Bulk materials are usually in powdery, granular or lumpy in nature and are stored in heaps.
Each of the bulk materials has specific characteristics. The design of the mechanical equipment involved in bulk material handling depends on the characteristics of the materials that would be used in this equipment.
The behavior of bulk materials depends upon the moisture content and particle size distribution of the material. Even the same material that comes from different suppliers greatly vary due to the moisture content.
Wide variations in material behavior and bulk density with moisture and particle size can even lead to unexpected tonnage or capacity issues, excessive spillage or material buildup, and equipment or system malfunction and failure.
Hence, before designing your bulk handling equipment it is essential to study the nature of the material. If needed, calls out for a professional help. The bulk material characteristic depends on varying factors like:
Lump Size: Lump size of a material is determined by the distribution of particle sizes.
Bulk Density: Bulk weight or bulk density of a lumpy material is the weight of the material per unit volume in bulk. Because of empty spaces between the particles in bulk materials, bulk density is always less than the density of a particle of the same material.
Particle Size Distribution: Particle size distribution is of great importance to decide the lump size as well as flow rate of the bulk material.
Temperature: Nature of material changes with temperature. Even its flowing ability varies with it.
Material Form: Material can be in any form of powder, flake, granule, pellet, fiber, crystal, lump, prill, curl or other. Depending on its form its characteristics vary.
The above-mentioned features are just a few of many aspects of material nature. In a plant, it is essential to study thoroughly all the characteristics of the material to ensure efficient and smooth operations of the plant. We, at AAG Engineering, analyze the material that your plant deals with and accordingly suggest and design bulk material handling equipment that suits best for your plant.
We have gained rich experience in bulk material handling through decades of work in Bulk Material handling industry.
If you have any question or any issue regarding bulk material handling we would be happy to help you!! You can contact us at sales-west@aagengg.com or visit our website at www.aagengg.com.
