Dense phase pneumatic conveying for atomized slip in the ceramics industry: Pilot plant design and experimental tests

Atomized slip conveying in the ceramics industry is currently carried out by conveyor belts that pick up the material from the spray dryer bottom and then cover long distances, crossing the working environment and rising up to stocking silos. This kind of transport, without specific powder confinement devices or proper suction systems for fine particles that are spread out during the movement, causes dust pollution and generates a risk for workers' health. Pneumatic conveying fully solves dust pollution problems in the working environment. However, two parameters need to be controlled to achieve sustainable pneumatic conveying of atomized slip: particle fragmentation and product humidity. This paper describes the methodology and the results of the experimental tests on a pilot plant, specially designed for the evaluation of the fundamental parameters of pneumatic transport, to define the best operating conditions for pneumatic conveying of atomized slip in dense phase.