Solid Transport: Hydraulic and Pneumatic Conveying Methods

Introduction:

Over the past century, the transport of solids via hydraulic and pneumatic conveying systems has seen significant advancements. In industries handling large quantities of particulate materials—such as catalysts, polymer beads, china clay, pigments, paints, and food—these systems have become the preferred choice for transportation.

In the chemical industry alone, particle-based products account for over 30% of production capacity. Efficient handling of these particles is crucial, yet often inefficient from an engineering perspective. Improving these systems can lead to substantial cost savings across various sectors.

The complex interaction between solid particles and conveying mediums presents challenges in designing hydraulic and pneumatic conveying systems. Whether opting for positive pressure or portable pneumatic systems, factors such as fuel preparation, pumping or compressing, pipeline transport, and post-processing must be considered.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of hydraulic and pneumatic conveying systems, covering materials, equipment, design, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It aims to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of these systems, optimizing both hydraulic and pneumatic transport methods.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this Hydraulic and Pneumatic Conveying Systems course, participants will be able to:

• Understand various hydraulic and pneumatic conveying systems, their advantages, disadvantages, and fundamental definitions.
• Design hydraulic and pneumatic conveying systems according to global standards and codes, with a focus on pneumatic systems.
• Select and size components, such as pneumatic host pipes, for specific applications.
• Evaluate and enhance the reliability of conveying systems.
• Implement maintenance and control measures to address issues such as corrosion, erosion, abrasion, and wear.

Training Methodology:

• Facilitation Of Workshops
• Performing Case Studies
• Use of Simulations
• Group Discussions
• Experimental Work
• Expert Panels
• Interactive Sessions
• Field Tours
• Problem Solving

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Main Characteristics of Systems for Transport of Solids

• Overview of hydraulic transport of solids, including key features, elements, and pneumatic conveying definitions.
• Physicochemical basis of steady-state flow in pipelines; velocity and pressure drop in liquid-solid mixtures.
• Classification of pneumatic conveying systems and fundamentals of standard slurry pumping.
• Functions of non-integrated slurry and solid particle preparation units.
• Critical elements of hydraulic transport systems.

Unit 2: Pipeline Design Considerations

• Selection of pipe material and diameter based on maximum fluid velocity for pneumatic systems.
• Analysis of pressure losses within pipelines.
• Selection and sizing of positive displacement pumps for hydraulic conveying systems.
• Handling difficult slurries and post-treatment of transported material.

Unit 3: Practical Aspects of System Safe Operation

• Environmental limitations on system design.
• Guidelines for pipeline installation, maintenance, and failure prevention.
• Inspection, control, and performance testing of hydraulic systems.
• Addressing issues related to system startup and shutdown.
• Measures to reduce pipeline vibrations.
• Economic analysis of capital expenditures and operating costs.

Unit 4: Characteristics of Different Types of Pneumatic Conveying Systems

• Compact self-contained pneumatic conveying units for low bulk materials.
• Basic theory of gas movement in channels and pneumatic system design.
• Blower dimensions and blowing piping arrangements.
• General principles of material preparation machines.
• Pipe materials and schematic design for pneumatic transport.

Unit 5: Survey of Equipment and Methods for After Treatment of Transported Material

• Process of separating remaining material from gas during delivery.
• Post-installation inspection and check-up.
• Detailed information on loading and unloading systems and pneumatic conveyance initiation.
• Analysis of pneumatic conveying challenges and performance.
• Monitoring and enhancing the performance of existing systems.