Pneumatic Conveyors
Pneumatics
Pneumatics is the use of pressurised gas to create mechanical motion. The English word pneumatic dates from 1659, and is derived from the French pneumatique, derived from the Latin word pneumaticus meaning ‘wind’, from the Greek word pneumatikos (meaning ‘breath’, ’spirit’, ‘ethereal’), from the Greek pneuma(current of air, breath, breeze, spirit). This was originally taken from the Proto-Indo-European root pneu (to breathe).
Pneumatic power has many uses from air brakes on buses, to anti-aircraft weapons, pipe organs, pneumatic tools, vacuum pumps, pressure sensors and so on. Different gases in pneumatic systems are depending on where and how they are used. For example, portable tools and hobbyist applications are often powered by compressed carbon dioxide because the containers designed to hold it are readily available. Whereas pneumatic systemsin fized installations often use compressed air because a sustainable supply is possible through compressing atmospheric air. The air usually has the moisture removed and a small amount of oil added to lubricate and avoid corrosion of mechanical components.
Pneumatic Conveying
Using a pneumatic conveyor has many advantages. First of all, the controls are usually quite simple to operate. Secondly, they are very reliable. Pneumatic systems require very little maintenance since the equipment is less likely to be damaged by shock. While fluid will directly transfer force, the gas in pneumatics absorbs excessive force. Another advantage is that compressed gas can be stored, meaning the conveyor could potentially be used even in power black outs.
Finally, pneumatic systems are quite safe when using compressed atmospheric air (other compressed gases carry the risk of asphyxiation if released). Compressed gas has a low chance of fire compared to hydraulics (compressed oxygen is never used to the extreme fire hazard), and machines can be designed to be overload safe.
Process System Services Pty Ltd offers a range of pneumatic conveying systems, including lean phase and dense phase systems for transporting materials such as powders, granules, grains or flakes.