Augmenting bulk material flow through acoustic cleaning
Acoustic cleaning technology is a viable, economical cleaning assist for air pollution control and bulk handling equipment. Cleaning is accomplished with a pneumatic acoustic horn that generates sound waves of a specific intensity and frequency; the intensity of the sound waves breaks the bonds of particulate matter adhering to surrounding surfaces. This article discusses the basic concepts of acoustic energy and their relationship to acoustic cleaning technology. Mini case studies are provided for several applications where acoustic cleaning has been successfully applied.
In recent years, acoustic cleaning technology has come into its own as a method for augmenting bulk material flow. This wasn't always the case. In the early 195Os, the air pollution control industry began using acoustic cleaning technology, most notably in carbon black applications. However, success with this particularly difficult application was limited, and until the late '70s very little progress was made in using acoustic cleaning in air pollution control systems.