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Dutch Smart Logistics: Application Of Automated Pneumatic Conveying System In Food Processing Industry

A pneumatic conveying system uses pressure differential and airflow (usually air) created by an air movements device like a fan, roots blower, or compressor to transfer dry bulk materials or powders through an enclosed pipeline. This method is commonly used in various industries such as food and beverage, pet food, chemicals, detergents, renewables, and specialist materials, offering a cost-effective solution for handling and transferring powdered and granular materials with minimal loss.

What are the categories of pneumatic conveying?
Pneumatic conveying is categorized into two types: lean phase and dense phase. Lean phase is the most commonly used method for transporting powders or granules and can be further divided into two categories: Dilute phase and Medium phase. Dilute phase involves conveying gas at high velocities of 17-18 m/s and low pressure or vacuum (usually below 0.1 barg). The particles remain fully suspended in the gas and the solids loading ratio is relatively low.

This method is suitable for non-abrasive materials with low bulk density and requires a fan or side channel blower/exhauster for air movement. On the other hand, Medium phase utilizes gas velocities of 17-18 m/s and pressure or vacuum up to 0.35 barg. The particles remain mostly suspended in the gas, but the solids loading ratio is still low. A Roots Blower/Exhauster is typically used for air movement in this type of conveying.

Dense phase conveying is characterized by conveying gas velocities between 6-18 m/s and conveying pressures above 1 barg. While at higher velocities, material particles can remain suspended, at lower velocities, material tends to come into contact with the pipe and move in waves or plugs. This method is often utilized for conveying materials over longer distances and at higher throughputs, as traditional air movement devices may not be effective in these situations.

Additionally, this type of conveying can be beneficial for fragile or abrasive materials, as it minimizes potential damage. Common air movement devices include compressors and liquid ring pumps.

What does a pneumatic conveying system include?
Material introduction point, piping, a receiving point, and a gas flow movement device.
Advantages of pneumatic conveying.
The pneumatic conveying system offers increased flexibility compared to a mechanical conveying system, allowing for routing around existing equipment. It can be utilized as a vertical or horizontal system, making it suitable for long-distance transport. As the system is enclosed, it minimizes dust emissions to the atmosphere and protects conveyed material from external contaminants.

Additionally, pneumatic conveying systems are easier and more cost-effective to maintain due to their fewer moving parts. It also allows for the maintenance of a controlled atmosphere around the material and reduces wear and damage to fragile materials due to its ability to handle abrasive materials. Furthermore, its compact design takes up less floor space, making it easier to install and allowing for multiple pick-up and discharge points.

Disadvantages of pneumatic conveying.
As a product or industry expert, I will explain how pneumatic conveying systems require adjusting air pressure to generate conveying power, leading to lower efficiency compared to mechanical conveyors. Although these systems can handle smaller volumes, they may face difficulties when transferring larger volumes of materials. Due to the need to extract dust at the system’s end, a larger dust collection system may be necessary. Additionally, pneumatic conveying may not be suitable for materials with high bulk densities, larger particles, or stickiness/wetness.

Things to consider when looking at your application.
The product’s description includes details on particle size distribution, shape, air humidity, moisture content, angles of flow, slip, and repose, density, fluidisation, hardness/friability, temperature, concentration, and system throughput and distance. These aspects are all important factors to consider, and the merchant may provide additional instructions to guide you in rewriting this information.

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