Signal modelling and algorithms for parameter estimation in pneumatic conveying

Capacitive measurement principles offer a non-invasive approach to determine particle velocity as well as particle concentration in pneumatic conveying. In order to assess the quality of a reconstruction method, it is mandatory to know the prevailing velocity and concentration profiles. For particulate bulk solids transportation, accurate reference systems are either not available or very expensive. Based on measurement data, a signal model of the particle flow is developed for dilute phase and dense phase conveying. These models are used to demonstrate the applicability of proposed algorithms for parameter determination — a cross-correlation technique for dilute phase and a two-step approach using the Fourier transform for dense phase.