Aluminum Powder Conveying

[Chip Fuller]

Posted by Chip Fuller on June 25, 1999 at 07:02:32:

We are looking for some support with our dense-phase pneumatic conveying system at our plant. We are pneumatically conveying aluminum powder at rate of 400 lbs. per cycle with a desired rate of 4800 lbs. per hour. We convey this powder into two hoppers for a total of 40,000-lbs. batch.

The powder is transferred out of silos into a 5 cubic foot pressure pot. The powder is then conveyed through a 2” pipe approximately 177 feet in length with 94 feet horizontal and 83 feet vertical. The piping has 6 each 90-degree elbows that have a 24” bend radius and 2 each 45-degree elbows. This powder is conveyed under 95-97% nitrogen with a pressure setting of 60 psi. We have 12 Dynamic Air Dyna-Chek 3 boosters distributed through out the pipeline to assist in conveying.

The problem with our system is that the powder will plug in our piping about 20%of the time. This causes the production line to shut down. We are looking for a consultant to come to our plant to trouble shoot our pneumatic convey system. We also want to know if pneumatic conveying of aluminum powder is a problem in the powder industry.

[Audrey Buth]

Posted by Audrey Buth on September 28, 2000 at 08:30:44:

In Reply to: Aluminum Powder Conveying posted by Chip Fuller on June 25, 1999 at 07:02:32:

I don't know if you have fixed your problem by know, but I was just assigned to a similar project and I was wondering if we could share information. I have already talked to a few other companies that convey aluminum powder (Dense Phase) and do not have plugging problems.

[Peter Vierboom]

Posted by Peter Vierboom on August 09, 1999 at 17:50:29:

In Reply to: Aluminum Powder Conveying posted by Chip Fuller on June 25, 1999 at 07:02:32:

Chip,

This reply may be a little late (noting the date of posting - this is the first time I have visited this site). That said, this sounds like an interesting problem. Would need a little more information on the design of the conveying vessel to be of any help and could definitly supply you with a strategy that will avoid blockages. If you are still looking for an answer please contact me at the above e-mail address.