Dear all,

I have 12mm Aluminium pellets (assumed to be spherical) with a particle density of 2700kg/m3 and bulk density of 1500kg/m3. The pellets are specified as being 5mm -12mm but I want to assume the worst case scenario, 12mm.

I am trying to design the system to convey these pellets in a lean phase a distance of 100m horizontal and 20m vertical. As I am not sure of the exact pipe run I have assumed a nominal number of 10 elbows.

Maximum flowrate of Aluminium pellets is to be 630kg/hr. Air should flow at 770m3/hr (as we want to use an exsisting blower that was not in operation for 4 years). Discharge air pressure is 140kpa absolute and the discharge temperature of the air is to be 89oC.

Selected internal diameter of the pipe is 77.9mm carbon steel.

My first concern is that the maximum size of the aluminium pellets is rather large, 12mm in size. What will the saltation velocity be of these particles? Is the above design sound? What else do I need to look for or consider from the practical point of view?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

Enej ■