Investigation of Pneumatic Conveying Pseudo­Emergency Induced Operation with use of Electrical Capacitance Tomography and raw data analysis

Andrzej Romanowski, Zbigniew Chaniecki, Krzysztof Grudzien, Jakub Betiuk, Bartosz Matusiak, Dominik Sankowski

Technical University of Lodz, Computer Engineering Department, Lodz, Poland,

androm @ki s. p.l odz. pl

ABSTRACT

In this paper the problem of proper regime remaining of the dense­phase pneumatic flow is presented. To solve such problem the Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) system for process monitoring was applied. ECT characteristic feature is on­line imaging without a process distortion caused, when using other techniques, by the presence of measuring devices. However, some cases do not require imaging, just raw measurement data analysis and interpretation methods give fast, reliable response, sufficient to make proper process control decisions.

Particular focus of research in this paper is put on examination of pseudo­emergency states of bulk flow. Real case pneumatic transport failure characteristically consist in pipeline blockage. Such blockage typically develops for a moment starting as material slug build up. In contrast, series of experiments with artificially induced flow pre­blockage states are monitored with ECT. The introduced obstacle is of half pipe cross­section area size. Examination with ECT is performed before the obstacle with respect to flow direction in pipeline. ECT raw data analysis endeavor to see a relation between measured values and flow change tendency. This research is aimed at give rise to conclusions about proper pneumatic conveying control adjustments and a role of ECT, that can be significant in this area.

Keywords Pneumatic conveying, ECT, obstruction­driven flow, raw data analysis