Abstract
Abstract
An investigation of flow problems and solutions, associated with bulk solids discharging from conical-bottom cylindrical storage containers, is presented in this paper. The feasibility and efficiency of bulk solids discharging from these containers are directly associated with the flow pattern of the solids. The influence of a new vessel design on the flow pattern and the discharge rate of solids was examined. Glass beads of fixed particle size distribution and density were used to conduct the study. Retrofitting techniques that are commonly used to improve the flow pattern characteristics in silos were reviewed. Two techniques, utilization of inserts and hopper in hopper were investigated, and the results from the first technique are discussed. This technique is based on the usage of a double pyramid-shaped insert to manipulate the flow pattern of discharging solids. Both dry and wet tests were conducted under a wide range of low to moderate pressures. The results from both dry and wet tests showed that the pyramid insert was able to significantly change the flow pattern from the undesired funnel flow to the most desired mass flow and also increase the rate of discharge.
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