Pneumatic Conveying

On this page we give some basic information to familiarise you with pneumatic conveying.

Definitions
1. "pneumatic" - Of or relating to air or other gases
2. "conveying" - To take or carry from one place to another; to transport.
3. "pneumatic conveying" - Use of a gas (typically air) to move something (typically a powder or granular material) between locations.

Principles of pneumatic conveying
A conveying gas is moved through an enclosed pipework system, either by positive pressure or by vacuum (negative pressure). Material is carried along with the gas and is moved between locations.

There are a variety of ways in which the material can be conveyed. Understanding exactly how best to transferred the material is key to the design of a good pneumatic conveying system. Pneumatic conveying can be simplified into three types ( or phases) of conveying
- Lean-phase, medium-phase and dense-phase.
These are illustrated below.

3-Phases of Pneumatic Conveying

Lean Phase
Pneumatic Conveying

- Lower pressure differential
- Higher Velocity
- Material entrained in airflow

Medium Phase
Pneumatic Conveying

- Medium pressure differential
- Medium Velocity
- Material fluidised and entrained

Dense Phase
Pneumatic Conveying

- Higher pressure differential
- Lower Velocity
- Full-bore material flow

Why choose pneumatic conveying?

Pneumatic conveying offers a number of key advantages over alternatives

Totally enclosed - Dust-free, spill-free and impervious to environmental conditions or contamination

Very few moving parts - Long operating life and very-low maintenance

Low power consumption - Economic advantages over many other conveying techniques

Single and multi-point pick-up and delivery - Design flexibility

Clean and quiet - Can help with environmental and health & safety issues

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