What is a Pneumatic Conveying System?
A pneumatic conveying system represents a configuration designed to transport dry bulk materials, such as grains and powders, within an enclosed pipeline. The necessary force for this transfer is supplied by differential pressure and the flow of gases like nitrogen.
Materials that can be efficiently conveyed through this system must be dry, encompassing a wide range of substances including cement, flour, sand, plastic pellets, chemicals, minerals, as well as various food products.
What Does a Pneumatic Conveying System Consist?
The comprehensive system typically encompasses components such as an air mover (e.g., a blower), a feeder, a conveyance line, a dust collection unit, and a receptacle for gathering the material at the final destination.
Advantages of a Pneumatic Conveying System
A pneumatic conveying system boasts several advantages. Firstly, its small diameter pipeline allows for its construction around existing equipment, minimizing space occupation. Secondly, with limited moving parts, maintenance and troubleshooting become relatively straightforward. Additionally, the system poses minimal risk to both operators and maintenance personnel.
The enclosed nature of the pipeline ensures minimal dust and leakage, rendering the process exceptionally clean. Furthermore, spillage is drastically reduced, leading to minimal waste. The material is transported swiftly within the pipes by air, enhancing efficiency.
Contamination of the conveyed material is highly unlikely due to the enclosed pipeline system. Lastly, the system’s simplicity offers a versatile layout for the entire process.
Reservations with a Pneumatic Conveying System
While pneumatic conveying systems are generally effective for transporting materials, there are several key considerations to keep in mind during installation:
Firstly, pneumatic systems demand significantly more horsepower compared to mechanical systems. This is due to the substantial amount of power required to alter air pressure for operation.
Secondly, as pneumatic systems necessitate the separation of conveyed materials from the conveying air at the destination, a larger dust collection system is essential compared to that of mechanical conveying systems.
Moreover, certain sticky materials such as titanium dioxide, as well as materials with large particles and high bulk density, like rocks and gravel, are not suitable for pneumatic conveyors.
Lastly, pneumatic conveying is not ideal for combustible bulk solids, as they can pose a fire hazard when suspended in the air. Therefore, safety precautions must be rigorously implemented throughout the entire operation to ensure safety.
Components of a Pneumatic Conveying System
Pneumatic Conveyors are Composed of These Main Parts:
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- At the system’s inception, motorized compressors and fans are employed to generate the necessary airflow and pressure required for material conveyance.
- Valves are installed to prevent the compressed air within the system from reversing back into the compressor area, ensuring a unidirectional flow.
- Gauges and regulators, operated via computer, monitor the PSI of the air inside the compressor, ensuring optimal pressure levels.
- A feeder system is utilized to introduce material into the conveyor without introducing any contaminants, maintaining material purity.
- Pipelines serve as the conduit through which material is transported to its final destination.
- Buffer tanks and accumulators store compressed air, mitigating irregular airflow spikes in the actuators, commonly cylinders and plungers, ensuring smooth operation.
- A material-gas separator is implemented to divide the solid material from the air, depositing the material into silos for storage.
- Lump-breakers are used to disintegrate material clumps, promoting a seamless flow through the system and preventing blockages or accumulations.
- Storage units, such as silos, hold the separated material throughout the process, ensuring it remains accessible and organized.
Pneumatic Accessories
Accessories serve as the integral components in assembling a conveyor system, encompassing a range of essential elements:
● Dump valves and terminal boxes, strategically positioned at the inception of the conveyor system, function as the termination points for transfer pipes.
● Dome and switch valves offer versatility by enabling the redirection of materials to two or more final destinations.
● Tube valves further enhance this flexibility, diverting the flow of materials to various locations as required.
● Density stabilizers play a crucial role in facilitating the conveying process by fluidizing the material, thereby smoothening the operation.
● Rotary vent valves, characterized by their abrasive nature, are indispensable during the conveyance of products.
A pneumatic conveyor stands as an efficient means of transporting bulk materials from one location to another. With its myriad applications, it introduces remarkable efficiency and convenience wherever material handling is necessary.