A Review of Techniques for the Investigation of Particle Degradation in Pneumatic Conveying Systems

The transport of bulk particulate materials by air through pipelines, is a common method of handling such materials in industry. However, particle degradation during transport may be considerable and is undesirable in most circumstances. The problem of degradation in pneumatic conveying is very complicated and the process is affected by many variables. This paper includes a review and comparison of the work of previous authors in this field, much of the reported work being based on experimental work carried out on bench size and industrial equipment. Areas in which further work may be undertaken are also discussed. A description of an experimental degradation rig, under construction at the Wolfson Centre, where material is conveyed around one bend, with certain critical variables regulated is also presented. This experimental rig has the advantage that a small quantity of material can be tested, eliminating sampling problems and financial expense. This technique establishes an approach by which it is hoped that the extent of such degradation occurring in pneumatic conveying systems may be predicted with greater accuracy than is possible at the present time.