Air Slide Conveyor Capacity Calculation: How to Size the System Correctly

(EN)Air Slide Conveyor Capacity Calculation Guide
(ID)Panduan Perhitungan Kapasitas Air Slide Conveyor

Why Capacity Calculation Is Critical for Air Slide Conveyors

Capacity calculation plays a central role in determining whether an air slide conveyor system will operate reliably over time. Unlike mechanical conveyors, air slide conveyors rely on fluidized material flow driven by gravity and low-pressure air.

If the conveyor capacity is incorrectly sized, common problems such as unstable flow, material accumulation, or excessive air consumption may occur.

👉 Air Slide Conveyor Design Parameters Explained

Air slide conveyor capacity calculation for cement powder conveying

LVRUI

Air slide system used for smooth and energy-efficient conveying of cement powder in industrial plants.

Key Parameters Required for Capacity Calculation

Before performing any calculation, the following parameters must be clearly defined.

Material Properties
  • Bulk density (static and aerated)
  • Particle size distribution
  • Moisture content
  • Flowability characteristics

Fine powders such as cement, fly ash, and raw meal are particularly suitable for air slide conveying due to their good fluidization behavior.

👉 powder flow and fluidization principles


Conveyor Geometry
  • Air slide trough width
  • Effective material bed height
  • Total conveying length

Wider air slides allow higher capacities but require more precise air distribution control.


Inclination Angle

The inclination angle directly influences conveying velocity and stability.

  • Typical design range: 3°–8°
  • Steeper angles increase capacity but reduce flow stability

Air Supply Conditions
  • Low-pressure air volume
  • Uniform air distribution beneath the aeration fabric
  • Stable blower performance

Improper air supply design often leads to inefficient fluidization and capacity loss.

👉 bulk material handling air systems


Basic Capacity Calculation Principle

The conveying capacity of an air slide conveyor can be estimated using the following simplified relationship:

Capacity = Material flow cross-section × Flow velocity × Aerated bulk density

Where:

  • Cross-section depends on trough width and bed height
  • Flow velocity is affected by air supply and slope
  • Aerated bulk density is lower than static density due to fluidization

⚠️ Important:
Using static bulk density instead of aerated density is one of the most common causes of capacity miscalculation.


Typical Capacity Ranges for Cement Applications

In cement plants, air slide conveyors are commonly used for:

  • Cement discharge
  • Fly ash conveying
  • Raw meal transport

While capacity varies by design, air slide conveyors are best suited for continuous, moderate-to-high throughput of fine powders.

👉 What Is an Air Slide Conveyor? Key Components and Working Principle


Common Mistakes in Air Slide Conveyor Capacity Sizing

Many operational issues are caused by incorrect assumptions during capacity calculation:

  • ❌ Using static bulk density instead of aerated density
  • ❌ Ignoring moisture variation in material
  • ❌ Oversizing air supply without flow verification
  • ❌ Designing excessive inclination angles

These mistakes often result in unstable operation and unnecessary energy consumption.

👉 Common Problems of Air Slide Conveyors (And How to Fix Them)


Capacity Calculation and System Design Integration

Capacity calculation should never be performed in isolation. It must be integrated with:

  • Overall system layout
  • Aeration fabric selection
  • Air supply and blower sizing

A properly calculated capacity ensures efficient system design and long-term operational stability.

👉 cement plant material handling systems


When Capacity Recalculation Is Required

Capacity recalculation is recommended when:

  • Material type or composition changes
  • Moisture content increases
  • Conveying distance is extended
  • Plant throughput is upgraded

Ignoring recalculation can lead to frequent operational interruptions.

From an engineering perspective, proper air slide conveyor capacity calculation is essential to balance conveying efficiency, air consumption, and long-term system stability in cement and bulk powder handling applications.


Need a reliable air slide conveyor for cement or bulk powder handling systems?

LVRUI provides engineered air slide conveyor solutions designed for stable conveying, low air consumption, and long service life.

📧 Contact us: info@lvrui-conveyor.com
🌐 Website: lvrui-conveyor.com

Perhitungan Kapasitas Air Slide Conveyor

Perhitungan kapasitas air slide conveyor sangat penting untuk memastikan aliran material yang stabil dan efisien. Faktor utama meliputi karakteristik material, sudut kemiringan, desain saluran, dan suplai udara. Perhitungan yang tepat membantu mengurangi konsumsi energi dan mencegah masalah operasional dalam industri semen dan material curah.