Unit density of sawdust in a duct?
Unit density of sawdust in a duct?
(OP)
Hi,
I am designing some structural support for ductwork which may have an accumulation of sawdust inside of it. Does anyone have a range of unit densities that I might use for calculating a load? I realize that it depends greatly on the moisture content of the sawdust, but I would like some numbers in order to get a feel for the design load.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Richard Querin
I am designing some structural support for ductwork which may have an accumulation of sawdust inside of it. Does anyone have a range of unit densities that I might use for calculating a load? I realize that it depends greatly on the moisture content of the sawdust, but I would like some numbers in order to get a feel for the design load.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Richard Querin






RE: Unit density of sawdust in a duct?
RE: Unit density of sawdust in a duct?
Douglas Fir 33.5 pcf @ 12% MC and 35.2 pcf @ 20% MC
Hem-Fir 26.6 pcf @ 12% MC and 27.7 pcf @ 20% MC
S. Pine 36.3 pcf @ 12% MC and 37.4 pcf @ 20% MC
Red Oak 44.0 pcf @ 12% MC and 44.9 pcf @ 20% MC
MC = Moisture Content
I agree with Kramer that somewhere between .5 and .75 of the above values would seem resonable. The other alternative is to weigh a 1 cf sample of the sawdust. Also, some manufacturers of dust collection systems might have a number that they use.
Just a thought! Good luck.
RE: Unit density of sawdust in a duct?
The client has supplied a value of 15pcf and this seems reasonable compared to the values you've given above (the sawdust in question is in quite a dry state).