Effect of Initial Pressures on Flowability of Bins

Abstract

The flow of bulk solids such as ore, coal, sugar and salt from storage bins depends on the pressures exerted by the bin walls on the solids. In the past the flow properties of bins have been determined on the basis of steady flow pressures. Recent experimental and theoretical work has shown that much larger pressures may be exerted on the solids during the initial filling of the bin. In this paper the effect of these initial pressures on the flow properties of bins is described and examples given for using the initial pressures to predict flow stoppages.