It is common to find that materials that are similar in particle size and bulk density actually convey very differently. Therefore it is important that materials are tested extensively, so that we may truly understand what is the most effective and efficient means of transporting a material.

The behaviour of different materials in either lean phase or dense phase conveying systems can be extremely difficult to predict. This is because the amount of energy required to move the particles, and the mass of particles can be dependent on many different variables. The variables include:

• Mean Particle Size
• Particle Size Distribution
• Particle Density
• Bulk Density
• The Ability of Material to Trap and Retain Air
• Particle Shape
• Moisture Content
• Particle Concentration
• Particle Velocity
• Pipeline Length
• Pipe Bend Radius
• Whether Pipes are run Vertically or Horizontally

The Clyde Test House is an industrial sized facility that is able to rigorously and accurately determine the performance and behaviour of material within a live pneumatic environment.

This proven approach to testing is called the empirical approach, were the conditions of conveying can be varied to develop a set of data that can be reliably applied within tested and understood boundaries. Two intergral sets of data are central to the empirical approach, these being material characterisation and conveying performance.

Material Characterisation

Determines how easily a material may convey and establishes the boundaries for which conveying data is valid. Particle density, poured bulk density, mean particle size and particle size distribution provide excellent indicators as to how a material may convey.

Conveying Performance

Tests how a material will convey under plant circumstances, determining conveying distance, pipe routes...To simulate plant conditions, the Clyde Test House is able to convey through pipe sizes from 25mm to 100mm, over a distance from 10 to 500 metres, with as few as 2 bends, or as many as 31.

Benefits of Testing

The Clyde Test House provides many exciting benefits that support the creation of solutions that can reliably, effectively and efficiently manage the movement of material within a specific process.

By thoroughly testing respective materials, the data unearthed can be used to shape the correct prediction of:

Pipeline Size

Vessel Size

Compressor Size

Filter Size

More importantly, it enables Clyde to develop the most effective solution for a specific material and provides the customer with a low risk decision to proceed and deploy the solution that has been uncovered through the testing process.

In addition, the Clyde Test House has an extensive repository of material test data that it can call upon, which can significantly reduce the time required to understand the unique characteristics of specific materials.

Clyde Materials Handling believes passionately in testing, in an effort to gain not only a comprehensive insight into the way in which a material behaves but provides Clyde with the ability to demonstrate reliable conveying and/or injecting of materials to the customer before investment decisions are made.

The Clyde Test House is a competitive-edge weapon that can help develop competitive advantage and differentiation for its customers