Measurement of mass flow rate of particulate solids in gravity chute conveyor based on laser sensing array

This paper describes the design, computer simulation and experimental evaluation of a novel measurement system that has been recently developed for the measurement of mass flow rate of particles in a gravity chute convey pipeline. Comprehensive computer simulation and numerical calculations show that the proposed method with laser-sensing array is theoretically correct and the programmed algorithm is effective. This method has been characterized by dynamic testing, real time and continuous measurements. The results of simulation and experiment have demonstrated that the multi-laser source fan-shaped geometry can be an effective approach to interrogate the mass flow rate of particles over the pipe cross-section. The mass flow rate of particles derived from extinction principle has shown a good agreement with the projection sum of light beams and the real mass flow rate. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.