow rate, solids mass flow rate and pressure drop and non-dimensional parameters relating to power consumption