The flow characteristics of pulverized coal from a glass aeration silo was investigated.There existed a critical surface above the joint of bin and hopper during discharging.Plug flow was discovered above the critical surface in the experimental research

while pulverized coal flowed spirally under the critical surface randomly.The results showed that aeration gas had a great effect on mass flow rate and flow stability.There existed an appropriate location of aeration gas supply and superficial velocity.Gas pressure balance arching would form easily when the aeration gas supply was too low.Flow rate could be increased and flow stability could be improved by increasing silo pressure.Also increasing silo pressure could decrease the effect of the location of aeration gas supply and superficial velocity on flow rate and stability and could prevent the formation of gas pressure balance arching.