Flows and Dynamics of Granular Materials

When particles are transported through an insulating pipe, electric charge will be induced both due to the particle-particles and particle-wall collisions. The amount of charge accumulation depends on material of the particles and the wall, operating velocity, orientation of the pipe and duration of operation. Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) techniques is seriously considered for the online measurement and control of pneumatic conveying systems. The scopes include the study of charge accumulation over the pipe walls under various operating flow regimes, discharge characteristics and the effect of anti-static agent on the accumulation and drainage characteristics. Furthermore, experimental work is carried out on the electrostatic charge effect on the solid transport pattern formation in a model pneumatic conveying system.