Samenvatting

Pneumatic conveying is a transportation method for particulate materials commonly employed in industrial processes. Specifically, dilute phase pneumatic conveying, characterized by high gas velocities, low solid to air ratio, and low pressure drop, is utilized. In this report, three types of materials were pneumatically conveyed: lignin particles (fragile material), high fat cocoa powder (heat sensitive material), and rubber particles (highly elastic material). The experiments were done in three distinct setups based on pipe diameter and pipe orientation: 12 mm horizontal, 22 mm horizontal, and 22 mm vertical. Gas velocity and bend number were two other variables that were used in the experimental design – extremes were used: high velocity, low velocity, three bends, and nine bends. The breakage of lignin particles was measured with sieving. Then the PSD was determined with laser diffraction. Cocoa powder yield was measured by weighing. Then the PSD was determined with laser diffraction. Finally, the circularity, convexity, and elongation of rubber particles were determined before and after pneumatic conveying to determine whether there were changes in shape distribution. Particle imaging was used for this.