The erosion of pipe bends in pneumatic conveying systems

The main objective of this work is to determine the various fundamental parameters involved in the erosive wear process in 90 pipe bends, by a stream of pneumatically conveyed suspensions of solid particles. From appropriate analysis of the test data, a basis of correlation in terms of the respective parameters has been established, from which the like­lihood of erosion can be predicted. In order to extend the potential range of variables involved in the mechanics of the erosion process, and to present results of practical value to industry, two full scale pneumatic conveying test rigs were ultilised. A low pressure test rig enabled detailed tests to be carried out in the dilute phase range, whilst a high pressure test rig allowed tests well into the medium phase range. The potential range of variables investigated in this work was planned within the limits of each test rig. The main variables investigated were: the inter-relating effect of particle size on phase density, particle hardness, bend to pipe diameter ratio, effect of phase density above a value of 8, and the corresponding inter-relating effects of velocity and bend radius. In all cases, the specific effect of each variable was analysed in terms of the two primary erosion descriptors, viz mass eroded and depth of penetration. The overall magnitude of these individual variables was separately evaluated on the basis of bend performance, i.e. in terms of conveying capacity and service life of the bends, from which the potential influence of each variable, based on actual test conditions, could be assessed and compared. Whilst the premature failure of some of the bends tested was a recurring feature throughout this work, a more significant feature, which hitherto has not been reported elsewhere, is the phenomenon of rapid failure of replacement bends. A number of potential factors have been identified. In addition, the effect of particle degradation has been briefly considered, and a number of definitive trends with regard to all the variables investi­gated in this work, have been established.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Thames Polytechnic

Year dc:date.issued

1981

Author dc:creator

• Tong, Kap Ngam

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Mills, D.
• Mason, J. S.

• TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery

Language dc:language

en