(497a) Experimental Investigation of Route-Mixing for Non-Spherical Particles in the Pneumatic Conveying System

This study aims to investigate the route-mixing inside the horizontal column through the pneumatic conveying system. Different types of non-spherical particles, such as ellipsoids (prolate and oblate), cube, and elongated needles, have been used. Several experiments are performed to examine the effects of parameters such as size, shape, and density on segregation. The flow behavior and orientations of particles have been captured through a high-speed camera. The segregation pattern is observed as decreasing order for the coarse particle as Oblate > Prolate > Elongated needle. The drag force decreases as an increased aspect ratio of non-spherical particles, as shown in Figure 1. Outcomes indicate that on increasing the angularity of coarse particles, the overall segregation index is reduced. The pneumatic conveying system can be used as an alternate option for mixing in the process industry.