Why is my invention jamming?

Community Bar Sport
1

Hi folks, I'm developing this sand fountain sculpture but I'm running into a problem, I've developed a homemade sandblaster to insert inside my sculpture so it can do its job and spit the sand out. Here is a diagram of how it works:

My compressor is not very powerful, in fact it's an aquarium compressor and my pipes are like a quarter inch in diameter,the problem is that, sometimes it works everything works perfectly, the sand gushes nicely and sometimes it becomes all jammed, the sand goes nowhere. I'm asking you folks, if anyone here has any experience on granular physics, or have a good mind for it, what could I do to make the sand flows smoothly. Thanks!

2

Also if anyone has a better idea of a more appropriate place (meaning, internet forum) people could have a better mind for this would be nice too.

3

I have no idea of where to look but from experience wet sand and sharp sand is much 'claggier' than dry.

I would suggest trying fine kiln dried sand used for patios etc.

Try looking at how shot blasting hoppers are designed.

4

Boardburner2:
I have no idea of where to look but from experience wet sand and sharp sand is much 'claggier' than dry.

I would suggest trying fine kiln dried sand used for patios etc.

Try looking at how shot blasting hoppers are designed.

Well, I've said fountain only to illustrate it better, but there is not water involved in my invention, only desert dry sand, it's very fine. Thank you

5

What if you added a vibrating motor to the sand tank.

6

robotix3:
What if you added a vibrating motor to the sand tank.

Thank you for your suggestion, but what you think this would influence? Make the sand less prone to clogging?

7

bogoio:
Thank you for your suggestion, but what you think this would influence? Make the sand less prone to clogging?

Google 'fluidized bed'.
I doubt that you'd get that effect with a vibration motor, ultrasound would be a better bet.

8

Henry_Best:
ultrasound would be a better bet.

In order to me make the sand less prone to clogging: yes, I think so

9

Boardburner2:
Try looking at how shot blasting hoppers are designed.

sandy.JPG