Plug Conveying in a Vertical Tube

TL;DR

This paper investigates vertical tube plug conveying using simulations and experiments, analyzing plug dynamics through porosity, velocity, and force profiles to understand the influence of various parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a combined simulation and experimental approach to study plug conveying dynamics in vertical tubes, providing new insights into the behavior of plugs.

Findings

Simulation results match experimental data

Plug velocity and force profiles depend on system parameters

Porosity profiles reveal plug stability characteristics

Abstract

Plug conveying along a vertical tube has been investigated through simulation, using a discrete element simulation approach for the granulate particles and a pressure field approach for the gas. The result is compared with an experiment. The dynamics of a plug are described by porosity, velocity and force profiles. Their dependence on simulation parameters provides an overall picture of plug conveying.