Solid bulk cargo liquefaction: Stability of liquid bridges

Abstract

This work focuses on investigating the correlation between the evolution of liquid bridges and moisture migration in solid bulk cargo liquefaction. We experimentally investigate the stability of liquid bridges in static and dynamic particles. The liquid-holding capacity of static particles is determined, and the formation and fracturing of liquid bridges are related to the particle distribution and particle radius. The spacing of the bottom particles determines the maximum liquid-holding capacity, while the space between the upper particles and the bottom particles determines the fracture position. The particles with larger radii have an increased liquid-holding capacity and a low volumetric moisture content, which confirms that cargo that consists entirely of large particles would be apt to have seepage and would not liquefy. Moisture migration for pendular and funicular liquid bridges during stretching and squeezing is captured. We indicate that the fusion behavior of liquid bridges is an important inducement for moisture migration, and it dramatically decreases the liquid-holding capacity. The findings suggest that cargo with low water content would still cause liquefaction, and that the water content should be reduced further for the safe transport of solid bulk cargo.