How To Use Pneumatic Conveying System?

Pneumatic conveying systems are a modern marvel in material handling, utilizing a network of pneumatic conveying systems powered by air to transport various products. These systems are particularly adept at moving powders or granules, employing a clever interplay of airflow and pressure within closed loop pneumatic conveying system sealed conduits.

Working Principle Of Closed Loop Pneumatic Conveying System

In a closed loop pneumatic conveying system, materials are moved through a closed pipe or tubing using an inert gas. Here’s how it works:

• Material Encapsulation: The material to be conveyed is enclosed within the piping system, ensuring containment throughout the conveying process.
• Inert Gas Movement: An inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, is employed to carry the material through the closed loop system. This gas serves as the driving force for material transportation.
• Recirculation: Unlike open systems where the conveying gas is released into the atmosphere after use, in a closed loop system, the gas is recirculated. After completing its conveying task, the gas is returned to the system for reuse, minimizing waste and ensuring efficiency.
• Continuous Operation: The closed loop system allows for continuous operation without the need for additional gas supply or discharge points. This continuous circulation of gas facilitates uninterrupted material conveying.
• Controlled Environment: By keeping the material and gas contained within the closed loop system, a controlled environment is maintained. This helps prevent contamination of the material and ensures a clean and safe working environment.

How Industries Use Pneumatic Conveying Systems?

Using Pneumatic Conveying Systems for Abrasives like Sugar

Industries that handle abrasive materials such as sugar use pneumatic conveying systems ardently. These systems employ air or gas to gently transport the abrasive particles from one location to another without causing damage to the material or the conveying equipment. By using a carefully controlled flow of air or gas, the sugar granules are suspended and carried through a network of pipes, allowing for efficient and safe movement within food processing facilities and manufacturing plants.

Transporting Materials with Heavy Bulk Densities Using Pneumatic Conveying Systems

Industries that deal with dense, heavy materials like cement or various ores often use pneumatic conveying systems to move these substances effectively. The systems utilize powerful air or gas flows to lift and propel the heavy particles through pipes or channels. This method eliminates the need for extensive manual labor and reduces the risk of damage to the materials during transportation. Pneumatic conveying systems play a vital role in optimizing productivity and efficiency in sectors such as construction, mining, and manufacturing, where the handling of dense bulk materials is essential.

Conveying Blended Products with Pneumatic Systems

Industries that produce fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals use pneumatic conveying system in transporting blended products. These systems ensure that the various components of the blend remain thoroughly mixed and evenly distributed throughout the conveying process. By maintaining a consistent flow and minimizing material separation, pneumatic conveying systems help maintain the desired quality and uniformity of the blended products.

Handling Certain Friable Materials like Carbon Black Prills via Pneumatic Conveying

Certain materials, such as carbon black prills used in rubber manufacturing and ink production, are delicate and easily crumbled or damaged during transportation. Pneumatic conveying systems offer a gentle solution for handling these friable materials. The systems use carefully controlled air or gas flows to gently lift and carry the carbon black prills, minimizing the risk of degradation or breakage caused by mechanical stress or impact.

Pneumatic Conveying of Plastic Pellets and Non-Continuous Delivery Products

Industries that process plastics and handle non-continuous delivery products use pneumatic conveying systems to provide precise control over material flow. These systems allow for the smooth and efficient transportation of plastic pellets or similar materials from one processing stage to another. By regulating the air or gas flow, the systems can meter the delivery of materials with high accuracy, minimizing waste and ensuring consistent production rates in the plastics processing and packaging sectors.

Simple Steps To Use Pneumatic Conveying System

• Fix pipes, hopper, blower, filters, and discharge points correctly.
• Put material into the hopper manually or with a machine feeder.
• Switch on the blower to blow air through the pipes.
• Adjust airflow speed and force for smooth material movement.
• Watch for blockages, leaks, or uneven flow through see-through sections.
• Control material feed rate for consistent flow without clogging.
• Separate material from the air at discharge using cyclones or filters.
• Reuse air by circulating it back to the blower (optional).
• Check for issues like pressure drop, inspect, and maintain regularly.
• Stop material feed, clear pipes, then switch off the blower.

Advantages Of Pneumatic Conveying System

• Long-distance capabilities: Pneumatic conveyors efficiently transport materials over extended horizontal or vertical distances.
• Space-efficient: Their compact design requires minimal floor space, facilitating easy installation in various environments.
• Versatility: Easily adaptable around existing equipment, enhancing their suitability for diverse applications.
• Dust control: Enclosed pipelines prevent dust dispersion, maintaining cleanliness in the surrounding area and safeguarding against contamination.
• Controlled atmosphere: Operators can maintain precise atmospheric conditions throughout the conveying process.
• Multiple pick-up and discharge points: Flexibility in handling materials with numerous entry and exit options.
• Simplified maintenance: With fewer moving parts, pneumatic conveying systems are easier to maintain compared to their mechanical counterparts.

Types Of Pneumatic Conveying System

Pneumatic conveying systems come in two main types: 

• Lean phase
• Dense phase
  

Lean phase systems are commonly used for transporting granules and powders. Within lean phase systems, there are two subcategories: dilute phase and medium phase. Dilute phase systems move materials with high gas speeds and low vacuum or pressure, making them suitable for non-abrasive materials with low bulk density like flour or light materials that are hard to break. Medium-phase systems have higher gas speeds and moderate vacuum or pressure, with a slightly higher concentration of solids.

Dense phase systems are preferred for delicate or fragile products. They operate at lower speeds to prevent damage from impacts. Instead of continuously flowing, dense phase systems use pulses of air to push the product through, requiring precise calculations for design and timing. The overall density, particle size, and length of the system influence the ratio of air to product in dense phase conveying. Understanding the differences between these types helps in selecting the most suitable conveying system for specific materials and applications.

Also Read: Unique benefits to Pressure and Vacuum Pneumatic Conveying System

How To Select The Right Pneumatic Conveying System?

Selecting the right pneumatic conveying system is important for safe and efficient material transport. Here are some things to think about:

• Material Type: Know what kind of material you’re moving. Consider its size, shape, how easily it breaks, how wet it is, if it’s rough, if it’s harmful, or if it could explode.
• Matching Equipment: Make sure the system you pick matches your material. Different materials need different equipment to move them effectively.
• Safety and Efficiency: Choose a system that works well and keeps everyone safe. Especially if you’re dealing with harmful or explosive materials.
• System Flexibility: It’s good to have a system that can handle different materials or changes in production needs. This makes your operation more efficient and saves money.
• Maintenance: Think about how much work it takes to keep the system running smoothly. Choosing one that needs less maintenance can save time and money.

Need A Pneumatic Conveying System? Choose Trimech India 

Trimech India’s Closed Loop Pneumatic Conveying System is crafted to meet the demands of various industries, particularly in handling materials like prills, flakes, or powder with specific characteristics such as being hygroscopic or hazardous. The system ensures that material transport is not only efficient but also prioritizes safety by minimizing the risk of explosions or contamination during production processes.

A standout feature of Trimech’s closed loop system is its capability to recover and reuse the conveying nitrogen gas, which not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to cost savings. By utilizing nitrogen as the conveying gas, the need for expensive explosion-prevention devices is eliminated, creating a safer work environment for personnel.

Conclusion

Industries use pneumatic conveying systems for efficient and safe material transport.  Considerations such as material type, matching equipment, safety, system flexibility, and maintenance requirements play key roles in making the best choice for your operations. Trimech India stands out as a reliable provider of Closed Loop Pneumatic Conveying Systems, offering top-notch solutions tailored to various industries’ needs.

FAQs

Q. What distinguishes the closed loop pneumatic conveying system, and how does it work?
A. The closed loop pneumatic conveying system stands out for its encapsulation of materials and utilization of inert gasses for movement, ensuring efficient and safe material transport. 

Q. What are the key advantages of using pneumatic conveying systems in various industries?
A. Pneumatic conveying systems offer numerous benefits, including enhanced safety and efficiency in material transport operations. 

Q. What materials do pneumatic conveying systems help transport?
A. Industries use pneumatic conveying systems for transporting abrasive materials, heavy bulk substances, blended products, delicate materials, plastic pellets, and non-continuous delivery products. 

Q. What factors should industries consider when selecting the right pneumatic conveying system?
A. When choosing a pneumatic conveying system, industries must carefully consider several factors: the material type being transported, equipment compatibility, safety features, system flexibility, and maintenance requirements.