Particle size distribution
Particle size and distribution influence the minimum velocity and the stability of the transport process.
Pneumatic conveying
Pneumatic conveying and aeraulic transfer of products
Convey powders, granules and bulk materials using a closed system, tailored to the product and integrated into your production line.
DesignDesignCommissioning
AIRPRO EXPERTISE
BespokeEach product, distance and flow rate requires a specific transfer system
PRODUCT PERFORMANCE
The product determines the transport method.
Powders, granules and waste materials do not react in the same way to air, acceleration and changes in direction. Sizing therefore begins with the material, not with the diameter of the pipework.
Bulk density
It relates the mass flow rate to the product volume and the flow regime within the duct.
Fragility or abrasion
The product may break, overheat or cause wear to the elbows if the speed and route are incorrectly selected.
Cohesion and humidity
A sticky or moisture-sensitive product may form deposits and disrupt the feed.
Transfer line
From the feed hopper to the final separator.
Consistency depends on four continuous functions: supplying, setting in motion, transporting and separating without interrupting the flow.
Supply
To introduce a steady flow without compromising the system’s airtightness.
Setting things in motion
Create the pressure differential corresponding to the selected operating mode.
Transport
Keep the product moving through straight sections, bends and gradients.
Separate
Remove material from the transport air at the receiving point.
Selection of operating mode
Dense phase or dilute phase?
The difference lies not in a trade name, but in the relationship between the material, air, velocity and pressure within the duct.
Dense phase
To be considered in order to protect fragile products or minimise wear and tear, with a suitable flow rate and pressure.
Dilute phase
Suitable for a wide range of continuous applications where the product can withstand the speed and the intended travel distance.
Airflow design
Every elbow changes the behaviour of the conveying line.
The flow path is never merely a design detail. It influences pressure, the stability of the plug or suspension, wear and the integrity of the product.
Equivalent length
Bends and changes of direction are just as important as the straight section.
Height difference
Vertical rises alter the required pressure and the behaviour of the product.
Geometry of elbows
Radius, material and orientation influence wear, breakage and pressure drops.
Key points
Valves, diverters and separators must remain compatible with the transport system.
Line diagnostics
What faults reveal about sizing.
The symptoms help to distinguish between a problem with the feed, speed, route or final separation.
Deposits or blockages
Insufficient flow rate, irregular supply, humidity or a poorly designed low point.
Product damage
Excessive speed, too many bends or an operating speed unsuitable for the fragility of the system.
Localised wear
Repeated impact during changes of direction and unsuitable ducting materials.
Unstable flow rate
Inadequate air supply, leaks, impaired separation or insufficient available pressure.
Preparing the design study
The data that actually defines the conveying line.
An initial description of the product and the system layout helps to define the possible operating conditions, the relevant tests and the installation constraints.
Describe my conveying project or call +33 7 57 69 08 40- Product, particle size and bulk density
- Mass flow rate and desired flow rate
- Distance, elevation difference and proposed route
- Supply and extraction points
- Brittleness, abrasion and sensitivity to moisture
- Requirements for cleaning and product changeovers
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Select a system suitable for the product.
Key considerations before sizing a pneumatic conveying system.
What is the difference between the dense phase and the dilute phase?
The dense phase conveys a high concentration of material at a lower velocity. The dilute phase uses a higher air velocity with a lower concentration. The product and the route determine the appropriate mode.
How can damage or wear and tear on the product be minimised?
The conveying system, velocities, bends, transitions and feed points are analysed together. Fragile or abrasive products require particular attention to be paid to the route and the components of the conveying line.
Why does the layout have such a significant influence on the design?
Distance, height difference, bends and changes in cross-section affect pressure drops and the behaviour of the fluid. Even a preliminary plan significantly improves the quality of the design.
Your project
Tell us about your industrial requirement.
Describe your installation, issue or objective. An AIRPRO engineer will provide an initial technical assessment.