Expertly designed and widely used in the chemicals, food and beverages, pet food, and detergents industries, pneumatic conveying systems efficiently transport powdered and bulk granular materials while minimizing loss. With a variety of conveyor types and its unique working principle, pneumatic conveying is the ideal solution for your material transportation needs.
What Is a Pneumatic Conveying System?
Pneumatic conveying is a method of transferring dry bulk materials (such as powders and granules) from one process area to another by utilizing pressure differential and gas flow, typically through the use of air. This is achieved by moving the materials through enclosed conveying pipelines using compressors, fans, or root blowers.
These means of air movement create a propulsion force to move the materials through the pipeline, requiring a pressure difference that is overcome with the use of conveyors or blowers. In this process, the airflow is controlled, allowing for easy and efficient material transfer while minimizing loss or damage.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Pneumatic Conveying System
One of the main benefits of using a pneumatic conveying system is its enclosed pipeline design, which ensures safety during material transfers. The system also has a minimal amount of moving parts, minimizing potential danger for operators and maintenance workers. It is also adaptable to existing equipment and can be easily set up in any space. Furthermore, pneumatic conveyor systems can route materials horizontally and vertically, making them a versatile option for long-distance transfers. The enclosed pipeline design also results in less spillage, dust leakage, and contamination, promoting better sanitation.
Maintenance is also straightforward due to the simple design and independent repair of each component. The lightweight and flexibility of the conveying lines make it ideal for custom designs and multiple infeed and destination points. However, it is not as energy-efficient as mechanical conveying systems and may require a larger dust collection system. Additionally, it is not suitable for wet or fragile materials.
How Does a Pneumatic Conveying System Work?
Pneumatic systems are specifically designed for various transportation methods, with energy being provided by pressure differential and airflow to move materials through the system. Pressure or vacuum is generated by the system’s air mover, located either at the start or end of the conveying line, to convey materials. This control over pressure and airflow allows for efficient material transport across specific distances.
A typical pneumatic conveyor system includes:
The feed vessel is where materials are picked up by the conveyor for transportation. The material can be picked up using either a pressure system or a vacuum system at the feed point. An air mover is then used to move the air through the tube, either through a pressure or vacuum conveying system. The transfer line is responsible for transferring materials from one destination to another.
Depending on the design of the pneumatic conveyor system, the transfer line may be straight or have bends and elbows to guide materials along a longer path. If there are elbows in the transfer line, additional blowers may be needed to assist in guiding the material through the tubes. The discharge vessel is where the material is collected after being discharged from the conveyor.
Types of Pneumatic Conveyors
There are two types of pneumatic conveyors: Dense Phase and Dilute Phase. Dense Phase conveyors utilize low velocity and high pressure to transport materials through pipes, where they gather at the bottom. They are capable of both pressure and vacuum conveying and are suitable for transporting highly abrasive, friable, and/or heavy substances like cement, chemicals, and metals.
Dilute Phase conveyors use high velocity to prevent materials from settling at the bottom, allowing them to remain suspended in the air as they travel through the pipes. The Dilute Phase method also offers both pressure and vacuum conveying and is best suited for transporting less abrasive substances, such as flour, pelletized products, resins, and sawdust.
Applications and Uses of Pneumatic Conveyor Systems
When determining the scope and designing & installing a pneumatic conveying system, it is crucial to carefully consider various factors to avoid costly mistakes. These include the material’s characteristics such as particle size distribution and shape, density, moisture content, and more. Additionally, the ambient air temperature, humidity, altitude, and system distance & throughput must be taken into account.
By considering these variables, you can select the most suitable system for your process and budget. If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us via email or phone and we will help you design a system that meets your exact specifications.