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Basically, it is a process where powder and granule products can be moved through a fluid, in this case air, from a certain collection point to another desired point.
In diluted phase it can be divided into two cases, they are:
The product is transported continuously at high pressure (0.6 to 1 bar) and high speed (16 to 30 m/s), this is due to a low mixing ratio between kg of product/kg of air, i.e., there is a lot of air for little product, so in the diluted phase the material particles are suspended in the air inside the pipe.
In order to provide the necessary flow and pressure values for the system, it is necessary to inject air into the piping through blowers or fans, normally located at the beginning of the system.
It is common for hygroscopic products such as sugar to use dehumidifiers and coolers due to the injection of hot air by the blower, in these cases, a vacuum system (negative pressure) may also be more suitable.
Positive pressure conveying systems are used to transport materials from one or multiple sources and primarily, but not limited to, varied destinations.
Positive pressure systems are also suitable for transporting granules and powders, the material is loaded into the line through a sealed system, they are more commonly applied to less abrasive products due to the wear that will be generated on the equipment, but with a correct dimensioning of the curves and appropriate heat treatment it can also be aplied, depending on technical expertise and evaluation.
Due to the high speed and pressure, it is also not suitable for very fragile products where their physical properties may be lost due to impact, which is often undesirable.
It is mostly used for medium-high capacities and long distances.
Positive pressure example |
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This option works in the opposite way to positive pressure, as the product is transported through a vacuum created inside the system to “pull” the material present in the pipe.
It operates at lower pressure values (-0.2 to -0.5 bar) and speed values similar to positive pressure.
As it is a system that operates at low pressure, it has simpler valves; on the other hand, they require larger filtration systems due to a greater air flow rate.
Vacuum (negative pressure) conveying systems are primarily used, but not limited to, for transporting materials from multiple sources to a single destination.
This option becomes ideal when the material is not hygroscopic or undergoes changes at high temperatures due to not “throwing” hot air into the line and also for more abrasive products according to adjustments similar to positive pressure.
Another of its advantages is a lower propensity for leaks, as it works at pressures lower than atmospheric.
It is used for medium-low capacities and medium and short distances.
Vaccum/negative pressure example |
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In general, pneumatic transport is a succinct system, the main equipment that makes it up is:
Various other equipment can be used in the system, but does not necessarily have a direct relationship with its operation, such as silos, bag-receiving hoppers, micro-ingredient dosers, insect destroyers, among others.
Rotary valve
The product is introduced through the valve into the duct network, where sufficient air velocity is required to keep the particles in suspension and transport the product to its final destination. We have a variety of options that include heavy, reinforced, hygienic and easy-to-clean lines. |  |
Flow diverter/converter valve
It has two designs, being diverter or flow converter, in the diverter design an input diverges into two possible outputs, in the converter two inputs converge into one output. |  |
Pulse-jet microfilter
There are several configuration options for each situation, from the sleeve model to the variation of its sleeve fixing devices, with cyclone entry and also in conical gravimetric weghing scale format. |  |
The main advantages of this type of process are its versatility of customization through curves, tubes, among other components, which means that the need for space for installation is small, thus making crossing long and winding routes much easier than mechanical transport, in addition, it can meet a wide range of line capacities, we have cases installed at distances greater than 300 meters and capacities of up to 40 ton/h.
As it is a practical way of transport, it also has a reduced cost when compared to other options, it is a closed system and having a well-sized system prevents contamination of the transported product as it becomes a self-cleaning line where there is no material acumulation points.
Some products already transported
Check out some products already transported for reference. |  |
In general, pneumatic transport is a simple system, but it has specific sizing details, such as saltation velocity, equipment design characteristics, among others, so a small forgotten detail should generate some failure in the system, be it a leak, loss of pressure, not meeting capacity and several other problems, so there is nothing better than a partner with know-how and expertise in the subject.
If you want to know more or get help and advice to make your work easier, get in touch with our experts and let us design while you produce.
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