A pneumatic system is one that moves solid materials through a pipeline via pumped air or gas. Pneumatics are an alternative to the traditional and mostly exposed conveyor belt system. Some materials, such as powders and more granular substances, are better served by pneumatics to reduce loss, enable swifter delivery, and more. Here’s a short article explaining why pneumatics are important in material handling.
Convenience
When you need to transport larger materials, you’re constrained by their size, shape, and weight. A six-foot wide box is not going through a three-foot wide door. Powders, particulates, and the like can be transported by pneumatic systems that can be extended, bent, lifted, and what have you over, under, and around preexisting obstacles in a facility. Pneumatics systems are especially good at leaving the floor clear since they can be hung or placed in the upper reaches of a place. The convenient adjustability of a pneumatic system can almost let you forget it’s there.
Closed Off
In answering the question of why pneumatics is important in material handling, keep in mind that they are self-contained systems. The pipes and other parts of the system keep the material contained and moving along inside, but just as importantly, they keep potential contaminants outside. This ensures the relative purity of the material while preventing spoilage or loss. An enclosed system also makes it easier to monitor and maintain a steady stream of pressure, helping the particulates inside the pipes to keep breezing along. It should be noted that even though it’s an enclosed system, material can still be accessed through assorted discharge and pick-up points.
Easy To Maintain
Pneumatics systems do require trained personnel to operate and repair on occasion, but they are simple setups compared to more mechanical devices like conveyor belts or feeder/dropper systems. The latter have way more moving parts and require regular review, upkeep, and maintenance to a greater and more specific degree. Pneumatic material handling equipment, on the other hand, feature barely any gears, cogs, and similar moving parts, so there’s less to stay on top of in comparison with a ground floor mechanical system.
Safety First!
Pneumatic systems are safer in comparison to mechanical transport systems. Again, there are no moving parts to create the possibility of injury or death with workers. When handling materials that run the risk of exploding or catching fire, pneumatic systems keep them contained, controlled, and away from sparks, open flames, and heat sources. Pneumatic systems also never run hot themselves, another defense against fire and flame in your facility.
As it stands, pneumatic material handling equipment is your best choice for transporting goods from point A to point B without anything going awry in-between!