Pneumatic conveying is a reliable innovative system for transportation and handling bulk solids in the form of grains or powders. By utilizing the air pressure, these technology-based transportation are commonly used in renowned industries, like chemicals, food, and beverage, and more. This guide goes deeper to discuss the technology behind the system highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, and the types of systems available.
What is a Pneumatic Conveying System?
Bulk Material Handling systems through pneumatic conveying are used in Industries to transfer dry bulk solids and powders from one location to single and/or multiple locations. It is convenient for huge volumes at a much faster rate and with critical layouts. Material handling systems are designed as per specifications and suitability of wide range of industries.
Key Components of Pneumatic Conveying Systems
- Conveying Line: Pipes or tubes that transport the material from the feed point to the discharge point
- Air Movers: Equipment that blowers, fans, and compressors is a part of which creates the difference in pressure required like those devices
- Feed Equipment: Feed equipment like Rieco Jumbo bag unloading station, Bag Emptying machine, Tanker unloading system for loading material into the conveying plant
- Vent filters: Used for air-dust separation ensuring the dust-free working environment
Advantages of Pneumatic Conveying
Flexibility and Space Efficiency
Pneumatic conveyors can convey the bulk solids vertically and horizontally to cover long distances, they are very easy to adapt to different speed and height requirements. The compact design of pipelines also makes for small space requirements whereas the system can be incorporated into the existing system without too many alterations.
Enclosed System Benefits
In a pneumatic conveying system, the environment would have been virtually free of harmful dust and pollutants since the system is completely enclosed, and the facility would have been maintained in a controlled atmosphere. Such technology is absolutely vital in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where the quality and safety of a product are the most important things.
Maintenance and Operational Ease
If pneumatic conveyors do not have conveyor belts moving, and instead air and product movements are the means of transporting goods, then they are much simpler to repair due to fewer moving parts. The presence of multiple pickup and discharge points can result in the flexibility of the manufacturing process and therefore high productivity.
Types of Pneumatic Conveying Systems
Pneumatic conveying systems are separated into two main categories: dilute phase and dense phase. Each of them serves different materials and needs. Let’s understand the difference between Dilute Phase vs Dense Phase pneumatic conveying systems.
Dilute Phase Conveying
Our Dilute or Lean pneumatic conveying systems function by utilizing low-pressure and high-velocity operations to transfer materials. This conveying technique is particularly effective for moving non-friable and non-abrasive materials that are suspended in air, utilizing a minimal material to air ratio.
For low bulk density powders that have fine particulates and less air retention capabilities, we offer dilute mode conveying. In this mode, the material to air ratio is significantly low, thus ensuring the materials are conveyed in a state of suspension.
Dense Phase Conveying
Our dense-phase pneumatic conveying system efficiently transfers materials at high pressure, low velocity, and a high product-air ratio. It is particularly well-suited for conveying friable, fragile, abrasive, or agglomerated materials.
The key advantage of our Dense Phase Conveying System is its ability to transport bulk solids over long distances from single or multiple locations to single or multiple points while minimizing material degradation. Unlike mechanical conveying systems, our solution offers the added benefit of long-distance transportation. It also minimizes wear and tear on both the system and the conveyed product, making it ideal for abrasive materials.
Our solutions are highly customizable to meet the specific requirements of process and industrial applications. We serve a wide range of industries and applications, with installations not only in India but also overseas.
Conclusion
Conveying bulk solids through pneumatic systems has become an important technology for moving bulk materials in a wide range of industries. Its resourcefulness, compactness, and low cost of maintenance present it as a primary choice. Gaining insight into the different types of conveying units and the utilization of their applications is assured of the high efficiency and extended life of the conveying apparatus.
For everything connected with how pneumatic conveying technologies can be of use to your manufacturing demands, it is essential that you seek advice from our professionals. We are experienced in the implementation and customization of designs that cover a broad range of application areas.