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How to select a diverter for handling dry bulk solids?
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Dry Bulk Solids Handling refers to the process of storing, discharging, and transporting dry materials, such as coal, wood chips, and stone, in bulk quantities.
A diverter as the name suggests is anything that alters or controls the natural flow of the material. It acts as a valve. These allow you to adjust the flow speeds, divert the flow, shut it off, or resume the flow while dealing with powders, granules, etc.
While processing a bulk solid, the process needs to be controlled in different areas. The choice of a diverter or a valve largely depends on what needs to be controlled and what the process is.
Application Requirements: First establish the actual need for it. What is the space available, what geometry would be required, the sealing ability, etc.? How much of the product should it retain? What should the flow speed be? Answer these questions one by one to establish the requirements.
Material properties: What type of material are we dealing with? If the material is abrasive, it’s better to pair it with durable liner materials. The operation temperature also plays a crucial role in determining the liner material. Stainless steel should be used for temperatures above 1000 degrees. The driver constantly moves with the flow. Attention should be paid to the flowability of the material to choose a diverter that’s designed to handle this.
Performance Requirements: There are different diverters to choose from based on performance.
- Complete shut off: Diverters that terminate the flow to both outlets.
- Shift on the Fly: These diverters are required to change position while the product is moving.
- Speed: While most diverters aren’t required to change their position quickly, some applications may require them to change positions every two seconds even.
- If high speed is required, it’s better to make note of this in the early stage and choose a diverter accordingly.
- Maintenance Access: How easily can you replace the internal components of the diverter? The seals, liners, etc. is an important factor to consider. It must be easy to maintain as well even if it’s efficient.
