Pneumatic Conveying Of Metal Powders
In my pneumatic conveying design guide you will find data on iron powder and copper concentrate and various grades of alumina. Metal powders are little different from any other material that is pneumatically conveyed. If it is a fine powder with good air retention it is likely to be capable of low velocity dense phase conveying. Many metal powders are highly explosible and if so are likely to require an inert gas for conveying - a particular and common problem with companies that manufacture fireworks. Another problem is that many metal powders are abrasive, such as alumina and uranium and so measures have to be taken to cope with erosive wear. ■
Re: Prior Art/Fields Of Application Wrt Pneumatic Conveying Of …
Thank you Dr. Mills.
One project I was involved with employed nitrogen to convey magnesium metal powder - until I found out that magnesium metal powder producers favour the use of argon because nitrogen reacts with magnesium! Let's just say were were fortunate there was no ignition in the feedlines!
Besides the pyrotechnics industry and paint producers, are you aware of any other industries that employ the pneumatic transport of metal powders?
Prior arts and fields of application is what I'm specifically after.
Thanks for your valued input.
nb. from some initial research, I found if the metal particle is <95% pure, the abrasive quality is reduced. However, I take that comment with a pinch of salt until I've done the experiments to prove it. ■
Prior art/fields of application wrt pneumatic conveying of metal powder
I'm looking into issues pertaining to the pneumatic conveying of metal powders and seek sources of reference on literally every industry that employs metal particle flow.
For example, aluminium metal particles are added to paint. That much I know but in such systems, how is the aluminium powder stored, extracted from the silo and finally fed into the mixture. That I don't know.
Besides the aforementioned industry, what other sectors require the employment of pneumatic conveying of metal particles?
I'm curious to know if this specific sector has become an art form or if any complications remain. Is industry still seeking solutions (apart from the obvious, i.e. clogging of feed lines) and what do they seek?
Does anyone have access to research papers online in .pdf format? Please post the links if you do.
I intend to conduct some research on the flow of metal particles so naturally, the first thing one should do is review historical data on the subject. Since bulks solids have been studied and employed for around a century, it's difficult to know where to begin.
Thanks in advance for your patience and your assistance. ■