Dilute-phase conveying feeders

Feeders for dilute-phase conveying systems (a) venture feeder and (b) star feeder. 

For the general purpose of minimizing air flow, transport velocity, wear and power, the fluidized dense-phase mode of flow is preferred for long-distance applications. Efficient blow tank feeders, rotary-screw compressors, refrigerated dryers and stepped-diameter pipelines also are recommended. For products that are not suited to fluidized dense-phase, the possible modes of flow include dilute-phase (suspension flow) or bypass conveying (Wypych, 1995a). 

Rotary, star valve feeder used especially as solids feeders for dilute-phase pneumatic conveying to provide an air lock and to feed solids. Seal/wear depends on Ap and abrasiveness of powder. For pressure systems keep Ap <80 kPa for vacuum systems Ap <40 kPa. Provide an air vent to take the air loss away from the gravity flow of the solids and to control the filling of the star. 

Use a vibratory, screw or apron feeder to unload the particles onto the conveyor. Prefer dense phase to dilute phase pneumatic conveying (H). 

For proper operation of a dilute-phase, pneumatic conveying system the solids fed into the pipeline must be carefully controlled. Two common types of feeders are the venturi feeder and the rotary valve or star feeder, illustrated in Figure 3.31. The venturi feeder is only suitable for low-pressure systems. The rotary valve feeder, also known as star feeder as described previously in this chapter is widely used for feeding medium-pressure conveyors. This feeder is efficient and simple in principle, but requires careful design in order to minimize air leakage. Excessive air loss from feeders, wastes power, causes dust, and leads to system instability. Rotary feeders work well on free-flowing, nonabrasive powders and special types are available for more difficult materials. 

Pressure tanks can serve as feeders for pneumatic conveying in a batch or continuous operation. Pressure tanks can be used for both dilute and dense-phase conveying operations. 

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