How do I go about the calculations for an air conveyor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculations and design considerations for an air conveyor system that operates on principles similar to those of an air hockey table. The focus is on developing a prototype that is not bulky and operates efficiently using compressed air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with hovercraft equations as a basis for calculations.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to understand the principles of operation and to design the conveyor economically, avoiding waste of compressed air.
  • Questions are raised regarding the design, such as whether there will be a standard moving puck or tray, how items will be propelled, and how to manage air supply to unused parts of the conveyor bed.
  • A detailed list of considerations is provided, including the weight and dimensions of the objects being conveyed, the surface characteristics, and the necessary calculations for pressure, flow rate, and total airflow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus, as multiple viewpoints and considerations are presented regarding the design and calculations for the air conveyor. The discussion remains open with various suggestions and questions posed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for specific information about the objects being conveyed and the prototype dimensions, which are necessary to perform the calculations mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in prototype design, fluid dynamics, and applications of air-based conveyance systems.

Luchee
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TL;DR
I am trying fabricate a contactless air conveyor.
How do I go about the calculations for an air conveyor that has the same working principle as an air hockey table?
The conveyor should not he bulky seeing as it is a prototype.
Please help me.
 
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Welcome to PF.

You are starting with a small prototype, but will find later that, at a realistic scale, the game changes entirely. You must develop an understanding of the principles, and restrict your design to a conveyor that can be operated economically, without a waste of compressed air. Calculations will be needed to select the character or topology of the system. Calculations will then be needed to optimise the selected design.

The design complexity can be reduced by considering the possible answers to the following questions.
1. Will there be a standard moving puck or tray to support all loads, or will the items moved have an integrated puck, and so be restricted to fit the conveyor line ?
2. How will items be propelled to move along the line ?
3. How will you reduce the air supply to parts of the conveyor bed that are not being used ?
 
Luchee said:
TL;DR Summary: I am trying fabricate a contactless air conveyor.

How do I go about the calculations for an air conveyor that has the same working principle as an air hockey table?
You start by defining in detail exactly what you are conveying:

1) What are you conveying?
2) How heavy are they?
3) What are the dimensions of the surface of the objects in contact with the table?
4) How flat is the surface in contact with the table?
5) How rough is that surface?
6) Is the object porous?
7) Does the table need to move the objects, or merely float them?
8) What are the table dimensions of your prototype, and the finished table?

Use that information to calculate:
10) Calculate the average pressure to float the objects.
11) Calculate the minimum flow rate under the objects.
12) Calculate the plenum pressure.
13) Calculate the air flow through the uncovered holes (or use air table check valves).
14) Calculate total air flow.

Answering questions 1 through 8 above will give you the information to answer 10 and 11. I suggest that you give detailed answers to questions 1 through 8, then we can help you from there.
 
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Thank you. I will start up on the findings and get back to you. Thank you very much
 
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Luchee said:
Thank you. I will start up on the findings and get back to you. Thank you very much
if you have any updates in your work would love to get some info will help so much
 

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