How to manage impact forces in your dense-phase pneumatic conveying system
Low-velocity plug flow is a method of dense-phase pneumatic conveying that handles granules or pellets of fairly uniform shape and size. System throughput over 50,000 lb/h and conveying distances over 1,000 feet are becoming more common for this conveying method. And when equipped with high-pressure rotary valves, a plug-flow system can operate continuously without using a pressure vessel.
But the plug-flow method has an unavoidable side effect: the impact forces produced by the plugs. This article explains how you can manage the effects of these forces so they don't cause system components to fail or impair your system's reliability. After covering some pneumatic conveying basics, the article discusses the problem of impact forces, common mistakes that can increase impact force effects, and how to minimize the effects in your conveying system.