A model for fluidized motion conveyor transporting fly ash

The performance characteristics of a 5.55 m length fluidized motion conveyor, transporting fly ash have been investigated in relation to the conveyor inclination. It is found that the haulage capacity of the conveyor at a particular operating air flow rate reduces with the decreased downward slope, whereas, the effect of operating air flow rate remains the same as reported earlier for 3.7 m conveyor length. No theoretical or empirical relation was found to predict the performance of the fluidized motion conveyors. Therefore, empirical model applicable to the design of air gravity conveyors for optimum yield was employed to predict the material mass flux, but the attempt was not successful. A novel model by incorporating additional parameters to the empirical relation pertinent to air gravity conveyor has been proposed to predict the performance of the fluidized motion conveyor. The prediction due to the improved model has shown a good agreement with the observed material mass flux. The proposed model also facilitates to determine a critical upward angle beyond which conveyor stops delivering material.