Fluidizing Directional Jets
Fluidizing Directional Jets have Fluidized motion conveying can be regarded as an extreme form of dense phase pneumatic conveying. It is essentially an extension of this method, with the bulk particulate material made to flow along a channel. In the air-assisted gravity conveyor the channel is inclined at a shallow downward angle and the predominant factor causing flow is the gravitational force on the material. It this for this reason that air-assisted gravity conveying systems are potentially very economical to operate.
Advantages
Fluidized motion conveying has all the advantages of pneumatic conveying, but with few of the disadvantages. It provides a totally enclosed environment for the material, is very flexible in layout, and has no moving parts. With air-assisted gravity conveyors the only drawback is the fact that material can only be conveyed on a downward gradient, but as mentioned above, the system does have development potential that is making horizontal conveying, at least, a distinct possibility.
A particular advantage over pneumatic conveying is that the conveying velocity is very low. In dilute phase pneumatic conveying, solids loading ratios that can be achieved are very low and conveying velocities are consequently relatively high. As a result, power requirements are much higher than almost any alternative mechanical conveying system. Operating problems associated with abrasive particles, such as the erosive wear of system components, and degradation of friable particles, can be so severe that pneumatic conveying, as a means of transport, is often not considered for such materials.
If, in a pneumatic conveying system, the material can be conveyed in dense phase, power requirements will be lower and operating problems will generally be reduced. In fluidized motion conveyors, however, solids loading ratios are even higher and conveying velocities are much lower than those in dense phase conveying. As a result, power requirements are on a par with belt conveyors, and operating problems associated with abrasive and friable materials are almost non-existent.