Pneumatic conveyors transfer powders, granules, and other dry bulk materials through a pipeline. They are alternatives to mechanical conveyors like belt and vibrating rays. These technologies depend on pressure differential and the flow of gas like air or nitrogen to move substances through a flexible pipeline that has different diameters. By controlling the positive or negative pressure and the airflow inside the conveying line, pneumatic systems can move materials successfully with minimal damage or loss.
Benefits of Pneumatic Conveying
A pneumatic conveying system is totally enclosed and can be moved easily to fit around existing equipment. Its benefits include the following:
- Ease of routing. A pneumatic conveyor allows users to route the system any way they like. It can run horizontally or vertically and can cover long distances. Also, it is easy to design around existing equipment and obstructions.
- Because a pneumatic conveying system is easy to adjust to existing equipment, users do not have to start from scratch. Also, the system does not take up lots of floor space. It makes it possible to set up for multiple pick-up points and discharges.
- Ease of maintenance. Pneumatic systems only have five main parts that can be repaired independently, allowing for quicker maintenance and limited downtime.
Kinds of Pneumatic Conveying Systems
When choosing a pneumatic conveying system, the following are the options available:
- Dilute phase pneumatic conveying. In this form of conveying, particles are full suspended in the conveying air and moved at a low pressure and high velocity. The system uses high velocities to fluidise the produce in an air or gas stream and uses a higher air-product ratio. Its applications include conveying long distances, multiple pick-up and discharge points, as well as batch-weigh systems.
- Dense phase pneumatic conveying. This system is the ideal choice when conveying fragile or sheer-sensitive products. It is designed to operate at low velocities to reduce product breakage and sheering. Lower velocity conveying translates to less wear and tear of material and the system. The typical velocity of this system is in the range of 400 ft./min. to 2,000 ft./min.
The scope, design, and installation of pneumatic conveying systems can be complex. Many variables must be taken into account and mistakes can be costly at the outset and down the line. This makes it important to read more about systems design and installation as well as talking to an experienced engineer. This is the key to having a system that works for the process, budget, and organisation as a whole.
