Analysis of Gas-Solids Feeding and Slug Formation in Low-Velocity Pneumatic Conveying

Gas and solids feeding is a key operation in pneumatic conveying of particulate materials. This article presents an analysis of the interfacing effects between a nozzle gas supplier, a rotary valve solids feeder with dropout box, and the pipeline of a pneumatic conveying test rig for low-velocity dense-phase flow. Experiments were carried out to examine the flow pattern of slugs in different combinations of gas flow conditions and solids loading ratios. The effect of gas and solids feeding on the formation of slugs is analyzed by using both experimental data and computer-modeled results. Solids accumulation and sliding motion at the bottom of the dropout box and near the entrance of the downstream pipe, which happen prior to the bulk motion in the form of a slug, are found important in determining the size of a slug. Gas retention and pressure buildup characteristics in the feed section are also found crucial in influencing the flow patterns of slugs.