Feeding small quantities of particulate solids

Results of extensive experiments with a laboratory slide feeder are presented. Different particulate materials such as sand, gamma-alumina, ceramsite, dried sewage sludge, and shredded wood have been employed in testing the equipment for reproducibility of single doses and general reliability. Aside from physical characteristics of the respective particulate materials, the ratio of pocket diameter to particle size has considerable influence on the uniformity of feeding. Minimum flow rates of air have also been determined by experiment as needed for pneumatic transport of the metered solids into a reactive environment. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.