Moving raw materials safely and efficiently is vital in processing and manufacturing. There can be a lot to think about here though, especially with dry materials like powders, pellets, rice, and sand. It can affect what type of system you need and the components. We want to have a closer look at dry bulk conveying systems because they are so useful. Then, if you want ERW tube for this kind of system, you can rely on us.
What are they?
Dry bulk conveying systems are one of the best ways to efficiently move products. You can use high pressure gas, typically air or nitrogen, to transfer them through tubing to where you need them. These pneumatic systems are safe, efficient, and reliable.
The crucial thing to keep in mind is conveying powders, pellets, and other dry bulk products is challenging. If you attempt to do it using a normal belt conveyor, it can get very messy and there is a high chance of breakdowns and disruption. Moving the materials manually in batches, such as with wheelbarrows, is inefficient and labour intensive. Plus, there can be big safety concerns in some cases, especially if powders can get into the air.
The best solution is to convey dry products in bulk through pipelines. It is clean, efficient, and safe. You can design a system to take the materials wherever you need them in a facility. Good systems can run continuously too.
Crucial parts
The core of dry bulk conveying systems is the tubing. ERW tube can be a cost effective option. However, you do need to consider the pressure. Most situations will be fine with welded tubes. If there is very high pressure pneumatics though, you must ensure there won’t be a risk of rupturing.
As well as the tubing, the systems need crucial equipment at both ends. One side will need all the plant to provide power or thrust, including compressors, fans, and pumps. You’ll also require feeders to get product into the system. This can include things like hoppers and chutes. Valves are vital here too.
The equipment at the end of a pipeline is really interesting. What you need is something to efficiently stop the dry product and separate it from the flow of gas. These are known as disengagement components. They can be very simple, including fabric filters that let gas blow through but catch the product. Or they can be more complex separators.
The most important thing to keep in mind is dry bulk conveying systems should always be bespoke. Crucially, you need to design them with the specific properties of the material in mind, including the particle size, moisture content, and abrasiveness. Friability is especially important in many cases or you could end up with broken, crumbled product.
Talk to us about ERW tube
Union Steel Tubes has the experience to help clients choose tubing for various needs. This includes industrial processes like conveying and much more. Most importantly, we produce high quality tube in a range of shapes and sizes. Therefore, we can cater for practically any need. You can even choose galvanisation and protective finishes if you have concerns about corrosion.
So, get in touch and speak to us about ERW tube. We’ll give you the specs, sizes, and other crucial details. Then, if you order, we will ensure a short lead time and deliver as fast as we can.
