Pneumatic Conveying Spotlight - August 2010

Dense-Phase  Pneumatic Conveying System
The Dense Flow System differs from many of its competitors with the absence of air boosters along the pipeline. The system is able to achieve equal or greater results in many instances without the use of boosters. Some of the advantages to not having boosters are lower air consumption, lower installation costs, less maintenance, less “wear and tear” on the system, less spare parts inventory. The system simplifies complex conveying problems. JDB Dense Flow Inc., Palm Harbor, FL 800-822-3569  www.jdbdenseflow.com

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Vacuum Pneumatic Conveyor <
The MiniVac pneumatic conveyor’s tool-less, side-door filter access allows operators to easily and quickly wipe down the system and change out filters for batching and general maintenance. Not only does this increase the productivity of your operators and your process, it ensures the ingredient you conveyed this morning doesn’t end up in this afternoon’s batch. In addition, the side-door feature allows greater flexibility in installation options – even mount the unit near the ceiling. The highly efficient, integral, regenerative blower eliminates the need for plant air supply or a separate compressor to convey materials, which cuts energy costs. Material can be discharged through a dump gate, rotary valve, or slide gate and moved at speeds up to 10,000 lb/hr. Hapman, Kalamazoo, MI 800-427-6260 www.hapman.com

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Blower Packages
This line of blower packages, including PneuPak, PneuMax, and now Qube, has been used as low-pressure air sources for many industrial applications —particularly pneumatic conveying. Qube 400, the newest addition to the line, includes a patent-pending noise reduction system on the Qx blower, removing the need for a silencer. It has a small footprint for the flow and highest available pressure — up to 18 psig. Custom-engineered blower packages are available to meet specific requirements. Tuthill Vacuum & Blower Systems, Springfield, MO  800-825-6937 www.tuthill.com

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Manual Dumping Station for Pneumatic Conveyors
This manual dumping station for pneumatic conveying systems collects dust created during manual dumping of bulk materials from bags, drums, and other containers, reducing waste, eliminating the need to clean a remote dust collection site, and preventing contamination of product and plant. The hopper can be configured with a non-flow-through pick-up adapter for introducing material into vacuum pneumatic conveyor lines, or with rotary airlock valve, and outlets for connection to a flexible screw conveyor or other equipment. A high-velocity vacuum fan draws airborne dust from the operator’s atmosphere onto two cartridge filters. Automatic reverse-pulse filter cleaning allows continuous, efficient operation; timer-activated solenoid valves release short blasts of compressed plant air inside cartridge filters causing dust build-up on the outer filter surfaces to fall into the hopper. Filters are accessed easily by removing the interior baffle, and replaced using quick-disconnect fittings. Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, 888-353-9426 www.flexicon.com

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Pneumatic Line Magnets
IMI has improved the holding strength of its Rare Earth bullet magnet. The newly introduced stripper collar – used to wipe metal contamination from the magnet - eliminates the loss of holding value experienced by similar magnets that incorporate a cleaning sleeve that covers the entire magnetic circuit. This addition has increased the ability to capture and hold metal fines and weakly magnetic steel by almost 30%. Ideal for dilute-phase pneumatic systems, typical bullet magnet applications include processing of dry, powder, and granular materials. It can be used ahead of processing equipment and bulk load out to ensure product purity and protect machinery from tramp metal damage. The magnet stays on the door for cleaning, eliminating the dangers of handling a strong magnet weighing up to 200 lb. Industrial Magnetics Inc., Boyne City, MI 800-662-4638 www.magnetics.com

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Pressure Dense-Phase Systems
Pressure dense-phase systems convey materials at a lower velocity, which minimizes friction and pressure drop. Typically used in a batch process and ideal for fragile powders and agglomerated materials, these systems can convey materials long distances, to multiple destinations, and at rates over 100 tn/hr. Typical materials conveyed include infant formulas, drink mixes, creamers, food additives, and more. USDA-Dairy accepted models are available. Nu-Con Equipment, Chanhassen, MN 952-279-5210  www.nucon.com

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Pneumatic Blower
The 2200 centrifugal blower is a patented solution for pneumatic conveying needs. This machine operates from 300 to 2200 cfm with a pressure range of 4–22 psi. The compact footprint generates floor space saving of up to 50% versus comparable PD blowers. The 2200’s quiet operation and sanitary design allow it to be placed anywhere in a facility without necessitating hearing protection. Extensive field-testing versus positive displacement blowers has consistently demonstrated an energy savings between 15 and 40% as well as air discharge temperatures typically 20 to 50 degrees lower depending on the application. Each unit is designed specifically around your system to maximize its efficiency and deliver trouble-free operation. Inovair, Kansas City, KS 913-469-7244 www.inovair.com