What is pneumatic conveying?
Pneumatic conveying refers to the utilization of compressed air to transport bulk materials via pipelines from one location to another, such as from a truck to a silo or throughout an industrial complex. Although this concept may initially seem straightforward, it is actually quite complex. Various pneumatic conveying systems operate using different air pressures, and selecting the appropriate one hinges on the specific material being conveyed and the distance it needs to travel. Choosing the optimal pneumatic conveying system yields significant advantages for businesses in terms of investment, operational costs, and environmental impact. What suits one application perfectly may be highly inefficient for another.
Pneumatic conveying applications
Pneumatic conveying is a versatile term encompassing various applications, which are also known by other names such as bulk unloading, truck unloading, and silo fluidization. Bulk unloading pertains to the procedure of discharging bulk materials from a truck or train. On the other hand, silo fluidization involves introducing air into a silo under very low pressure, causing the material inside to exhibit fluid-like behavior, thereby facilitating the unloading process of the silo.
What are the different ways in which materials can be pneumatically conveyed?
Pressure conveying
Pressure conveying, also known as positive conveying, entails utilizing compressed air to propel bulk materials through a pipeline. Imagine cement being dispensed from a silo into a pipeline at the initiation point of the pneumatic conveying process. From there, a compressor or blower, which can be either stationary or mobile, propels the cement through the entire length of the pipeline or hose, including various types of bends. This technique is particularly advantageous for covering extensive distances.
Vacuum conveying
Vacuum conveying, alternatively known as negative conveying, involves the utilization of compressed air to “pull” bulk materials through a pipeline. In this setup, the compressor or blower is positioned at the final stage of the process. A notable advantage of this method is the absence of direct contact between the compressed air and the conveyed material, thereby preventing contamination. Furthermore, the product remains unexposed to the heat produced during the air compression process. However, it is worth noting that the range covered by this technique is somewhat restricted.
The different phases of pneumatic conveying
A phase in pneumatic conveying refers to the way the material moves through the piping network. There are three different phases in pneumatic conveying: dilute (A), dense (B) and transient (C).
Find out more about the different phases in pneumatic conveying.
Materials matter
Pneumatic conveying excels in transporting bulk materials, yet it is evident that each material possesses unique characteristics. By gaining insight into the specific needs of the material being conveyed, you can ensure the preservation of your product’s quality and the enhancement of your process’s efficiency.