Pneumatic Conveying System for Powders

Pneumatic conveying equipment is extremely efficient and versatile, making it useful for transporting various materials. Commonly used in industrial settings, these conveyors work by using motiveair to move products through pipelines, which are ideal in multiple applications. As a result, pneumatic conveying is often the preferred choice for high-volume material movement because it is fast and reliable. The products can be in many forms, including powder, granules, flakes, or dense objects like pellets.

Moreover, industries that use powder conveying systems include FMCG food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, milk powder production, and others. Additionally, pneumatic conveyor systems offer many advantages over other methods of moving materials, such as gravity or mechanical conveyors. Some of these advantages include:

• Reduced product degradation
• Non-contaminating
• Low energy consumption
• Compact system design
• Fewer moving parts

Customised Pneumatic Conveyance Solutions

Find out how Pneu Powder develops pneumatic powder conveying systems to optimise industrial workflows. 

Consultation and Site Assessment

The facility’s layout is evaluated to pinpoint operational constraints like space limitations and access points. Moreover, we assess material characteristics such as particle size, bulk density, and abrasiveness to determine system specifications, including throughput rates and transfer distances. These steps ensure the powder conveying system is optimally designed for the operational environment.

Custom Design and Fabrication

Our professional pneumatic conveying system manufacturers and engineers expertly customise designs to meet unique operational requirements. This customisation includes:

• Conveying velocity: Calculating the ideal airspeed to minimise pipe wear and ensure efficient material transport.
• Pipe diameter: Selecting the correct pipe size to balance efficiency and reduce pressure drops.
• Air-to-material ratio: Optimising the air-to-material ratio to prevent blockages and ensure smooth conveying.
• System layout: Designing an optimised path with minimal bends to reduce wear and save energy.
• System pressure: Engineering the system to operate within optimal pressure ranges for specific materials without overloading components.

Maintenance and Support

Beyond design and installation, we provide expert servicing and maintenance for your pneumatic conveying system, ensuring optimal performance. This includes regular diagnostics, proactive replacement of parts prone to wear and tear, and immediate troubleshooting to maintain system efficiency and prevent downtime.

Types of Pneumatic Conveyance Systems

There are two key types of pneumatic conveying systems: lean and dense phase. Each has distinct benefits, which are essential for selecting the right application. 

Lean phase or dilute phase systems transport lightweight, non-abrasive materials like flour and sugar over long distances using high velocity and low air pressure. 

In contrast, dense-phase systems handle heavy, bulky, or abrasive materials such as plastics and minerals. They operate at lower velocities to prevent pipe damage and reduce power consumption. 

At Pneu Powders, we specialise in delivering powder handling solutions and pneumatic conveying systems for bulk dry and semi-solid powders. We also provide expert advice on selecting the appropriate pneumatic conveying equipment for your industry and organisation.

	Aspect	Dilute Phase Conveyance	Dense Phase Conveyance
1.	Principle	High-velocity, low-pressure air stream	Low-velocity, high-pressure air stream
2.	Material-to-Air Ratio	Low (more air, less material)	High (less air, more material)
3.	Air Velocity	Typically 15-30 m/s (50-100 ft/s)	Typically 1-10 m/s (3-33 ft/s)
4.	Pressure Range	0.1 to 1 bar (1.5 to 15 psi)	1 to 6 bar (15 to 90 psi)
5.	System Design	Simpler design, more straightforward to install	More complex design, requires precise control systems
6.	Material Types	Suitable for non-abrasive, light materials (e.g., flour, grain, plastic pellets)	Suitable for abrasive, fragile, heavy, and cohesive materials (e.g., sand, cement, sugar)
7.	Conveyance Distance	Short to medium distances (up to 300 metres or 1000 feet)	Long distances (up to 1000 metres or 3280 feet)
8.	System Maintenance	Higher wear and tear on pipes and components	Lower wear and tear due to reduced velocity
9.	Material Degradation	Higher risk of material degradation due to high velocity	Minimal material degradation due to gentle handling
10.	System Control	Simpler control systems	Requires sophisticated control systems for pressure and flow management
11.	Initial Cost	Generally lower due to simpler components	Generally higher due to complex components and controls
12.	Typical Applications	Food processing, pharmaceuticals, plastics	Cement, mining, chemicals, food ingredients
13.	Flexibility	More flexible for changes in conveyance paths and material types	Less flexible, better for specific applications
14.	Material Conveying Method	Suspension in air	Plug flow or slug flow
15.	Examples of Feed Devices	Rotary valves, blow-through valves	Screw pumps, pressure vessels
16.	Dust Control	Requires more robust dust collection systems due to high air volumes	Easier to manage dust due to lower air volumes
17.	System Integration	Easier to integrate into existing systems	Requires careful integration due to pressure and flow requirements
18.	Safety Considerations	Dust explosion risk due to higher velocity and dust concentration	Lower dust explosion risk, but high-pressure safety measures needed

Pneumatic Conveying Equipment

Pneumatic conveying systems consist of various critical components, each fundamental to the system’s functionality. As one of Singapore’s leading pneumatic equipment suppliers, Pneu Powders provides all the necessary equipment to build a complete and efficient pneumatic powder conveying system, which can be customised to meet the specific needs of different industrial applications.

Industries We Serve

As a leading pneumatic conveying system supplier and manufacturer, Pneu Powders leverages its expertise to design and supply equipment to meet the unique needs of various industries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pneumatic Conveying Systems

What materials can be transported using pneumatic conveyance systems?

Pneumatic conveying systems are adept at transporting a wide range of materials efficiently and safely, including:

• Powders: Best for handling different kinds of powders such as flour, cement, and chemicals.
• Granules: Suitable for granular materials like plastic pellets and grains.
• Pellets and tablets: Ideal for pharmaceutical products, ensuring gentle handling to preserve integrity.
• Abrasive materials: Capable of moving abrasive substances, such as sand and metal powders, demonstrating robustness and versatility.

How can I minimise wear and tear in a pneumatic conveyance system?

To minimise wear and tear in pneumatic conveying systems, start by selecting materials for pipes and components that can withstand the abrasiveness of the transported substances. Notably, air velocity should be regularly monitored and adjusted to prevent excessive force and erosion. Thus, regular maintenance checks are essential for identifying early signs of wear. Pneu Powders supports these efforts with comprehensive maintenance services and provides replacement parts tailored to enhance system longevity and efficiency.

How do pneumatic conveying systems work?

Pneumatic conveying systems transport materials like powders through enclosed pipelines using air pressure or vacuum. Initially, material is introduced into the system via a feeder and then suspended in a moving air stream propelled by a blower or vacuum pump. To ensure optimal operation, the velocity and pressure are carefully controlled to optimise flow and prevent damage to both the materials and the system. These measures enable efficient and consistent delivery to the destination point.

Is a pneumatic powder conveying system better than a mechanical conveying system? 

Mechanical conveying systems are a staple in many industrial settings, but have limitations. Pneumatic powder conveying systems can overcome these limitations and provide several benefits that make them the better choice for certain applications. Pneumatic conveying equipment is gentle on delicate materials, can handle abrasive materials, and is highly efficient. Here are just a few reasons why a pneumatic powder conveying system is superior to mechanical conveying:

• Increased accuracy: With pneumatic conveying, you can achieve higher levels of accuracy since there is no loss of material due to air turbulence or contact with other surfaces.
• More efficient use of space: Pneumatic conveying equipment takes up less space than mechanical conveyors, making them an ideal option for cramped settings.
• Reduced energy consumption: These systems use air pressure to move materials like powder, and can be more energy-efficient than other conveying methods.
• Space-saving: In many businesses, floor space is at a premium. Pneumatic powder conveying systems can easily convey your products both horizontally and vertically through pipes that can be supported by walls or hung from the ceiling, which saves floor space for other production needs. You may discuss your options with an experienced pneumatic equipment supplier like Pneu Powders Systems.

Can pneumatic conveyance systems be integrated with existing manufacturing processes?

Yes, pneumatic conveying systems can seamlessly integrate with existing manufacturing processes through detailed planning and system customisation. This process includes evaluating the existing infrastructure and operational needs to ensure compatibility. As a leading pneumatic conveying system manufacturer, Pneu Powders specialises in designing and adapting systems to meet the specific needs of various industries, such as food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processing.