Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 9

BACK-2-BASICS There are two possible conditions, however, where the energy required to transfer sand by the compressed air injected at the primary air flange cannot meet demand. One such condition is very long pipe runs and the other condition is a vertical rise in the pipe run within the last two thirds of the developed length of the pipe run. Vertical Pipe Runs For a vertical rise, in addition to overcoming the pipe friction and the force required to push the sand slugs along, the supplied energy of the compressed air will have to be sufficient to also raise the settled sand column in the pipe against gravity. The air pressure required to accomplish this depends on the vertical height of the rise and must be added to the overall pressure requirement for the whole system. In most cases the sum of the air pressure required to push the sand thru the pipeline and the air pressure required to raise the sand in the vertical pipe section is greater than the plant air supply available consistently (80 to 90 psi) and, therefore, requires a secondary air flange, with a normal shop air supply pressure, just ahead of the vertical rise. Long Pipe Runs For very long pipe runs, depending on the tonnage required, an intermediate dropout bin is needed at approx. 350 to 400 feet from the primary transporter and the installation of a secondary transporter to cover the remainder of the developed length. 49 Contact: CHRIS DOERSCHLAG [email protected]