Air Flow vs. Pressure?

[mdtsa]

Hi,

I have an application which involves a single compressor delivering a given volume of air at 2bar (say volume = "y" m³/min). The air is delivered to an Air Receiver and I want to extract the air (split equally 3 ways, i.e. 1/3"y" m³/min) to three different destinations for the purposes of pneumatic conveying of solids.

At some point, one of the three lines will discharge before the others, resulting in a low pressure and a 'rush' of air to that point, thereby starving the other two of air.

Does anyone know of some sort of 'flow-control' device that can be utilised that is not adversely affected by variations in pressure drop? I understand that the complicating factor here is that the flow will increase automatically as one of the lines starts to empty, i.e. a pressure drop begins to occur. Possibly my understanding of the relationship between pressure and flow is lacking?

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!
Mark

 

[quark]

Your understanding about the relationship between pressure differenceand flow is perfect, however it may be a bit difficult to perfectly divide the flow.

One option will be to install three control valves at the end of each line which will be actuated by three pressure sensors upstream of the control valves. Just try to maintain equal pressure in all the lines before control valve and you have good chances of maintaining equal flowrates.

Regards,

 

[JStephen]

Sounds like this is the same problem as in your house, when you flush the toilet and the shower goes cold? IE, a transient problem?

If so, my first thought would be a bigger air receiver tank (assuming it's not monstrous already). Or possibly separate surge tanks for each line?