Study of spheres in conduit
Study of spheres in conduit
(OP)
Looking for information on the study of balls/spheres traveling together through confined spaces such as tubes, pipes, boxes etc. Recently I was tasked with designing a hopper style system for plastic coated metallic spheres that push each other through multiple tubes at high rates of speed. All tubes intersect with only one output. Balls are getting wedged where the tubes intersect and we have had limited success with different 'converging geometries'. Hopefully there has been some kind of research on the topic. If anyone knows of a data source, I'd be very appreciative.
Thank you.
Thank you.





RE: Study of spheres in conduit
What you are describing is a compacted solid. Intuitively, any contraction of area at the convergence (with no other mechanical "sorting" device) will cause one or more of the ball "streams" to jam.
RE: Study of spheres in conduit
RE: Study of spheres in conduit
RE: Study of spheres in conduit
Constant external applied motion (violent or gentle sinusoidal) should alo be considered.
RE: Study of spheres in conduit
i.e. drop of an Ertalyte ball from surface into a tubing string of specified annulus, water table is set for a prescribed distance below.
There are several papers in the community which may be of help, if you need a few, write and I can pull them to send your way.
Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada