Material properties
Bulk density
The mass per unit volume of the bulk material — heavier or denser materials require more air power and influence sizing of blowers/vacuum receivers.
Particle size and shape
Fine powders, granules, pellets — each behaves differently in airflow. Size and shape affect lift-off, suspension, and tendency to settle.
Flowability / moisture / stickiness / abrasiveness
Moist or sticky powders may clog; abrasive materials cause wear on pipes and fittings.
Fragility / friability
Some powders or granules may break or degrade under high velocity; design should avoid excessive speed to preserve product integrity.
Conveying distance & pipeline layout
- Total conveying distance (horizontal + vertical + equivalent length for bends): Longer pipelines require stronger air supply (pressure/flow) to overcome pressure drop and friction.
- Number of bends, elbows, vertical lifts, sweeps: Each change in direction adds resistance, increasing required pressure/airflow and risk of wear or blockages.
- Layout constraints & headroom: Plant layout, pick-up points (silo discharge, bag dump, feeder) and discharge points determine pipeline routing complexity.
Air parameters: velocity, pressure, air-to-solid ratio
Air or conveying gas velocity
Minimum “saltation” or suspension velocity must be maintained. Dilute‑phase often requires high velocity for fine powders or granules.
Conveying pressure / pressure drop
Sufficient pressure (or suction) to drive air + solids through the piping network, especially over long distances or with many bends.
Solid‑to‑gas (solids loading) ratio
Mass ratio of solids to air affects flow regime (dense vs. dilute), energy requirement, and wear rate.
Conveying rate & process mode
- Required throughput / mass flow rate (e.g. kg/h): Defines how much material must be moved — affects blower/compressor size, pipe diameter, and air volume.
- Batch vs continuous conveying: Batch may require short‑term high capacity (airflow, pressure). Continuous needs steady, balanced design.
Pipeline diameter and construction / wear & maintenance
- Pipe diameter: Must be optimized — too small and particles may block or pressure drop high; too large and air velocity drops, causing settling.
- Material of construction & wear resistance: For abrasive or hard powders, choose wear‑resistant materials (e.g. hardened steel, special alloys) to prolong pipeline life.
- Accessibility and layout for maintenance: The design should allow for inspections, cleaning, filter changes — especially important for food, chemical, or hygroscopic powders.
Feeding & discharge mechanism / interfaces
- Feed inlet & discharge system design: Silo feeds may require airlock, valve, or special feeder; bag dump stations or bulk‑bag dischargers have specific interfaces.
- Dust control, filtration, safety: For dusty powders, dust filters/cyclones/baghouses are often needed. Ensure hygienic and regulatory compliance (food, pharma).
Flow‑chart / How these parameters interplay
- Determine the material properties (density, particle size, moisture, abrasiveness, friability) → sets baseline for air velocity, dust control, pipe material.
- Determine conveying requirement (rate, batch vs continuous, pickup & discharge points).
- Determine pipeline layout (distance, bends, vertical lifts, layout constraints).
- Choose airflow parameters (air volume, velocity, pressure) + pipe diameter/geometry + feeder/discharge components.
- Assess wear, maintenance, safety & dust control needs; choose materials and add filtration/cleaning systems.
Pneumatic Conveying
Pneumatic Conveying
Pneumatic Conveying
Pneumatic Conveying
Pneumatic Conveying