‘Rule of thumb’ depends on the elbow

This question was put to Jack Osborn, engineering manager for Airdusco: What effect will an increase in pipe bends have on dense- and dilute-phase pneumatic conveyors?

Mr. Osborn’s answer (which you can read in its entirety by clicking here) is a thorough look at a complex issue that varies by system design. He focuses on five rules of thumb that generally apply across the board, pointing out that these rules have exceptions that must be considered.

For instance, Mr. Osborn’s second rule of thumb states: The more abrupt the turn (or the shorter its centerline radius), the higher the pressure loss. Seems like conventional wisdom, but it is simply not always the case. With HammerTek’s Smart Elbow^® deflection elbow technology in place, a 90-degree short radius elbow can be the best choice.  And, according to PBE pneumatic conveying columnist Paul Solt, in some cases, very long radius elbows can actually add to the pressure drop compared to elbows with a more reasonable turn radius.

Mr. Osborn’s first rule of thumb states: Increasing the number of elbows increases the system’s differential pressure requirements. He adds that you also must consider multiple additional factors, including any new elbow’s radius angle and centerline radius, the material flow velocity, and the material’s characteristics. That is exactly how HammerTek engineers start every project.

HammerTek’s Smart Elbow deflection elbow is designed with a unique deflection zone that virtually eliminates elbow wear, product degradation, plugging, surging, cross contamination, noise, and turbulence. When we look at a project, our goal is to deploy a solution that saves time, space, money, and conveyed material. We have mastered this technology with different sizes, alloys, and coatings to tailor-fit conveyor systems in a variety of industries, including plastics, abrasives, grain, pulp and paper, and wastewater treatment, to name a few.

For more information, be sure to visit our website, HammerTek.com.