Parameter Sensitivity Analysis on Pressure Drop of Gas-Solid Flow for Absorber Sphere Pneumatic Conveying

The pressure drop of gas-solid flow for absorber sphere pneumatic conveying is important for the design and operation of the gas circulator. The simplified one-dimension model is introduced to predict the pressure drop of gas-solid flow for absorber sphere pneumatic conveying. The pressure drop of gas-solid flow in the vertical pipe is the main component part of the total gas-solid flow for absorber sphere conveying. The pressure drop of gas-solid flow for absorber sphere conveying in the vertical pipe with the inside diameter 47 mm and conveying height 23 m is predicted by the simplified model. The superficial gas velocity considered is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 times of the terminal velocity of a single particle. The solid mass flow rate considered is in the range of 0.2 to 1.2 kg/s. Particle velocity, solid friction factor and solid mass flow rate are important parameters to predict pressure drop of vertical pipe. The typical empirical correlations of particle velocity and solid friction factor reported in the literature are adopted to predict the pressure drop of vertical pipe. The superficial gas velocity for absorber sphere conveying is suggested to be two times of the terminal velocity of a single particle. For the suggested superficial gas velocity, the predicted pressure drop of vertical pipe by using empirical correlations is in the range of 15 to 20 kPa and 31 to 50 kPa for solid mass flow rate at 0.2 kg/s and 1.2 kg/s, respectively. For the suggested superficial gas velocity, the relatively conservative predicted pressure drop of vertical pipe is in the range of 20 to 78 kPa for solid mass flow rate in the range of 0.2 to 1.2 kg/s. Further work is needed to verify the pressure drop model and to modify the key parameters for absorber sphere conveying in helium. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.