Choosing the right storage vessel for your
continuous operation
A storage vessel that functions adequately in a batch
operation may not work well in a continuous operation,
particularly when handling materials that exhibit
time-dependent properties or tend to segregate. This article describes material flow patterns and potential discharge problems with common vessel designs, then explains how to select a vessel design for handling a difficult material in a continuous operation.
Unlike process equipment, which most bulk solids
handlers think of as adding value to their final product, storage vessels are seldom considered value-adding equipment. Yet if a storage vessel is poorly designed for your operation, it can have discharge problems that ultimately reduce your product’s value. Investing time in understanding how various vessel designs will work with your material’s properties when you switch from batch to continuous operation can ensure that the vessel you choose won’t rob value from your final product.