Pneumatic conveying systems are essentially a pipeline that utilizes airflow to transport fine materials from one place to another. This can be a very beneficial tool in your facility; however, without the right knowledge of the system beforehand, you can run into some common problems. Below, we’ll dive into common challenges faced in pneumatic conveying systems, so you can properly monitor for them and make adjustments or repairs when necessary.
Blockage
If a blockage occurs in your pneumatic conveying system, you’ll have to find the problem and fix it to continue transporting products. Product build-up in your pipeline typically stems from poor airflow, which can be the result of a variety of issues. One potential reason for the blockage can be moisture. Transporting wet materials through a pneumatic conveying line can cause it to stick together and cling to the walls over time.
Pneumatic system blockage can also be the result of a leak somewhere in the pipeline, or poor performance from your blower package. Carefully monitor the system’s conveying air velocity so you can be aware of potential blockages in the system.
Product Damage
Pneumatic conveying systems are incredibly convenient but, in some cases, using one can result in product damage. Typically, the reason for product damage is that you’re trying to transport material that is too fragile. Fragile materials have a harder time making it through pneumatic conveying systems due to the high travel speeds and bends in the pipeline. These factors can cause the material to breakdown inside the system.
If you notice that the product is taking damage in the system, make sure you’re using the right type of system in the first place. If that isn’t the issue, inspect your system’s blower package to ensure the airspeed is at the right level.
Pipeline Degradation
Sometimes your system can damage the product, but other times, your product can damage the system. Sending abrasive materials through a pneumatic conveying system at excessively high speeds can cause wear and tear throughout the pipeline, which can lead to product/air leakage. This wear will typically become visible in bends throughout the system. To avoid running into this issue, as with the previous issues, make sure the settings on your system are at the right level to accommodate the material you’re conveying.
These are common challenges faced in pneumatic conveying systems. Now that you’re up to speed on them, you can prevent these issues from wreaking havoc on your equipment. At DoverMEI, we can set you up with high-quality pneumatic conveying components that can help you transport material throughout the workday without a hassle. We can even set you up with a rail car unloading system for transporting materials between separate facilities. At the end of the day, since we know the manufacturing business can be stressful, we just want to help ease that burden as successfully as possible.