A vacuum system conveyor is a great way to move powders as efficiently as possible whilst minimising the amount of dust produced.
The powders are transferred from different points to the conveyor using vacuum or negative pressure. The reduction of dust is the main advantage, and this is important to cut down the risks of adverse health events.
There is no hand scooping, and there is no possibility of leaks. If some dust escapes, the leak will be inward, which presents a lower risk.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, dust can present a major hazard to health. In terms of combustible dust, an explosion can result in serious injury or the death of workers.
Here are five key things that you should think about when you are buying a vacuum conveyor for powders.
1. Establish the bulk density
Before you purchase a vacuum system conveyor from a supplier such as http://www.aptech.uk.com/pneumatic-conveying-systems/vacuum-conveying/, it is vital that you know what your bulk density is.
This will determine the size of the conveying line that you need. If the bulk density of your material is high, you will need a faster transport velocity.
2. Measure the conveying distance
This includes the horizontal and vertical elements. You should also take into account the number and angles of the sweep elbows. A single sweep elbow can be equivalent to 20 feet of linear tubing, so it’s an important factor. You might consider reducing the number of elbows in the system.
3. Calculate the conveying rate
You need to establish how many kilograms or pounds per hour are going to be conveyed. The calculations are different for batch and continuous systems. This gives you an idea about the process’s demands so you know what sort of conveying system you need.
4. Define the characteristics of your materials
Characteristics such as particle shapes and sizes are important. A powder could be fine or cohesive and occur as pellets, flakes or granules. The particle characteristics are important when choosing the receiver and filter assembly.
5. Think about how you receive the raw material
In order to maximize dust control, bulk-bag unloaders are suitable, but you need to consider how that material arrives on your site. Bag-dump stations with integrated dust collectors are preferable.
