Fine powders often exhibit significant two-phase (solid/gas) interactions when they are handled in bins, hoppers, and processing vessels. As a result, numerous and more complex flow problems can occur which are not observed with bulk solids with much larger particle sizes.
The powder’s flow pattern has a major effect on the development of certain flow problems, especially flooding. This can usually be overcome by using mass flow designs. Even in mass flow, care must be taken to analyze the powder’s flow behavior to ensure reliable flow at the desired rates.
These phenomena are explored along with related topics such as: