It’s important for industries to have an efficient method of handling different types of bulk powdered and granular products. This should be done at a reasonable cost and with minimal loss compared to other systems. This is where pneumatic conveying comes in. Read on to see more details of pneumatic conveying, including what it is and the different types that exist, as well as its benefits.
What is Pneumatic Conveying?
Pneumatic conveying is a method used in the industrial setting to move granular and powdered bulk products. A pneumatic conveying system uses a series of pipelines that pump air to move products. Products can be readily conveyed without worrying about loss or damage by managing the negative and positive airflow.
How Do Pneumatic Conveyors Function?
The main basis of pneumatic conveyors is using ducts and pipes to transport bulk materials on a stream of air. Air flowing through the ducts or pipes transmits a force of propulsion on the bulk material, effectively moving it through the conveying line. To ensure that this is done effectively, it’s necessary to have a pressure difference between the pipeline’s beginning and end.
Compressors and conveying blowers are used to overcome the pressure difference and keep the system running. Both the design and the length of the system dictate the height of the pressure difference that should be applied. The concentration of the material within the conveying line is also put into consideration.
Types of Pneumatic Conveying
There are different types of pneumatic conveying systems to choose from. The one that you choose depends on the specific application that you need because each includes different functions. It’s advisable to approach the engineers at Sodimate for guidance on the best option to pick for an effective system that fits the bill. Two types of pneumatic conveying systems are the dilute phase and the dense phase.
Dilute Phase
These types of pneumatic conveying systems use gas velocities that are higher than 17-18 m/s and that have a lower vacuum or conveying pressure that’s below 0.1 barg. In a dilute phase conveying system, the particles of the material being conveyed are suspended wholly in the air or gas stream. This type of conveying system is best for conveying non-abrasive materials that have a low bulk density. Some of the applications of the dilute phase are conveying products that don’t break easily and those that have a light bulk density.
Dense Phase
Dense phase conveying systems are perfect for moving fragile or sensitive products. This is because the material is moved at lower velocities, and this prevents the product from getting impact damage. Dense phase systems push the material through the system using air pulses followed by a pulse of the air and product. These systems call for more precise calculations in terms of design and proper timing to get the perfect outcome.
Benefits of Pneumatic Conveying
Pneumatic conveying has several benefits in the industry. These include
Easy Installation
They’re easy to install and start-up because they need less floor space to set up. They can be routed more easily because the design of pipe transfer lines is compact.
Less Spillage and Dust Leakage
They result in less spillage and dust leakage thanks to their enclosed nature. Dust, therefore, has a lower likelihood of getting into the surrounding area while also making sure that no contaminants get into the pipeline.
Energy Efficient
They are substantially more energy efficient than other mechanical systems because they employ the kinetic energy of the air inside a closed system, which has a low negative environmental impact and causes very little material loss.
Operate with Low Pressure
They operate with low pressure and are also safer to use because they have fewer moving parts. For this reason, maintenance workers and operators are at a lower level of risk.
Transfer over Long Distances
They can be used to transfer bulk material over long distances, either vertically or horizontally. This means that these systems have a very wide range of applications.
Industrial Applications of Pneumatic Conveying
Pneumatic conveying is important in the industrial setting and has several potential applications. Some of them are outlined below:
Food Industry
These systems are favoured in the food industry because of their adaptability and high standards of hygiene. Because of this, these systems are ideal for transporting goods like rice, corn, sugar, flour, cereal, and spices.
Chemical Industry
From the beginning of the process to the finish, there are various stages in the chemical business. The correct pneumatic conveying system makes these processes, which include unloading, filtering, and bagging, very simple to complete.
Mining Industry
In the mining industry, various bulk materials with different natures, sizes, and requirements can each be conveyed most safely and efficiently as possible.
Agriculture Industry
In the agriculture industry, to make sure that things such as fertilizer, animal feed, and more are conveyed effectively from one point to the next in the production process.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, powders, and materials of all natures can be handled safely and hygienically.
At Sodimate, we manufacture and set up pneumatic conveying systems that are the best alternative to screw conveyors when the installation needs complex paths as well as a high injection point. That said, our team is ready to help you get the best pneumatic conveying system set up and therefore help you to revolutionize your industry’s performance. Speak to our experts to get started.
