Pneumatic conveying has an intrinsic advantage over other conveying methods when it comes to separating solid particles based on density differences. This is economically viable when maintenance cost of potential damages to downstream machinery e.g. hammer mills, pelletizers, etc. is considered.
Discrete Element Method (DEM) coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) provides a powerful insight into problems where solid particles interact with fluid phase, an essential tool for designing pneumatic conveying devices. The code tracks solid particles using Lagrangian method and uses drag coefficient for different particles to calculate velocities. elasticity of particle-particle and particle-wall collisions is considered for solid-solid interactions.
Utilizing this technology Baum Pneumatics aims at designing more effective Rock/Sand Traps. In the above short video wood particles (Rho= 400 g/cm3) are injected in air flow of 7680 CFM along with higher density particles (1600-2600 g/cm3). Rock Trap is designed with an optimized washout for lower density wood particles.