{"id":3460,"date":"2019-11-04T21:46:03","date_gmt":"2019-11-04T21:46:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imegcorp.com\/?p=3460"},"modified":"2024-08-29T12:30:02","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T17:30:02","slug":"spouts-chutes-and-transitions-gravity-flow-design-is-critical-for-many-dry-bulk-processing-facilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imegcorp.com\/insights\/blog\/spouts-chutes-and-transitions-gravity-flow-design-is-critical-for-many-dry-bulk-processing-facilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Spouts, chutes, and transitions: Gravity flow design is critical for efficient operation of many dry bulk processing facilities"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Jeremy Cychosz<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many commodities do not lend themselves to transfer by pumps or blowers<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>For these types of dry bulk solids, gravity flow is the primary method of material transfer. Facilities that process or handle these materials have special design parameters<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The flow characteristics of a commodity (e.g., flour doesn\u2019t flow in the same manner as soybeans) is a major design parameter to consider. The key property in bulk solids design is the angle of repose, or the slope that a stable pile of the material makes relative to a horizontal plane. Another design parameter to consider is the flow rate of the commodity. Moving 10,000 bushels per hour of wheat requires\u00a0<\/span>a\u00a0<\/span>much larger facilit<\/span>y<\/span>\u00a0than moving it at 1,000 bushels per hour. Other material properties and characteristics, such as moisture content, abrasiveness, and bulk density, are elements that are considered in a gravity flow design. Special coatings or processes that have changed the commodity\u2019s flow characteristics also need to be considered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Facilities that rely on gravity flow to move their commodity will employ a network of spouts, chutes<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and transitions. Spouts and chutes typically have a circular or square cross section<\/span>;<\/span>\u00a0are constructed of steel or perhaps aluminum<\/span>;<\/span>\u00a0are joined by flanges, clamps, couplings, or welds; and can be lined with materials to resist abrasive wear or improve the flow of the commodity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n