Pneumatic conveying systems are a popular alternative to traditional conveyor belts that move materials along a path. These systems can transfer dry bulk materials, like powders and granules, in an enclosed conveying line that is either vertical or horizontal. These systems work by pushing airflow that is supplied from a fan or blower combined with controlled air pressure.
What Are its Advantages?
Compared to mechanical conveyor belts and machinery, pneumatic conveying has multiple advantages, including the ability to include bends. This lets you fit the belt in around equipment already in place in your manufacturing plant. By comparison, mechanical conveying requires a straight path. Additionally, pneumatic conveyors take up less room and are completely enclosed, meaning you don’t have to worry about dust flying out of them. There are also fewer moving parts, which makes maintenance much easier.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Despite these advantages, pneumatic conveying does use more horsepower than mechanical alternatives because of the changing air pressure. It also needs a larger system for dust collection, and these systems won’t work for all types of materials. For example, you can’t use pneumatic conveying with high-density or large materials or with sticky materials.
How Should You Choose a System?
You will want to figure out whether you need a dense or dilute-phase pneumatic conveyor, and this decision will depend on the material you plan on conveying. After that, you have to think about the plant and decide the length and route of the system and whether there are objects blocking this path. Don’t forget to consider whether you can access the system easily for maintenance.