Optimization of Particle Conveying and Their Transferring Capacity by Using Air Amplifier with Finite Element Method Analysis

Abstract

Mechanical and pneumatic systems are used to transfer solids (grains, particles, and the likes.). Although mechanical systems have been used for many years, they cause partial breakage, noise, and dust of the transferred products. Pneumatic systems are operated in two different ways: blowing and vacuum, allowing the grains to be transported more efficiently and without damage. In this study, conveying systems using compressed-air-operated vacuum generators (air amplifier) were investigated. Air Amplifiers are some energy converters that work based on Coanda and Venturi effects as an aerodynamic device. The Venturi effect is based on Bernoulli's theorem in the fluid flow, where a vacuum region is created from the conversion of a high-pressure fluid (gas or liquid) to a high-velocity flows. The Coanda effect actualizes the formation of a thin boundary layer of motive fluid along with a chambered surface. In this report, using the SolidWorks program, the whole system in general, and the fragment of air amplifier, in particular, are designed. Fluid flow analysis using the CFD package of Ansys CFX 14, and the Flow Simulation part of SolidWorks was performed to optimize the novel air amplifier. Clearance of the ring nozzle and the chamber's angel as the critical part of the air amplifiers were considered in this optimization. Various nozzle clearance as (d = 0.3mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm), chamber's angle as (α = 20º, 25º, 30º), under various inlet pressures (P = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 bars) well-considered. As a result, after optimizing air amplifiers, the material transfer system's performance is rising up to 60%, noise and the amount of dust generated in the environment are reduced significantly, and the grain is transferred safely without damage.