The pulse-elevator: A pump for granular materials. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xuan; Worrall, Kevin; Vedanthu, Aditya; Scott-George, Andrew; Harkness, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 200(2022)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Granular conveyor -- Micro-throwing -- Planetary drilling; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.07.052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Granular materials include fuels, foods, feedstocks, and raw materials, and they are frequently created in drilling, exploration, and comminution. However, despite this ubiquity, they can be much more difficult to transport than other materials. Screw conveyors can be used, as can bailing, gas-blowing, and vibro-conveyors, but all have issues related to some combination of complexity, inclination, differential friction, and torque reaction. We propose an entirely new concept: a combination of the vibro-conveyor and the Tesla valve. This 'pulse-elevator' is a single piece of inert material, it can operate vertically, it does not depend upon frictional interactions, and it is effectively torqueless. This paper describes the mechanism in analytical, numerical, and experimental terms, and then illustrates two successful experimental use cases: powder uplift from a hopper, and the replacement of augering in a rock-drilling application. These cases are particularly relevant for the facilitation of ISRU and subsurface exploration in space. Highlights: A new pump for granular materials has been proposed, based on the Tesla Valve. The performance of the pump has been characterised. The pump has the potential to compete with the auger in many applications. The pump can uplift granular materials from a hopper. The pump can be incorporated into a drillbit and lift spoil from the bottom of the hole.