MODELING OF AIR-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTIONS IN MASS-FLOW BINS

The work in this paper develops a theoretical model for predicting the interstitial air pressure distribution for bulk solids flowing in a conical mass flow bin. The theoretical model is based on continuum mechanics theory. The boundary conditions are consistent with air pressure and bulk density continuity in the vertical direction. Close agreement between theoretical and experimental air pressure distribution is obtained. Both the theoretical model and experimental results indicate that the magnitude of air pressure increases with increasing the hopper outlet size, the surcharge level and/or decreasing the powder permeability.