Conveying systems are an incredibly efficient way of moving goods around. They are found in numerous industries – notably manufacturing, food and beverages, logistics and packaging.
What is pneumatic conveying?
Pneumatic conveying systems use compressed air to move materials from one point to another e.g. from a truck to a silo, or around an industrial facility such as a factory or warehouse
Types of Pneumatic Conveying Systems
There are two main types of pneumatic conveying systems: lean phase, and dense phase.
Lean Phase Conveying Systems
Lean phase conveying utilises a fast, low-pressure airflow which suspends materials in the pipeline in what resembles a fluidised state. The materials are conveyed in what is known as the ‘dilute’ phase.
The main advantages of lean phase conveying are the relatively low power consumption, easy maintenance, replaceable spares, and no jamming of pipes.
There may be some particle attrition or segregation during the dilute phase, so this type of system is best suited to free-flowing materials which have lower sensitivity to the various handling forces.
There are a number of firms with expertise in conveying systems, including pneumatic conveying systems. Several of these companies also have useful online resources for your perusal, such as the examples seen here: https://www.aptech.uk.com/pneumatic-conveying-systems/.
Dense Phase Conveying Systems
Dense phase conveying utilises a slow, high-pressure airflow to propel materials through the pipeline. The materials are conveyed in either a slug or plug flow. Dense phase conveying is suited to materials that are fragile, abrasive, or cohesive. The key advantages of dense phase conveying are:
– Reduced degradation: these systems handle materials gently, preserving integrity and minimising degradation.
– Reduced wear and tear: the slow, controlled movement of the materials in these systems minimises equipment wear and tear. This, in turn, leads to reduced maintenance costs and extended lifespan.
– High efficiency: these systems are highly efficient, meaning that more material reaches its destination and there is less waste.
– Versatility: these systems can be used to move a variety of materials, ranging from fine powders to large granules.