Pneumatic Conveying Saltation Velocity Calculator
Calculate horizontal dilute-phase saltation velocity, minimum safe conveying velocity, solids loading ratio, and blower CFM using the Rizk correlation.
Pipeline Diameter & Solids Flow
Air Properties & Transport Margin
Saltation & Minimum Air Velocity
| Rizk Saltation Velocity (V_s): | -- m/s |
| Solids Loading Ratio (μ = Ms / Mair): | -- kg solid / kg air |
| Saltation Froude Number (Fr_s): | -- |
| Required Free Air Delivery: | -- m³/h (-- SCFM) |
| Conveying Regime: | -- |
| Line Choking Risk Level: | -- |
Recommended Tools & Equipment
Tested hardware and components for high reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is saltation velocity in pneumatic conveying pipelines?
In horizontal dilute-phase pneumatic conveying, saltation velocity is the critical minimum gas velocity at which solid particles can no longer remain fully suspended in the turbulent air stream and begin dropping out, sliding, and bouncing along the bottom of the pipe. Below this speed, dunes form rapidly, escalating into catastrophic pipe line choking and blower stall.
How does the Rizk equation predict saltation velocity?
Formulated by F. Rizk in 1973, the Rizk equation correlates the saltation Froude number Fr_s = V_s / sqrt(g*D) to the solids loading ratio (mu = kg solid / kg air) and the particle-to-pipe diameter ratio (dp / D), providing the global standard for industrial pneumatic transport line sizing.
Why should dilute-phase conveying velocity not be set excessively high?
While running at high velocities (e.g. > 30 m/s) prevents line plugging, pipe abrasive wear scales with the cube to fourth power of velocity (Wear ~ V^3.5). Excessive velocity shatters brittle granules into useless dust, melts heat-sensitive plastics into "angel hair" strings, and punches holes through pipe elbows in a matter of weeks.