THE EFFECT OF A CONICAL BIN INSERT ON FLOW PATTERNS OF GROUND FEED INA MODEL BIN

Tests were conducted to study the flow behavior of ground feed in a co rrugated steel bin with a bin insert (flow enhancing device). The bin was 1.5 m high by 1.0 m in diameter, with a 45 degrees hopper and it w as instrumented with diaphragm pressure transducers for measuring late ral pressures on the bin wall. The insert was tested at three location s: 260, 290, and 510 mm from the outlet. Ratholing occurred and flow s topped completely when the bin insert was not present in the bin. The material flow was continuous when the insert was installed at the bin- to-hopper transition. Installation of the bin insert did not cause any significant changes in either static or dynamic pressures on the bin wall.