SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRODUCT CONVEYANCE IN RESPONSE TO NEAR-PLUG DETECTION

A near-plug monitoring system includes particle flow rate sensors coupled to or downstream of a distribution header, wherein the distribution header is coupled to a primary distribution line and a plurality of secondary distribution lines, the distribution header is configured to receive a flow of a granular product from the primary distribution line and to divert the flow of the granular product among the secondary distribution lines. The system includes a controller configured to receive feedback from the particle flow rate sensors, to determine a real-time flow rate of the granular product in the secondary distribution lines, to determine if a near-plug condition is occurring in at least one secondary distribution line based on the real-time flow rate, and to automatically provide a control signal to alter one or more operating parameters of the pneumatic conveyance system when the near-plug condition is occurring to resolve the near-plug condition.