19 October 2016

5 Things to Know About Pneumatic Conveying of Solids

By

You may have come across automated – or pneumatic – systems for transporting systems, but what do you know about them? Our guide will get you started and tell you what you need to know.

Image Credit

What Are They?

Pneumatic conveyor systems are used in a variety of industrial applications and allow solid materials to be transferred safely in a closed system. The technology uses vacuum and pressure together to convey the solid materials, and the equipment will transport them from their source location through to the destination area in a way that is both efficient and controlled. This equipment makes the handling of solids far safer and easier than old-fashioned manual handling.

What Are They Used For?

A pneumatic system is evidently different from a manual one, but it is also different from mechanical conveying systems too. This is the case on a number of fronts. Pneumatic conveyors have the advantage of simplicity, whereas mechanical conveyors tend to be more complex.

The pneumatic variety is also highly flexible and can be integrated into an existing industrial process. It also needs minimal space in which to operate and has fewer moving parts to worry about whilst operating in a closed system. Find out more at: http://www.aptech.uk.com/pneumatic-conveying/.

What Different Types Are There?

There are two categories of pneumatic systems: dilute phase conveying for high-velocity material conveying, and dense phase conveying, which is used for lower-velocity conveying. The latter system needs far less energy. The former has high energy requirements and isn’t suitable for conveying abrasive parts.

How Can You Choose the Right System?

This will depend on your process type and the application. Users will need to first measure the requirements, which will include pipeline bore, material properties, pressure availability, conveying distance, transfer capacity rate and so forth. This is a technical process carried out by specialists.

Will It Work for My Process and Product?

Pneumatic conveyors work well for a variety of materials, including food products, chemicals, minerals, cement, flour, sand, plastic pellets and more. They tend not to be suitable, however, for sticky substances. A supply company will send out an assessor to review your needs and process as required and to establish which type of system from their range might work best for your particular needs.