Pump Up Production: What You Need to Know When Choosing a Pneumatic Conveyor System
Mechanical conveyor systems may be the traditional way to get your materials from point A to point B, but they aren't necessarily the most efficient or cost effective. If you're looking to improve your production line, you might want to consider the benefits of switching to a positive pressure or vacuum pressure pneumatic system instead. Here are a few facts to consider if you're on the fence about making the upgrade.
Why Switch From Mechanical Conveyor Systems?
While they do require a higher initial investment to build and cost a little more power to run, pneumatic conveyor systems offer numerous advantages over mechanical systems that can actually save you time and money in the long run.
Because they tend to be smaller and utilize far fewer moving parts than a mechanical system, pneumatic conveyors require less regular maintenance and infrequent repairs. Because of this simplicity, you will likely find it quicker and easier to add entry and exit points to a pneumatic conveyor than a mechanical one. They also allow significantly less of your materials to leak out into the environment due to the enclosed nature of the pneumatic tubes. This saves you money in lost product, as well as reducing the risk of accidents or powder inhalation.
However, not all pneumatic conveyor systems function identically. If you want to make the most out of switching to a new system, it's important to know whether you need to use positive pressure or a vacuum to move material through your lines.
When Is a Positive Pressure System Optimal?
Positive pressure systems are less expensive than vacuum systems due to the lower energy required to push air through the lines, rather than suck air out of them, making them ideal for businesses that need to maintain a tight budget. This is especially true for systems longer than 300 feet, which are much more costly to run with vacuum pressure due to the power requirements.
Because they are capable of generating so much force, positive pressure lines can be set up to move material at a quick continuous pace or in rapid bursts as needed. This is especially useful for applications requiring the movement of more than 25,000 pounds per hour, which is not possible with vacuum pressure alone.
When Should You Opt for a Vacuum System?
Though they are only ideal for short lines, vacuum pressure systems do have a few key benefits that are vital for applications involving sensitive materials. Especially notable is the high level of protection vacuum lines offer against material leakage, since any leak will flow into the line rather than out into the environment. This ensures that hazardous powders are not blown out onto the working floor as they would be by a positive pressure system.
Even for materials that are not hazardous, this aspect of vacuum lines also means you will incur less material waste when a leak happens, which is important when working with highly valuable powders.
A vacuum is also required to move compressible powders, such as wood chips, through a pneumatic system safely. In a positive pressure system, these powders might clump together and block the line, reducing efficiency and posing a safety hazard. Vacuum lines are able to move them through smoothly, however, because the material is pulled forward rather than pushed against itself and the walls of the tube.
Pneumatic systems aren't perfect, but they do have several benefits over mechanical conveyors that shouldn't be overlooked. If you're considering making the switch, be sure to carefully consider the pros and cons of each type of pneumatic system before deciding on a line that will work best for you. You can learn more about your options by contacting services like HAF Equipment Inc.
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