chute design

huangyhg

chute design
i am looking for information on design of a stepped chute to carry a bulk material discharged from a conveyor. how are the chute dimensions calculated knowing the material properties? i also know the chute angle.
the material is being discharged from a valve that has a discharge opening of 4sqft. do i just match that area the whole way down? the chute is at a 50 degree slope with a stepped "rock box" bottom to reduce wear.
thanks in advance.  
suggest to look into hydraulic structure design handbooks, specifically open channel flow.
you might find something useful if you look under silo design.
also check the conveyor equipment manufacturers' association (cema) publications.  they'll probably have something on it.
your question about opening size depends on relative velocity.  if the material will fall down the rock-box slide faster than it is coming off of the conveyor, it could actually be smaller than the 4 sq. ft.  at the top of the chute, don't forget to figure in trajectory - you don't want the material hitting the top of your chute and wearing it out there...
if you "heard" it on the internet, it's guilty until proven innocent. - dcs
thanks for your time...
design solid material chutes with easily replaced liners. "chromgard" stainless steel plates are recommended for this liner function.