Glossary of Pneumatic Conveying Terms

Abrasion: The wearing away of pipeline or component surfaces due to the impact or friction of conveyed particles.
Abrasive wear: The erosion or degradation of equipment surfaces caused by abrasive materials during pneumatic conveying.
Agglomeration: The clustering or clumping of particles into larger aggregates, often due to moisture, electrostatic forces, or cohesive properties.
Air classifier: A device that separates particles based on size, shape, or density using air flow, often integrated into pneumatic conveying systems.
Air compressor: A machine that generates compressed air to provide the motive force for pneumatic conveying systems.
Air dryer: A device that removes moisture from compressed air to prevent material clumping or equipment corrosion in pneumatic conveying.
Air entrainment: The process by which air is mixed with bulk material to facilitate its movement through the conveying pipeline.
Air filtration: The process of removing dust or particulate matter from the air stream in a pneumatic conveying system to prevent environmental contamination.
Air intake: The point where air enters the pneumatic conveying system, often equipped with filters to ensure clean air supply.
Air mover: A device, such as a blower or compressor, that generates the air flow needed to transport materials in a pneumatic conveying system.
Air slide: A device that uses a porous membrane and low-pressure air to fluidize and convey fine powders along an inclined surface.
Air velocity: The speed at which air moves through the pipeline, critical for maintaining material transport in pneumatic conveying.
Air velocity profile: The variation of air speed across the cross-section of a pipeline, affecting material transport efficiency.
Air-to-cloth ratio: The ratio of air flow to the surface area of filter media in a dust collector, influencing filtration efficiency.
Air-to-material ratio: The proportion of air to material in the conveying line, which determines whether the system operates in dilute or dense phase.
Airlock: A device, such as a rotary valve, that prevents air leakage while allowing material to enter or exit the conveying system.
Airlock feeder: A feeding mechanism that uses an airlock to introduce material into the conveying line while maintaining system pressure.
Airlock seal: A sealing mechanism in an airlock to prevent air leakage and maintain pressure or vacuum in the system.
Airlock valve: A valve, typically rotary, that controls material flow into or out of the conveying system while minimizing air loss.
Angle of internal friction: A material property that describes the resistance to shear within a bulk solid, affecting its flow behavior.
Angle of repose: The steepest angle at which a pile of bulk material remains stable, indicating its flowability in conveying systems.
Backpressure: The resistance to air or material flow caused by restrictions or blockages in the conveying line.
Batch conveying: A method where materials are transported in discrete batches rather than a continuous flow.
Batch transfer: The movement of a fixed quantity of material through the conveying system in a single cycle.
Bend: A curved section of pipeline, such as an elbow, that changes the direction of material flow, often prone to wear.
Bin: A storage container for bulk materials, often connected to a pneumatic conveying system for material discharge.
Blockage: An obstruction in the pipeline that impedes the flow of air or material, often due to material buildup or improper design.
Blow pipe: A section of pipeline through which compressed air is introduced to convey material.
Blow tank: A pressurized vessel used in dense phase conveying to batch-feed material into the pipeline.
Blow tank system: A pneumatic conveying setup that uses a blow tank to deliver material in slugs or batches under pressure.
Blow-through valve: A valve that allows air to flow through the feeder to convey material directly into the pipeline.
Blower: A device that generates a continuous flow of air or gas to drive the pneumatic conveying process.
Blowback: The reverse flow of air or material in the system, often used to clean filters in dust collectors.
Bulk density: The mass of a bulk material per unit volume, a key factor in designing pneumatic conveying systems.
Bulk flow: The movement of a large volume of bulk material through the conveying system.
Bulk material: Solid materials, such as powders, granules, or pellets, transported in a pneumatic conveying system.
Bulk material flow: The movement behavior of bulk solids through the conveying pipeline, influenced by material properties.
Bulk material properties: Characteristics like particle size, density, and cohesiveness that affect how materials behave in pneumatic conveying.
Bulk solid: A collective term for solid materials in granular or powder form handled in pneumatic conveying systems.
Bulk solids handling: The process of storing, feeding, and transporting bulk solids, including pneumatic conveying methods.
Cohesion: The tendency of particles to stick together, affecting flowability and conveying performance.
Cohesive material: A bulk material with high inter-particle attraction, often challenging to convey without fluidization.
Conveying air: The air used as the medium to transport bulk material through the pipeline.
Conveying capacity: The maximum amount of material a pneumatic conveying system can transport per unit of time.
Conveying cycle: The complete process of material intake, transport, and discharge in a batch conveying system.
Conveying distance: The total length of the pipeline through which material is transported in the system.
Conveying efficiency: The effectiveness of a pneumatic conveying system in transporting material with minimal energy loss or degradation.
Conveying line: The pipeline through which air and material flow in a pneumatic conveying system.
Conveying medium: The gas (usually air) used to transport bulk material through the pipeline.
Conveying phase: The mode of material transport, such as dilute phase, dense phase, or semi-dense phase, based on air-to-material ratio.
Conveying pipeline: The network of pipes that carries the material and air in a pneumatic conveying system.
Conveying pressure: The air pressure used to drive material through the pipeline, typically measured in bars or psi.
Conveying route: The path taken by the material through the pipeline, including bends, vertical sections, and straight runs.
Conveying system: The complete setup, including pipelines, air movers, feeders, and receivers, for transporting bulk materials.
Conveying velocity: The speed at which material travels through the pipeline, influenced by air velocity and material properties.
Cyclone separator: A device that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from the air stream in a pneumatic conveying system.
Deaeration: The process of removing entrained air from conveyed material, often required before storage or further processing.
Degradation: The breakdown or damage of material particles during conveying, often due to high velocities or abrasive interactions.
Dense phase: A conveying mode where material is transported in slugs or plugs with a low air-to-material ratio, minimizing particle degradation.
Dense phase plug: A compact mass of material that moves as a cohesive unit in dense phase conveying.
Dilute phase: A conveying mode where material is suspended in a high-velocity air stream with a high air-to-material ratio.
Discharge: The point where conveyed material exits the pipeline, often into a receiver or storage vessel.
Diverter gate: A device that redirects material flow to different pipelines or destinations in the conveying system.
Diverter valve: A valve that controls the direction of material or air flow in a pneumatic conveying system.
Drag force: The force exerted by the air stream on particles to move them through the pipeline.
Dust collector: A device that captures fine particles from the air stream to prevent environmental contamination or equipment clogging.
Dust collector bag: A filter bag in a dust collector that traps particles while allowing air to pass through.
Dust containment: Measures to prevent dust from escaping the conveying system, ensuring safety and cleanliness.
Dust emission: The release of fine particles into the environment, often minimized through dust collectors or filters.
Dust explosion: A rapid combustion of fine particles suspended in air, a potential hazard in pneumatic conveying systems.
Dust extraction: The process of removing airborne particles from the conveying system, typically using filters or cyclones.
Dust filtration: The use of filters to remove dust from the air stream in a pneumatic conveying system.
Dust hazard: The risk posed by combustible or toxic dust in conveying systems, requiring safety measures like grounding or ventilation.
Dust mitigation: Techniques to reduce dust generation or release, such as dust collectors or sealed systems.
Dust suppression: Methods to control dust, such as wetting agents or enclosed conveying, to minimize environmental and health risks.
Dust suppression system: Equipment designed to control and reduce dust emissions during material handling.
Dust tight: A system design that prevents dust leakage, ensuring a clean and safe operation.
Dynamic pressure: The pressure associated with the velocity of the air stream in the conveying pipeline.
Elbow: A curved pipe fitting that changes the direction of material flow, often subject to abrasion or wear.
Electrostatic charge: The buildup of static electricity on particles or pipeline surfaces, potentially causing material adhesion or sparks.
Erosion: The gradual wearing away of pipeline surfaces due to the impact of conveyed particles, especially in bends.
Fan: A device used to generate air flow in low-pressure pneumatic conveying systems.
Feed hopper: A container that holds material before it is fed into the conveying line.
Feed rate: The rate at which material is introduced into the conveying system, typically measured in mass per unit time.
Feeder: A device that controls the flow of material into the conveying pipeline, such as a rotary valve or screw feeder.
Feeder valve: A valve that regulates material flow into the conveying line while maintaining system pressure.
Flow control: Techniques to regulate the rate and consistency of material and air flow in the conveying system.
Flow dynamics: The study of how air and material interact and move within the conveying pipeline.
Flow instability: Variations or disruptions in the flow of material or air, leading to inefficiencies or blockages.
Flow meter: A device that measures the rate of air or material flow in the conveying system.
Flow pattern: The behavior of material and air movement in the pipeline, such as slug flow or homogeneous flow.
Flow rate: The volume or mass of material or air moving through the pipeline per unit of time.
Flow regime: The specific mode of material transport, such as turbulent, laminar, or slug flow, in pneumatic conveying.
Flow resistance: The opposition to material or air flow caused by friction, bends, or material properties.
Flow separation: The phenomenon where material and air streams separate, potentially causing uneven flow or blockages.
Flowability: The ease with which a bulk material flows, influenced by particle size, shape, and moisture content.
Fluidization: The process of making a solid material behave like a fluid by passing air through it, aiding in conveying.
Fluidized bed: A system where air is blown through a bed of particles, causing them to behave like a fluid for easier transport.
Friction loss: The reduction in pressure due to friction between the air-material mixture and the pipeline walls.
Gas flow: The movement of air or other gas used as the conveying medium in the system.
Gas velocity: The speed of the gas (usually air) in the pipeline, critical for maintaining material suspension or movement.
Gas-solid flow: The combined movement of gas and solid particles through the conveying pipeline.
Granular material: Bulk solids composed of discrete particles, such as grains or pellets, suitable for pneumatic conveying.
Homogeneous flow: A flow pattern where material is uniformly distributed in the air stream, typical in dilute phase conveying.
Hopper: A funnel-shaped container that holds bulk material before it is fed into the conveying system.
Hygroscopic material: A material that readily absorbs moisture from the air, potentially causing clumping or flow issues.
In-line filter: A filter placed within the conveying line to remove dust or contaminants from the air stream.
Injector: A device that introduces material into the air stream, often used in dilute phase systems.
Lean phase: Another term for dilute phase conveying, characterized by high air velocity and low material concentration.
Line blockage: An obstruction in the pipeline that stops or restricts material flow, often due to material buildup.
Line booster: A device that injects additional air into the pipeline to maintain flow over long distances.
Line purging: The process of clearing residual material from the pipeline using air or another gas.
Material accumulation: The buildup of material in the pipeline or components, often leading to blockages.
Material bridge: A formation where cohesive material arches or sticks together, obstructing flow in hoppers or pipelines.
Material characteristics: Properties like particle size, density, and cohesiveness that influence conveying behavior.
Material degradation: The physical or chemical breakdown of material during conveying, often due to high velocities or impacts.
Material density: The mass per unit volume of the conveyed material, affecting system design and performance.
Material flow: The movement of bulk material through the conveying system, influenced by air velocity and system design.
Material flow rate: The rate at which material is transported through the pipeline, typically measured in mass per time.
Material handling: The overall process of moving, storing, and controlling bulk materials, including pneumatic conveying.
Material handling system: A complete setup for managing bulk materials, including storage, feeding, and conveying components.
Material segregation: The separation of particles by size, shape, or density during conveying, leading to inconsistent material properties.
Orifice plate: A device with a calibrated opening used to control or measure flow in the conveying system.
Particle attrition: The reduction in particle size or integrity due to collisions or friction during conveying.
Particle dispersion: The spreading of particles in the air stream, critical for maintaining flow in dilute phase systems.
Particle entrainment: The process by which particles are lifted and carried by the air stream in the conveying pipeline.
Particle shape: The geometric form of particles, which affects flowability and conveying behavior.
Particle size: The dimensions of individual particles, a key factor in determining conveying system design and performance.
Particle size distribution: The range of particle sizes in a bulk material, influencing flow and system efficiency.
Particle suspension: The state where particles are held aloft by the air stream, typical in dilute phase conveying.
Particle velocity: The speed at which particles travel through the pipeline, influenced by air velocity and material properties.
Pickup velocity: The minimum air velocity required to lift and transport particles in the conveying pipeline.
Pipe bend: A curved section of pipeline that redirects material flow, often prone to wear or blockages.
Pipe diameter: The size of the pipeline, which affects conveying capacity, pressure drop, and material flow behavior.
Pipe erosion: The wearing away of pipeline walls due to abrasive particles, particularly at bends or high-velocity sections.
Pipe wear: The gradual degradation of pipeline surfaces due to repeated contact with conveyed materials.
Pipeline: The network of pipes through which material and air are transported in a pneumatic conveying system.
Piping layout: The arrangement of pipelines in a conveying system, designed to optimize material flow and minimize pressure loss.
Pneumatic actuator: A device that uses compressed air to operate valves or other components in the conveying system.
Pneumatic circuit: The complete system of pipelines, valves, and components through which air and material flow.
Pneumatic conveying: The process of transporting bulk materials through pipelines using air or gas as the motive force.
Pneumatic line: A pipeline specifically designed for pneumatic conveying of materials.
Pneumatic pump: A device that uses air pressure to move material through the conveying system, often in dense phase systems.
Pneumatic system: A system that uses air or gas to transport materials, including pipelines, feeders, and air movers.
Pneumatic transfer: The movement of material through a pipeline using air or gas pressure.
Pneumatic transport: The process of moving bulk materials through a pipeline using a gas stream.
Pneumatic valve: A valve operated by air pressure to control material or air flow in the conveying system.
Positive pressure: A conveying system where air pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure to push material through the pipeline.
Pressure conveying: A method of pneumatic conveying that uses positive pressure to transport material.
Pressure drop: The reduction in air pressure along the pipeline due to friction, bends, or material resistance.
Pressure gradient: The rate of pressure change along the length of the pipeline, affecting material flow.
Pressure loss: The decrease in air pressure during conveying, caused by friction, bends, or material load.
Pressure regulator: A device that controls the air pressure in the conveying system to maintain optimal performance.
Pressure surge: A sudden increase in air pressure in the system, potentially causing flow disruptions.
Pressure vessel: A sealed container used to hold pressurized air or material in dense phase conveying systems.
Pulse jet: A cleaning mechanism in dust collectors that uses bursts of compressed air to dislodge dust from filter bags.
Pulsation: Fluctuations in air or material flow that can disrupt the conveying process.
Receiver: A vessel that collects conveyed material at the end of the pipeline, often equipped with filters or separators.
Rotary airlock: A rotary valve that serves as an airlock to control material flow.
Rotary discharge: A mechanism that releases material from a receiver or hopper using a rotating component.
Rotary lobe blower (PD Blower): A type of air mover or feeder with rotating lobes that move air or material through the system.
Rotary seal: A sealing mechanism in a rotary valve to prevent air or material leakage during operation.
Rotary valve: A device with a rotating rotor that feeds material into the conveying line while maintaining an airlock.
Rotary vane: A component in a rotary valve or air mover that rotates to control material or air flow.
Saltation: The process where particles settle and bounce along the pipeline at low air velocities, causing flow issues.
Screw feeder: A device that uses a rotating screw to feed material into the conveying pipeline at a controlled rate.
Settling velocity: The speed at which particles fall out of suspension in the air stream when air velocity decreases.
Silo: A large storage vessel for bulk materials, often integrated with a pneumatic conveying system for discharge.
Slug flow: A flow pattern in dense phase conveying where material moves in compact slugs or plugs.
Solids conveying: The transport of solid materials through a pipeline using air or gas.
Solids feeder: A device that introduces solid material into the conveying pipeline, such as a rotary or screw feeder.
Solids handling: The management of solid materials, including storage, feeding, and conveying processes.
Solids loading ratio: The ratio of solid material to air in the conveying line, defining the conveying phase.
Solids transport: The movement of solid materials through a pipeline in a pneumatic conveying system.
Static pressure: The pressure exerted by the air in the system when it is not in motion, affecting system performance.
Suction system: A pneumatic conveying system that uses negative pressure (vacuum) to pull material through the pipeline.
Surge bin: A storage container that temporarily holds material to manage flow surges in the conveying system.
Surge flow: A sudden increase in material or air flow, potentially causing system instability or blockages.
Surge tank: A vessel that absorbs pressure or flow surges to stabilize the conveying system.
Terminal velocity: The constant velocity at which a particle falls through a fluid (air) due to gravity, relevant to particle settling.
Transfer chute: A channel that directs material from one part of the conveying system to another, such as from a hopper to a pipeline.
Transfer line: A pipeline segment that carries material between different points in the conveying system.
Transfer point: A location where material is transferred from one component to another, such as from a feeder to a pipeline.
Transfer velocity: The speed at which material is transported through the pipeline, influenced by air velocity.
Transport velocity: The minimum air velocity required to keep material suspended and moving in the pipeline.
Two-phase flow: The simultaneous flow of gas (air) and solid particles through the conveying pipeline.
Vacuum conveying: A pneumatic conveying method that uses negative pressure to pull material through the pipeline.
Vacuum line: A pipeline in a vacuum conveying system through which material is transported under negative pressure.
Vacuum pump: A device that creates negative pressure to drive material flow in a vacuum conveying system.
Vacuum receiver: A vessel that collects material at the end of a vacuum conveying pipeline, often with a filter system.
Vacuum system: A pneumatic conveying system that operates under negative pressure to transport material.
Vibratory feeder: A device that uses vibration to feed material into the conveying pipeline at a controlled rate.
Venting: The process of releasing excess air or pressure from the conveying system to maintain stable operation.
Venturi: A device that uses a constricted pipe section to increase air velocity and create suction for material transport.
Venturi eductor: A device that uses the Venturi effect to draw material into the air stream for conveying.
Venturi system: A pneumatic conveying system that employs a Venturi device to facilitate material transport.
Wear resistance: The ability of pipeline or component materials to withstand abrasion and erosion from conveyed particles.