Long distance conveying has been discussed in great details a few times before on this forum. Longest pneumatic conveying system that I know off is 3 km which is currently running without an intermediate station on a non abrasive material.

In my opinion the power consumption is the major drawback for using pneumatic conveying as mechanical conveying will use a quarter of the power to do the same job. Get a feasibility study done then decide. ■

Dear optima,

A quick calculation gives an indication of the magnitude of your intended project.

Flyash (30 micron)

Horizontal length 2000 m

Vertical length 30 m

Number of bends 10

compressor 2.08 m3/sec

Power 510 kW

Pipeline size; two stepped from 16” to 18”

2-vessel system: 25 m3 tanks

Capacity 100 tons/hr at 2.5 bar(o)

Energy consumption approx. 5 kWh/ton

A pneumatic conveying system as long as this project, requires a thourough design in relation to stability. (A blockage is a real problem)

Especially the change over between vessels is crucial.

Note: This calculation is just an indication, NOT a design.

NB: 90 tons/hr can be moved with 3 bulktrucks

Best regards

Teus ■

When on assignment in Germany in 1989 I was introduced to the Tuboflow long distance bypass sytem, did the homework on paper & became a distant admirer of the system without ever putting one into practice.

In 2005, while working in Den Haag, I read the Lummus handbook on pneumatic conveying which condemned the bypass system in no uncertain terms. It was banned as a result of their practical encounters; which just goes to show the value of operational feedback.

The previous replies covered that nicely.

It would be well to consider the headroom under the ESP's in deciding whether a pipe conveyor or truck loading spout would be more suitable for your application. ■

You may want to consider taking to Clyde Bergemann, as this is a standard project for them ■

The unique design of the LamiFlo system means that Flyash can be conveyed at minimum cost and minimum maintenance.

We can handle 90 tonnes per hour, however we may need to be 2/3 breaks in the system to transport the full distance. All this means is a hopper.

I will submit the energy consumption data.

www.lfpumping.com ■

Originally Posted by Mantoo

Long distance conveying has been discussed in great details a few times before on this forum. Longest pneumatic conveying system that I know off is 3 km which is currently running without an intermediate station on a non abrasive material.

In my opinion the power consumption is the major drawback for using pneumatic conveying as mechanical conveying will use a quarter of the power to do the same job. Get a feasibility study done then decide.

Dear Mr Mantoo

Would you specify the location and plant you seen this system (long distance fly ash conveying )

If it is single stage , then how the user is addressing the problem of potential choking

Thanks ■

This thread is quite ancient and may be too old for reviving. There might be an academic interest in the comparison, so I offer the following:

A 2 km fly ash system can be accomplished with a conventionally designed belt type pipe conveyor, if the route allows for modest bends in the range of 60 m radii. It can be powered with about 100 kW or 20% of a pneumatic system. It can take a wet and dry product. I have assume the bulk density is on the order of 650 kg/cm. The belt width would be about 600 mm and operate at 2.5 m/s. This allows a fabric belt with a working strength of about EP-800 N/mm and a idler spacing of 2.5 m. ■

For these distances belt conveyors always have the edge on pneumatic conveyors on power consumption. But due to the

very fine particle size and aeration properties of flyash in my opinion roll back will be a major problem to overcome. Once aerated flyash runs like water and it dose not easily get deaerated also. Since I am not an expert to comment on them it will be good to know it there are any of tubler belt conveyor systems working successfully on flyash. ■

Originally Posted by nordell

This thread is quite ancient and may be too old for reviving. There might be an academic interest in the comparison, so I offer the following:

A 2 km fly ash system can be accomplished with a conventionally designed belt type pipe conveyor, if the route allows for modest bends in the range of 60 m radii. It can be powered with about 100 kW or 20% of a pneumatic system. It can take a wet and dry product. I have assume the bulk density is on the order of 650 kg/cm. The belt width would be about 600 mm and operate at 2.5 m/s. This allows a fabric belt with a working strength of about EP-800 N/mm and a idler spacing of 2.5 m.

Kind attn:- louispanjang

Dear sir

Thanks for your generosity and showing your interest .

1) One possible threat i anticipate is , when pipe conveyor takes a transition zone both at pickup and terminal point , there is every possibility fly as lighter in weight will blow and spread in atmosphere due to wind pressure. If so , what is the arrangement you have proposed to adress this issue ?

2) Secondly and most importantly , you said

. Now if i understand correctly , at the bend you have proposed to convey the material in pneumatic conveying , thereby feeding further to belt conveyor . What will be the arrangement to integrate the short pneumatic conveying system with bellt conveyor

3) What is the conveyor has to take sharp turn due to layout ?

thanks in anticipation ■