| Abstract: | Dilute, ‘dense phase 1’, and possibly a third regime-‘dense phase 2’, were observed in a vertical 0.02 m diameter pneumatic conveyor using 210 μm sand particles. The transitions were marked by the alterations in the trend of the measured average solids hold-up while varying the solids mass flowrate at constant air velocity. Hydrodynamic characteristics together with the transition criteria for the various transport modes were established. A novel regime diagram based on average gas velocities and solids mass flowrates was developed to identify the operating conditions for these regimes, as well as the limiting solids carrying capacities of the present conveyor. A probable cause of the dilute to dense phase transition is speculated upon. |
