Maximum Velocities for Pnuematic Conveying

[jka1977]

Dear all:

I am designing a new dilute phase vacuum pnuematic conveying system which will utilize some existing transport piping. One of the objectives for the new design is to improve the system capacity. I am, however, concerned about causing excessive wear in the existing piping system due to the increased transport velocities.

Therefore, I am searching for any available info on maximum recommended air velocities for these types of systems. Can anyone provide some guidance based on past experience or suggest a good reference to consult?

 

[PeterCharles]

Depends on the abrasive nature of the product conveyed, which you haven't specified...

 

[jka1977]

I had figured as much. The product conveyed is tobacco dust (not particularly abrasive). It is not atypical to convey this material at 6000-6500 FPM with no major issues but the systems I'm familiar with run intermittently. This application is a housekeeping vac system so even though the solids loading is light, it will run continously. Therefore, I want to be cautious about exceeding the above range.