Simulation of electrostatic charge generation in particle pneumatic conveying process

One of the main issues related to powder technology is disasters and troubles due to the possibility of generating charged particles as a result of collisions between powders and equipment wall. Indeed, the electrostatic discharge can occur in the system leading to explosion or fire. This paper deals with simulation of powder pneumatic conveying process inside an inclined pipe. By using a special approach that assumes the electrification of powders inside the pipe depends directly upon the vertical collision velocity against the pipe wall, the model is developed. Simulation of the particle movements inside the pipe, generation of electrostatic charges over the particle surfaces as well as the possibility of fire as a result of discharging the electrostatic energy are investigated.The capabilities of the developed model are tested and confirmed by different analysis including the effect of particle diameter, the volumetric flow of the air and the tube wall material. Finally, several solutions are proposed to manage the risk of fire and explosion.