An experimental study of particle characterization and fluid-particle interaction in two-phase gas-solid transport: A hybrid study of dilute phase gas-solid transport in horizontal pipe. (Volumes I and II)

This work summarizes experimental studies of dilute-phase horizontal gas-solid transport of food grains in 4-inch i.d. pipe. It outlines the design and experimental development of a small industry/laboratory pneumatic conveying system to: (1) Establish conveying parameters for bulk materials (2) present information on the nature of two-phase dilute gas-solid flow for modelling and designing an optimum solid transfer system for classical academic researchers, and practicing engineers.; Sufficient and necessary basic data was collected on (1) air-solid velocity measurements around bends and in straight pipe based on multi-position pitot tube measurements at cross-sections of the conveying line. (2) photographic observations of particle dynamics, and (3) particle characterization applied to gas-solid horizontal transport for future theoretical modeling.; A method of measuring particle size and shape is detailed and used to study the performance of particles and their close relationship to the general transport process in two-phase horizontal gas-solid transport.; Solid flow characteristics were sensitive to experimental conditions and affected by the Fourier particle diameter, density, and mass flow ratio of air and grain particles. The velocity profile of air in the pipe was asymmetric with respect to the pipe axis and affected by adding particles.; The lowest limit of velocity in dilute-phase gas-solid horizontal transport was found. The Fourier equivalent radius R{dollar}sb{lcub}rm O{rcub}{dollar} in combination with the saltation velocity correlation of Zenz distinguished between materials more easily transported for safe conveying. All materials exhibited unsteady flow rather than the fully suspended flow. Unsteady flow was not observed as often in common rice varieties with aerodynamic shapes as it was in beans, sweet brown rice, and tapioca. The experimental actual air and/or air-solid mixture velocity approximated Zenz's saltation and Siegler's critical velocities, taking into account Fourier equivalent size in calculating Drag coefficients by the Pettyjohn and Christiansen method.