The effects of deaeration of low-flowability fine powders on the discharge and conveyance characteristics have been experimentally investigated using a novel screw feeder with deaeration function for powders. Four types of powders associated with cement production process are used as test powders. As a result, the discharge rates of screw feeder for all tested powders are increased with the deaeration pressure, which results from an increase in bulk density of powders by deaeration.
The conveyance performance of fine powders are examined by measuring the sliding rate of powders fed by the screw feeder on an inclined belt conveyor. The sliding rate is reduced by the deaeration at the same discharge rate of powder, suggesting that the deaeration improves the conveyance performance of fine powders.
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