Dear Larz,

Metric units:

Corn

bulkdensity 721 kg/m3

Distance 805 m

Capacitty 72 tons/hr

Yes, pneumatic conveying of corn is possible.

However, for such a low rate over such a long distance this is most certainly not feasible.

have nice day

Teus ■

Dear Larz,

I meant financially not feasible.

Pneumatical conveying over such a long distance requires a considerable amount of energy.

There is a risk of damaging the corn. Velocities must be chosen and controlled very accurate as corn is rather friable.

A pneumatic system would comprise a storage bin, rotarylock, compressor, 809 m of pipeline with bends and supports, a receiving silo with filter installation.

Depending on the annual throughput another conveying method might be more economical.

Ranging ftom a bulk truck to a belt conveyor.

Success

Teus ■

Originally Posted by larz.tyler

I need help figuring out if I can pneumatically convey corn

-Density= 45 lb/ cu ft

-2640 ft horizontal, 0 vertical

-incoming rate of 2625 lb/min

-0 bends

Thanks,

Larz

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As my friend Teus has so elegantly mentioned you have a no win situation regarding corn kernel transport using a pnuematic blower system.

Why are you insisting on blowing corn a half mile exactly? Is your example a barge transfer to shore bins?

what is the end use of the corn grain?

Animal feed? brewing? energy production in a corn furnace? making ethanol using the flash fermentation rather than the conventional method of distillations.

The horizontal distance is too great simply from and energy use stand point and the fact the even using dilute phase conveying will plug it up.

A single tube Pneumatic Capsule Pipeline in a loop configuration or a single line system will work very well for the desired results and allow the return of other grains or finished milled grains in the opposite direction with minimal degradation of the grain.

what is the annual amount of grain to be handled ?

you need to tell my friend teus and myself more about this as far as tonnages and operating hours etc.

Please contact me at lzaharis@lightlink.com if you would like to learn more about the use of a PCP transport system for grain. ■

I need help figuring out if I can pneumatically convey corn

-Density= 45 lb/ cu ft

-2640 ft horizontal, 0 vertical

-incoming rate of 2625 lb/min

-0 bends

Thanks,

Larz

Dear Larz,

Pneumatic conveying of corn particles is possible if particle abrasion is not a concern. High velocities of dilute phase conveying will result in particle abrasion.

If this abrasion is not a concern, and you prefer the simplicity of pneumatic conveying over other mechanical conveying or transportation methods, and your studies show that pneumatic conveying is much more economical, a properly designed dilute phase conveying system can be designed and will work for your conveying distance and conveying rates. In this design the conveying velocity must be minimized by using stepped pipeline or relay stations.

Best regards,

Amrit Agarwal

Consulting Engineer

Pneumatic Conveying Consulting

Email: polypcc@aol.com

Ph and Fax: 304 346 5125 ■

Dear Larz,

I made a preliminary design calculation for you.

It gives an indication about the involved power and pipe sizes.

You are welcome

Teus

Attachments

corn conveying over 800 m horizontal (PDF)

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