Direct on-line measurement of wall friction of coal as an indicator of handleability (2009)

This project was led by Professor M Bradley, assisted by Dr R Berry, Dr John Pillai and Tata Steel

This project adapted a technique for the measurement of plate abrasion into a measurement of friction as the bulk solid is conveyed on a belt underneath the plate. The objective was to use continuous on-line measurement of wall friction (wall adhesion) to predict flow problems e.g. material build in transfer chutes and bunkers. This instrument was developed from lab to industrial scale and was subsequently trialled successfully on coal transfer belts at power stations and steel works.