Bulk Storage and Recovery of Particulate Solids

Abstract

The bulk-storage section of any materials handling or processing system is frequently the most neglected part and yet it is vitally important that the storage system performs as intended, otherwise all downstream equipment, however sophisticated, will suffer from impaired performance or even be made useless. In ‘performing as intended’ the bulk-storage vessel should discharge on demand in an even and controlled manner at the desired flowrate. This can be achieved by gravity alone in some cases but often some form of discharge aid is required and knowledge of this requirement right from the outset of designing the handling system will avoid expensive and often difficult modifications to the plant after construction. This paper is intended to show how basic bulk-handling problems can be avoided and how trouble-free gravity-flow hoppers can be designed for many materials. The various methods of aiding the discharge of difficult bulk solids are discussed and their applications outlined. PM/0226