Solids deposition in low-velocity slug flow pneumatic conveying

Solids deposition in the horizontal pipeline of a pneumatic conveying system was studied both mathematically and experimentally. Mathematically modelled results using the coupled discrete element method (DEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach have demonstrated an intensive exchange of particles between the stationary layer (deposited particles) and the moving slug and a variation of solids concentration and pressure and velocity distributions across the slug. Slug flows were also visualised experimentally through a glass section and analysed by a high-speed video camera. The amount of particle deposition in the pipeline after a conveying was calculated by controlling the solids feeding rate using a rotary valve and by monitoring the solids flow out of the system using dynamic load cells. Experimentally generated data have quantitatively shown a tendency of more solids deposition with lower gas mass flow rate in slug flows except that, below a certain amount of solids mass flow rate, the deposition becomes independent of gas flow rate.