FUNCTIONAL DESIGN OF SILOS, FEEDERS, TRANSFER CHUTES, STOCKPILES

As a first step in the functional design process, our engineers analyze the available data and your bulk solid system’s constraints and operational requirements.

We then strive to determine the most cost-effective, safe, and efficient processing method(s) to correct existing handling problems, as well as to provide reliable handling in new installations.

We develop solutions for bulk solids applications through use of proven bulk solids flow theory, decades of experience, and cutting-edge computer simulations such as:

• Two-phase gas/solids model for calculating:
  • limiting discharge rates
  • powder settlement
  • diffusion rates
• Discrete element modeling (DEM) of solids flow through chutes
• Pneumatic conveying (solids loading, conveying velocity, pressure drop)
• Inventory analysis by particle size distribution or chemical composition

Our functional design solutions typically involve:

• Storage systems – silos, bins, hoppers
• Transfer chutes – partially full or completely full
• Pneumatic conveyors – gas/solids transport system
• Feeders – screws, belts, rotary valves, vibratory designs
• Stockpile systems – gravity or mechanical reclaim designs
• Processing vessels – gravity dryer, purge column, conditioning silo
• Blending systems – tumbling mixers, in-bin blenders, gravity flow blenders

Our functional design recommendations are presented in a comprehensive written report, including dimensioned sketches of the recommended equipment and our design rational.