Plants that moved from mechanical conveyors to pneumatic systems claim that they have reduced waste time by 30% and improved their operating uptime by 25%  Downtime for any reason can be extremely costly for manufacturing industries in today’s pressure-packed world, which includes the cement, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Pneumatic conveyors are the ideal solution for such cases. Bulk material handling has been transformed since the introduction of these systems, since they deliver outstanding cleanliness, high speed, and automation. Global pneumatic conveying systems market exceeded $5 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow by 6.5% CAGR until 2030, it’s becoming increasingly common for companies to move towards pneumatic conveying.

What are Pneumatic conveying systems and their types

In simpler terms,pressure from air or gas is used in a pneumatic conveying system to carry bulk materials along a closed pipeline. You don’t have to use belts, chains, or mechanical buckets in these systems. This makes the transportation much safer and convenient, even for heavy or bulk materials. ++  

Key Components

• Air mover: A blower or compressor is used to move Air. 

• Feeder: This takes material and injects it into the airstream.

• Convey lines:  Pipes or vessels used to guide and transport material.
• Filter: It is a device that collects items at the end of the line.
• Control systems: They are used for flow regulation and safety. 

 

Two main types of pneumatic conveying 

• Dilute Phase Conveying: It is used when powders are fine and airflow is needed fast and high pressure is not required. 
• Dense Phase Conveying: This is used for low speed and strong pressure to help move abrasive or easily broken materials.

These are the major sectors you can see pneumatic conveyors getting used: Food processing, Pharmaceuticals, Cement, Steel, Chemicals.

What are the Limits of Traditional Mechanical conveyors?

For many decades, industrial operations have depended on belt conveyors, screw conveyors and bucket elevators. Even so, they have these problems:

• Issues caused by dust and spilt material can contaminate things around them.
• More difficult to maintain because of all the moving pieces
• Big footprints that make it hard to make the most of available space
• Damage to materials that can be easily scratched

Compared to other types of explosions, combustible dust explosions have claimed the lives of over 100 people all over the world since 2000. In these areas, these limits can be dangerous for those working there. 

How are Pneumatic conveyors better than mechanical one’s?

• Efficient: Materials can be pushed by pneumatic conveyors as fast as 100 tons per hour which results in a steady throughput and less time offline.
• Dust Free and clean: As airborne dust is controlled inside enclosed systems, companies comply with OSHA and environmental policies.
• Versatility: Various materials like powders, granules, and pellets with varying flow traits can be easily moved through these systems.
• Less Maintenance: Having a simple structure and contained elements, pneumatic systems can reduce costs by one-third.
• Space-Saving Layouts: They have routing air ducts through upstairs or tight spaces in the building, which makes most of the floor area available. 

According to Indpro, using pneumatic systems makes materials improves travel efficiency by 25% and emits less dust up to 60%. 

Industries in which Pneumatic can be used

Food & Beverage category

• These can help to store and move fine materials like sugar, flour, and grains safely and cleanly.
• They also compile regulations of ISO 22000 and FSSAI standards.

Pharmaceuticals

• This system guarantees sterility for weak or fragile tablets and granules.
• It meets to strict US FDA and WHO-GMP rules

Cement & Construction

• It can deal with fly ash, gypsum, and limestone with only a small amount of dust.
• It extends the durability of machines and raises the reliability of the plant’s output.

Steel Plants

• Performs efficiently by guiding coal powder, lime, and ore dust materials.
• These are made to function at very high temperature levels.

Agrochemicals

• They are made to ensure safety when dealing with volatile chemicals.
• Does not harm the environment.

According to Macawber Engineering, pneumatic conveyors led to a 35% reduction in problems at a cement plant.

Common issues with pneumatic conveying systems

• High initial cost: Set up is more costly than other mechanical conveyors, but over time, less maintenance can save about 30%–40% of costs.

• Design Complexity: The system’s layout needs to be planned and the airflow to be set up properly. This issue can be resolved by partnering with experts.
• Abrasive Wear: Choose wear-resistant pipes and ensure there is the optimal ratio of air to material being conveyed.

Clogging problems at the fertilizer plant dropped by 60% once pneumatic conveyers were added to the plant lines.

Why should you choose VS pneumatics?

We are recognized for our broad experience and focus on meeting all customer needs. Thanks to our reputation for precision, dependability, and new technologies, our company leads in delivering and developing better material transfer systems for industries in India.

• Tailored designing: Each dilute and dense phase system is specifically designed for the right airflow and maximum throughput.
• End-to-end services: We provide support by consulting, installing and maintaining servers from start to finish.
• Years of experience: Our solutions have been adapted to food, pharma, cement and metals corporations in our years of work in the industry.

Indian industries have confidence in VS Pneumatics for its emphasis on good quality, safety and future worth.

Conclusion

Industry now demands speed, a clean workplace and no downtime, pneumatic conveyors have become the obvious choice over older mechanical mechanisms. Pneumatic systems are now leading the way in bulk material handling, thanks to their ability to reduce stops, clean dust better and handle both delicate and tough goods. It’s obvious that pneumatic conveyors are the future, as increasing numbers of food processing, pharmaceutical, cement, steel and chemical industries use them. Rely on VS Pneumatics to provide custom pneumatic solutions for undisturbed productivity, meeting stiff regulations or easing your operations.