Posted 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.