The importance of storage, transfer, and collection

Abstract

Handling bulk solid materials is one of the least understood and, at the same time, one of the most important areas associated with solids processing plants. A study by Merrow showed that two of the most common types of problems encountered in solids processing plants were difficulty in transporting solids and in handling fines. Although this is an area primarily ignored by mainstream chemical engineers, a small group of researchers is starting to make inroads in understanding how to design solids transport systems. Progress in this area occurs in small evolutionary steps instead of large revolutionary leaps. The various sections below on hopper design and flow, pneumatic transport, standpipes, and solids separation provide an overall introduction to the area for the uninitiated. It is hoped that the information presented here will increase the level of awareness of the importance of these areas, as well as decrease the level of ignorance about solids handling.