Pneumatic Conveying Systems

What is a Pneumatic Conveying System ?

A pneumatic conveying system is a process by which bulk materials of almost any type are transferred or injected using a gas flow as the conveying medium from one or more sources to one or more destinations (silo, hopper, ground, truck, bag, bigbag, etc.)

A well designed pneumatic conveying system is a practical and a cost efficient method of transporting materials from one point to another. In these systems, materials do not pass through fast moving parts unlike some other mechanical systems (belt conveyors, screw conveyors, vibrating conveyors, drag conveyors, bucket elevators, etc.). In this way, any damage to transported products are prevented . That is the reason it is preferred by many industries to ensure their resources and products are safely transferred.

Dilute Phase Conveying

Dilute phase pneumatic conveying is described as the process of pushing (pressure) or pulling (vacuum) particles in air from one location to another. The particles are transferred continuously at a low pressure and a high velocity. Products commonly conveyed in dilute phase systems are flours, resins and compounds, special chemicals, ground feeds, and granular and pelletized products.

Dilute-Phase Pressure Conveying

In pressure conveying systems, pumps like positive displacement roots blowers  or multistage centrifugal blowers are used to supply pressurized air up to 1 bar to convey bulk materials. Rotary airlocks, venturi eductors and similar equipment used to feed the material into the pipeline. The granular or powdered particles are then transferred continuously at a low pressure and a high velocity. Dilute phase pressure conveying sysems are one of the most used systems in pneumatic conveying.

Dilute-Phase Vacuum Conveying

This method is generally used to convey materials that are eligible to compact or compress together under pressure. In this type, the vacuum pump is placed at the end of the pipeline to ensure the suction. In addition, the materials to be transferred can be vacuumed from ground, stockpile and open trucks by this method.

Dense Phase Conveying

Dense Phase Pneumatic Conveying is a method for moving difficult, abrasive or fragile materials, at slow speeds. It pushes material along an enclosed pipe, using small amounts of air, at a low velocity but high pressure. The low velocity of dense phase conveying allows less abrasion on the materials to be conveyed and the system. Efficient use of gas also ensures low power consumption and operating costs. Products commonly conveyed in dilute phase systems are cement, chemicals, coal, food, agriculture, lime and limestone, minerals, pet food, metals etc.