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Causes of blockage in the air delivery pipe of the flat-bottom steel silo

Seven reasons for blockage of air delivery pipes in flat-bottom steel silo

In the complex operational system of a flat-bottom steel silo, the air conveying pipeline plays a crucial role as the bridge connecting various components. It not only facilitates efficient and flexible material transfer but also avoids the spatial limitations of traditional conveyor belts. However, like any precision system, air conveying pipelines frequently encounter challenges, with blockages being a common issue. We will now explore the seven core factors leading to blockages in air conveying pipelines of flat-bottom steel silo to provide a comprehensive perspective on addressing this problem.

Improper Moisture Control

Proper control of material moisture is key to preventing blockages. When the temperature of the incoming material is too low, or cooling measures in the grinding mill are inadequate, or excessive water is sprayed in the mill, the excess free water can lead to partial hydration of the cement, increasing the material’s stickiness. Additionally, leakage from the mill due to inadequate sealing or high moisture content of the incoming material can directly affect the airflow through the aeration layer of the conveying chute, making it difficult for the air to penetrate the material layer and ultimately causing blockages.

Impurities and Inadequate Screening

If the design of the grinding tail sieve plate or the rotary screen for slag removal is inadequate, impurities such as iron slag or small fragments may mix with the material and deposit on the aeration layer. These hard impurities not only reduce the aeration area but also obstruct the normal flow of material, making it difficult for the injected air to fluidize the material properly, thus increasing the risk of blockages.

Equipment Damage and Sealing Issues

If the porous plates inside the air conveying chute are damaged or if gaps appear between adjacent plates, air leakage will occur. This leakage will create localized air columns, disrupting the normal flow of material and potentially leading to blockages. This uneven air distribution disrupts the normal flow path of the material, causing material accumulation at the air columns and leading to blockages. Additionally, the overall sealing of the chute is crucial for conveying efficiency. Poor sealing can allow external air to enter, reducing the fluidization effect of the material and increasing the likelihood of blockages.

Causes of blockage in the air delivery pipe of the flat-bottom steel silo

Installation Angle and Airflow Regulation

The installation angle of the air conveying chute is critical for the natural flow of material. An insufficient angle can slow down the material flow, especially when there are abrupt changes in material properties or airflow pressure, leading to blockages. Moreover, precise regulation of airflow and pressure is essential for smooth conveyance. Insufficient airflow or fluctuating pressure can affect the material’s fluidization, potentially causing blockages.

Material Handling After Shutdown

During shutdown periods, a significant amount of material often remains in the air conveying chute. As the temperature drops, this material may condense, becoming sticky and difficult to move. Upon restarting, this condensed material can obstruct the entry and conveyance of new material, leading to blockages. Therefore, proper handling of material after shutdown is crucial to preventing blockages.

Poor Ventilation and Pressure Imbalance

An inadequately designed or maintained ventilation system can result in residual gas above the material in the chute not being expelled promptly. This failure to remove the gas can affect the material’s flow and increase the risk of blockages. This can affect the fluidization of the material and create a positive pressure environment within the chute. In such a pressure environment, the material on the aeration layer may experience downward pressure. This pressure makes it difficult for the material to remain suspended or evenly distributed, thus increasing the risk of blockages.

Comprehensive Management and Maintenance

As discussed, blockage issues in the air conveying pipelines of flat-bottom steel silos involve multiple factors. These factors include material moisture, impurity control, and equipment condition. They also include installation angle, airflow regulation, post-shutdown handling, and ventilation system design. To effectively prevent blockages, a comprehensive management and maintenance system must be established. This includes regularly checking equipment conditions, optimizing screening and impurity removal processes, and controlling material moisture and temperature. Additionally, it involves precisely regulating airflow and pressure, enhancing post-shutdown material handling, and improving ventilation system design. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of blockages. This, in turn, improves the overall operational efficiency of the flat-bottom steel silo.

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