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Production, Handling and Characterization of Particulate Materials pp 425–478Cite as

Storage and Discharge of Bulk Solids

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Part of the book series: Particle Technology Series ((POTS,volume 25))

Abstract

In most industrial situations, powders and bulk solids have to be stored in and discharged from bins and silos. This can result in – often unexpected – problems, e.g., flow obstructions or segregation. Most of these problems can be avoided by proper design of equipment with respect to the flow properties of the bulk material to be stored. Especially important is the design of the hopper and all downstream equipment (e.g., feeder) having an influence of the flow in the hopper.

In the present chapter the typical problems occurring in bins and silos are addressed, and the design of hoppers and related equipment with the goal to avoid these problems is outlined. Most important point is the determination of the hopper slope required to avoid stagnant zones, and the outlet dimensions to avoid flow obstructions like stable arches or ratholes. These quantities are calculated based on the flow properties of the respective bulk solid. The flow properties are quantities like, e.g., compressive strength and internal friction, and have to be measured with appropriate shear testers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Recycling, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Robert-Koch-Platz 8a, 38440, Wolfsburg, Germany

    Dietmar Schulze

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  1. Dietmar Schulze
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Correspondence to Dietmar Schulze .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Emeritus Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, Delft University of Technology, Pijnacker, The Netherlands

    Henk G. Merkus

  2. DSM Food Specialties & Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

    Gabriel M.H. Meesters

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Schulze, D. (2016). Storage and Discharge of Bulk Solids. In: Merkus, H., Meesters, G. (eds) Production, Handling and Characterization of Particulate Materials. Particle Technology Series, vol 25. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20949-4_13

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