The two main methods of conveying bulk materials are through mechanical conveyors. When choosing bulk material handling, a variety of precautions should be considered in order to choose a better conveying method for the better application of the processed material.
Pneumatic and mechanical conveyors:
Pneumatic conveying systems are used to transfer powders, granules and many other types of dry bulk materials from one process area to another through negative pressure conditions (vacuum) or positive pressure conditions (pressure). These systems consist of four basic elements: air source, feeding device, conveying line and air material separator. The main difference between a pneumatic conveyor and a mechanical conveyor is that the pneumatic system transports materials in a closed pipeline, which greatly reduces the possibility of material loss. The basic components of a mechanical conveying system include a drive motor through a gear and/or chain reducer, connected to a drive device, such as a roller or a sprocket. The energy of the motor is directly transferred to the conveyor that is in direct contact with the material. The mechanical conveyor can be opened or closed to the atmosphere through hundreds of moving and working parts.
Pneumatic or mechanical conveyor: determine the best method for you
When choosing the conveyor type, the important factor is the form of material to be conveyed. Determining the key characteristics of the material will help you determine the best delivery method. These characteristics include: hygroscopicity, abrasiveness, explosiveness, moisture, sticky or packable, high bulk density, fluidization, fragility, mixed particle size, sensitivity to temperature, very slow flow, cross-contamination issues, other characteristics may be Need to discuss with engineers and equipment manufacturers.
The ideal material for pneumatic conveying system is fine powder, fluidized dry powder. These characteristics enable the material to be inflated (fluidized) and successfully transported through the conveyor line. Certain types of granular and granular materials are also very suitable for pneumatic conveying. Some materials that are usually transferred using pneumatic conveyors include wheat flour, cement powder, carbon black, starch, sugar, plastic particles and resins, food, coal powder, sand and metal powder, and so on.
The mechanical conveyor is very suitable for heavy granular materials that may be damp, moldy and packable. For materials with a wide range of particle distribution, mechanical systems are more practical. A material that combines large and small particles together. The materials that the mechanical conveying system usually conveys include whole grains, crushed stone, gravel, wet sand and large particles of food. Another important factor when choosing a conveyor type is the application. There are several key areas for applications to consider, including:
•Transmission rate: Pneumatic and mechanical systems can transmit several pounds to hundreds of tons per hour; however, the type of material and conveying conditions will determine the system.
• Distance: Generally, pneumatic systems are not used to transport short distances, because the number of equipment required to transport 20 feet is the same as the number of equipment required to transport 600 feet. Even with mechanical equipment, bulk materials can be transported over short distances at the expense of material damage or equipment wear. If required, both types of systems can be used for distances far more than 1,000 feet, but the cost of installing a simple conveyor line (pipe) is an important consideration relative to the belt structure. The pneumatic system can easily achieve long distances and multiple changes in direction and elevation.
• Installation environment: indoor or outdoor installation; of course, the closed pneumatic system provides some obvious advantages for most outdoor installations. Altitude; Air is less dense at altitude, and in some cases will have a sufficient impact on the design rate of the pneumatic system, so that it can be produced in the form of larger equipment (especially air sources) when handling difficult materials Negative Effects.