Wall pressure issues in the aeration of bulk material silos

Operators of bulk material silos frequently face various flow defects. These include defects in flow continuity, vaults, stick rings, and dead zones in the bulk material. The application of aeration systems in bulk material silos is an effective method used in order to eliminate the above defects. This paper presents a study of the effect of an aeration system on wall pressures σW of bulk material in a silo during a targeted bulk material aeration and relaxation process, and analyses the results in light of the calculation standards for designing bulk material silos, namely ČSN 73 5570 a DIN 1055.

Graphical AbstractPictogram: Experimental set-up 1 – Top experimental silo with tensometric sensors 2 – Bottom retention tanker 3 – Flexible screw conveyor The experimental device comprises a closed circulation plant composed of a top experimental silo and a bottom retention tank, with a flexible screw conveyer circulating the material between the silo and the tank. To detect wall pressures the silo was fitted with three movable panels turned at 120° carrying tensometric sensors, replacing part of the experimental silo casing. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide