Analysis and measurements from a prototype in-line thermal solids mass flowmeter in an industrial scale dilute phase pneumatic conveying system

The in-line measurement of solids mass flow rate in a prototype industrial scale pneumatic conveying pipeline by a thermal method has been investigated over a range of dilute conveying conditions. A thermal method of determining solids mass flow rate should, in principle, be capable of achieving a reliable measurement regardless of; inhomogeneity in solids’ distribution, irregularities in velocity profile and variations in particle size or shape. The instrument described in this article operates by the injection of heat energy into the pipeline by way of a heated section and measuring the resultant change in solids’ temperature using infrared sensors.