Advantages of Pneumatic Conveyors Over Mechanical
Before investing in one method over another, you must determine whether the materials are suitable for a pneumatic solution. Pneumatics are most often used with non-abrasive, non-fragile materials that have fairly low density – typically less than 62 lb/ft3. Ideal materials include flour, sugar, plastic granules, zinc oxide, hydrated lime or carbon. Other Materials Easy Installation Over Long Distances Mechanical systems are typically difficult to install, re-route or extend. By contrast, pneumatic tubing can turn sharp corners so is easier to route or re-route around obstructions, or to elevate without investment in extra equipment, concrete foundations and scaffolds. Installation costs are often much the same regardless of the distance. Easier Maintenance Pneumatic conveying has fewer moving parts to invest in, maintain and replace. This is a considerable saving in operating costs and there’s less risk of catastrophic failures and down-time. If the material is abrasive, this is even more likely to prove true. Energy Efficiency Traditionally pneumatics have been power hungry, but expert design can improve efficiency substantially, especially if you have been using a high pressure system. Consult a company specialising in lean (aka dilute) systems, such as a pneumatic conveying company called Aptech. Less Dust, Spillage and Noise Mechanical conveying is more exposed and prone to spillage, dust and noise wherever one part of the system dovetails into another. Spillage costs money in ways other than the loss of materials – health and safety may demand additional equipment to control pollution, decibels and air quality, for example. Using pneumatics, escape of sensitive materials is easily minimised by using vacuum rather than pressure, or enclosing the system in a loop. Security from Contamination Conversely, materials transported inside a pneumatic system are protected from dust, insects, and the elements by having fewer entry points. This is important for foodstuffs, or for hygroscopic material that may get damp and clump. Tubing is also easier to purge and clean than countless mechanical components. |