| Working
Smarter
Conventional
pneumatic conveying systems - which are based
on the dilute or dense phase method of
transporting by fully or partially fluidizing
(aerating) the bulk material - have been
around for a long time and are well known. But
just as well known as these types of systems
are the associated problems of wear and
abrasion of the conveying pipes, bends, and
fittings due to the high transport velocities
generated. It is not uncommon to see dilute
and so called dense phase fluidized systems
with transport velocities approaching 3000
feet per minute and more. The success of these
systems depends entirely on keeping the
material in suspension at all times by
installing boosters along the line, and
because of the excessive velocities required a
portion of the material is always pulverized
during transport.
With Plug-Flo
No Fluidization is Required
In contrast,
the KLEIN PLUG FLOŽ system does not require
fluidization or boosters to move the material
through a conveying pipe line, but rather,
uses the natural properties of the material to
achieve their transport. Compressed air
actually pushes the slugs of material formed
at the outlet of the blow tank through the
entire pipe line at lower velocities -
typically 100 to 400 feet per minute - much
like the canisters at a bank drive-in station
are delivered. After filling the blow tank by
gravity from a hopper, bin, or other bulk
material source, the material inlet valve is
closed and the tank is pressurized. Once the
necessary transport pressure - which can be as
low as 15-20 psi, depending on system layout -
has built up in the blow tank the material is
extruded into the conveying line in the form
of slugs. The material continues to move in
the form of slugs, separated by pockets of
compressed air, until discharged into the
receiver at the other end of the line. During
this process the material is not fluidized by
air, resulting in lower air consumption, lower
transport velocities and therefore less wear
and abrasion. When the blow tank is empty it
is depressurized and refilled with material
for another cycle. |
System
Components
- Blow Tank
- Inlet
Housing
- Discharge
Housing
- Level Probe
- Compressed
Air Inlet
- Sight Glass
- Air Control
Flange
- Vent Air
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