A Full Guide to the Best Powder Conveying Methods [2020]
Choosing the right powder conveying method is not as easy as it may sound. You need a technique that allows you to move materials consistently and match the rate of your production requirements.
The goal is to maximize production while maintaining a safe operating environment.
Different Powder Conveying Methods
Conveyors are among the most misapplied machines as users try to minimize spending. While cost is crucial when establishing the right conveyor, it should not be your primary concern.
Among the critical factors to consider during your selection include:
- The nature of the materials that need to be moved
- How you intend to use the conveyor
- The environmental factors that may affect the conveyor’s design
Vacuum Conveyor For Powder
Vacuum conveyors apply the vacuuming mechanism to move powders and other materials from the infeed to destination points.
The conveying systems feature starting points and a destination and an enclosed pipeline to avoid any hazards and contaminations along the way. The powder is moved from different sources to the processing line through negative pressure or vacuum.
The vacuum conveying systems control dust and other unwanted elements by eliminating the need for hand scooping and transporting the powder in an enclosed system.
In case of any leaks, they happen inwards, unlike in mechanical and positive-pressure conveying systems that leak outwards.
Screw Conveyor
Screw conveying systems are among the best powder conveying methods as they are crafted to move bulk powder materials between the infeed and destination points without interfering with the product’s accuracy.
The system has no shafts, and the best part is that you can bend it through flexible points to reach the hard-to-access points. It offers flexibility, reduces the need for maintenance, and provides you with maximum efficiency during operation.
Unlike aero conveyors, screw conveying systems are preferred because of their continuous operations. This means that you do not have to wait for the first feed to be fully transferred to add the next batch. This is also the reason they are recommended for batch processing.
You can easily select the ideal size for your screw conveyor, depending on the type and amount of material you wish to convey. You also get to choose the perfect inclination angle that fits your needs.
Mobile Vacuum Conveying Systems
Mobile conveyors feature lift frames that are designed to hold different conveying heights. You can easily roll and position the units to match your ideal discharge point.
The vacuum conveying system for powder can take up to 5000 lbs of powder per hour, making them perfect for maximizing productivity.
Critical Considerations When Selecting a Powder Conveying System
Before settling for a particular conveyor, you should present your supplier with the ideal specifications.
With this, the supplier can customize the conveying system to enhance your operations. Some of the essential aspects to keep in mind include;
The Conveying Distance
Among the benefits of pneumatic conveyor is that it allows you to convey products for a long distance.
It is vital to establish the distance your bulky powder will be traveling and your desired conveying rate. The manufacturer can design a dry material transfer equipment to meet this mathematical analysis.
Pipe Design
The design of the enclosed pipe varies from one conveying system to the next.
The pipe’s size will highly be determined by the product density, the distance, and conveying rate and will significantly influence the conveyor’s effectiveness.
You should also check the number of inlets, outlets, and bends to establish a suitable pipe design. The amount of powder you wish to transport within a particular period also comes into play.
Do You Need Filters and Fans?
While the best bulk powder transfer systems feature an enclosed pipe, if your powder is excessively dusty or toxic, you may need filters to protect the system and the workers.
Poor filtering could damage the conveying system, making you incur unnecessary repair and replacement costs. It will also affect your staff’s health, which is equivalent to impaired productivity.
Make sure you have well-fitted filters and vents for the safety of the conveyor system.
Control
You need to have total control over your conveying system, and you should therefore select a conveyor with the right control system. Ensure that the control system has adequate instructions and tools for troubleshooting errors.
What Makes Pneumatic the Best Powder Conveying Method?
Selecting the right powder conveyor is crucial in meeting your production goals in continuous applications.
Pneumatic conveying is by far the easiest method for transferring bulk materials, including dry powders and granular materials. This is mainly because of its enclosed system design, which prevents dirt and dust from reaching the powder.
This also makes pneumatic conveyors the safest and most hygienic. It protects both the product and operating environment from contamination and, in return, saves you from production inefficiency and wastage while promoting cost management.
The other advantage of pneumatic conveyors over mechanical conveyors for powder movement is that the former has no moving parts.
This makes the machine super easy to clean and maintain. Less moving parts mean reduced danger during operations, thus increased workers’ safety.
Pneumatic conveyors can be customized to meet your precise needs and match the powder processing equipment’s rest.
It can be designed to fit in your limited space, and this offers you more flexibility. The equipment features more feeding and destination points, which creates room for long conveying distances.
Conclusion
Whether you are using a powder conveying system for the first time or looking to upgrade your current one, you need a system that matches your environmental and operations needs. Take your time to evaluate the pros and cons of each method before settling on one.
We are here to help you make a sound decision and provide you with an ideal powder conveyor to exceed your expectations.
With decades of experience solving issues for dry bulk and powder material applications in various industries, Pneu-Con is uniquely positioned to help customers optimize the movement of dry material through production lines using experience-based design and smart engineering. Contact us today to get started on your project!
