How Do You Calculate Pressure and Flow for an Air Float Conveyor?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate pressure and flow for an air float conveyor, begin by detailing the characteristics of the objects being conveyed, including weight, dimensions, and surface properties. Use this information to determine the average pressure needed to float the objects, the minimum flow rate, and the plenum pressure. The design of the holes is crucial; experimenting with hole sizes and angles can optimize both lifting and movement of the objects. Testing and measuring actual pressure and flow rates are essential to refine calculations and achieve effective conveyor performance. Continuous experimentation will enhance understanding and improve design outcomes for the air float conveyor system.
mohammed11ahmed
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
jrmichler said:
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.

[Mentor Note: Thread created by moving some posts from a previous thread into this new one by the OP.]

if I have
1)10X10 cm box
2) weight 300g
3) The dimensions of the surface sheet that will be in contact is 60x25 cm
4) should be flat with holes for the air
5) that surface either can be an Acrylic or Stainless Steel sheet
6) no porous
7) it needs to move them along the table
8) 60X30 table

also for the sheet which will be the top surface that the air goes through to lift the object and make it move. I want to make the holes made in angle so when the air goes through it will help not just lift the object but also make it move along the bath. like inclined air jet how we choose the angle and how to calculate the forces acting on it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Screenshot 2024-01-29 233733.png
 
I want to apply this concept but how do I decide the angles to drill these holes and and how to calculate and what formula to use
WhatsApp Image 2024-01-23 at 10.32.41 AM.jpeg
Screenshot 2024-01-30 001641.png
 
Start with perpendicular holes.

1) Assume that the table is exactly the same size as the box. What pressure and how much flow is needed to float the box? If both the box and table are perfectly flat and nonporous, the flow would be quite low. In the real world, nothing is perfectly flat, so there will be a minimum flow. You can estimate that flow by assuming a worst case flatness, then calculating the flow through the gaps at sufficient pressure to float the box. It is better to run a test and measure the pressure and flow.

2) There is a pressure drop through the holes. The pressure under the table is higher than the pressure to float the boxes. How much higher is a function of the hole size.

3) When you have a hole size and pressure under the table, then you can calculate the flow through the holes that are open (not covered by the box). You will need to investigate the effect of hole size - smaller holes at higher pressure versus larger holes at lower pressure.

4) The total flow will be the sum of the flow that floats the box plus the flow through the open holes. You can use large holes (several mm diameter) with a blower or small holes (about 1 mm or less) with compressed air. I have seen air conveyors with both methods, you need to find the best solution for your specific situation.

5) NOW you can use angled holes. Angled holes will move the boxes. I once saw literature from a company that was selling air conveyors that would move the product uphill, so it can be done. If you choose the large hole design, you can explore using louvered sheet similar to the image below. The louver shape will be different, and the sheet metal needs to upside down from that shown:
Louvers.jpg

If you choose drilled holes, try drilling at a 45 degree angle, then experiment from there.

6) If you get enough experience with air float conveyors, you should be able to calculate air flow, air pressure, hole size, hole angle, and hole spacing. Those calculations will start with experimental data, then use standard fluid flow calculations to extrapolate that data to your specific requirements.

7) This is a situation where you absolutely, positively need to do experiments. Then compare the experimental results to your calculations. Then do more experiments based on what you learn. Expect to do the calculate >> experiment >> calculate >> experiment cycle several times before you fully understand how to design this type of conveyor.

8) This sounds like a fun project, so enjoy.
 
Thread 'What type of toilet do I have?'
I was enrolled in an online plumbing course at Stratford University. My plumbing textbook lists four types of residential toilets: 1# upflush toilets 2# pressure assisted toilets 3# gravity-fed, rim jet toilets and 4# gravity-fed, siphon-jet toilets. I know my toilet is not an upflush toilet because my toilet is not below the sewage line, and my toilet does not have a grinder and a pump next to it to propel waste upwards. I am about 99% sure that my toilet is not a pressure assisted...
After over 25 years of engineering, designing and analyzing bolted joints, I just learned this little fact. According to ASME B1.2, Gages and Gaging for Unified Inch Screw Threads: "The no-go gage should not pass over more than three complete turns when inserted into the internal thread of the product. " 3 turns seems like way to much. I have some really critical nuts that are of standard geometry (5/8"-11 UNC 3B) and have about 4.5 threads when you account for the chamfers on either...
Thread 'Physics of Stretch: What pressure does a band apply on a cylinder?'
Scenario 1 (figure 1) A continuous loop of elastic material is stretched around two metal bars. The top bar is attached to a load cell that reads force. The lower bar can be moved downwards to stretch the elastic material. The lower bar is moved downwards until the two bars are 1190mm apart, stretching the elastic material. The bars are 5mm thick, so the total internal loop length is 1200mm (1190mm + 5mm + 5mm). At this level of stretch, the load cell reads 45N tensile force. Key numbers...
Back
Top