Optimization and analysis of the inflow distribution influence on the middle discharge blow tank pneumatic conveying characteristics

The influence of different inflow gas distribution modes on the pneumatic conveying characteristics of the middle discharge blow tank was studied using an in-house pneumatic conveying experimental setup. The flow rates of pressurized gas, supplementary gas, and fluidized gas were varied in this study. The gas distribution mode was then optimized to improve the energy efficiency of the blow tank of a pneumatic conveying system. The results show that the particle mass flow rate, the solid-to-gas ratio, and the pressure drop increase first and then decrease with the pressurized gas and fluidized gas valves opening. In the case of supplementary gas, the particle mass flow rate and solid-to-gas ratio increase first and then decrease. However, an opposite trend is observed for the pressure drop, which decreases first and then increases. The results highlighted that the optimized gas distribution mode increases the mass flow rate of particles and the solid-to-gas ratio by 28.48% and 15.15%, respectively. The pressure drop of the blow tank has also increased slightly, by 0.88%. Therefore, the delivery capacity and efficiency of the middle discharge blow tank are greatly improved at the cost of a slight increase in energy consumption.