COMPRESSED AIR
system. This process involves a grasp of how blowers, aftercoolers, dryers, and filters work together to optimum effect.
The starting point is the blower or compressor. As previously mentioned, dilute phase conveying is a low-pressure application requiring only an air pressure of 2.5 bar or less. On the other hand, a higher pressure would be required for dense–phase conveying, but sometimes this can still be met by a low-pressure compressor. Indeed, this is an area where many organisations make costly mistakes. Oversizing the compressor or blower will increase initial capital outlay and will result in higher energy usage over time, hurting the bottom line. It is, therefore, crucial to request accurate sizing from an equipment supplier before selecting the type of compressor. Blowers and compressors also come in many different types. These include oil-free lobe blowers, oil- free screw blowers, oil-free claw blowers, oil-free screw compressors, and oil-injected screw compressors. Again, each type of equipment offers its performance, size, and cost benefits. Oil-free configuration is a critical specification for the food and beverage sector because it reduces the risk of compressed air contamination. This technology ensures that no oil used as a lubricant can enter the airflow and contaminate the food being pneumatically conveyed. Then there are ancillary components to be
considered. Aftercoolers protect pneumatic systems by keeping the air temperature below a specific limit. This factor is significant when conveying products that could be burned, such as sugar, or combusted, such as grains. In addition, some organisations might also be subject to local and national safety standards for high explosion-risk areas or processes. Here, the compressed air must be kept below a specific temperature to avoid combustion. While some compressors have integrated aftercoolers, blowers generally do not, so they must be installed separately. To meet this requirement, air-cooled and water- cooled aftercoolers are available – but an additional consideration comes into play. If a water-cooled model is selected, there might also be a need for a chiller, which lowers the temperature of the cooling water to a consistent level.
Finally, there are water separators or dryers. A by- product of using aftercoolers is moisture which can diminish the quality of the product being conveyed. A water separator will remove moisture before it can cause any harm. Most integrated aftercoolers come with a water separator. Dryers can also get rid of moisture but are seldom used in this type of process.
SEEKING A ONE-STOP-SHOP SUPPLIER
It is clear, then, that pneumatic conveying can
provide a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective means of transferring a broad range of powders, granules and dry bulk around manufacturing and process environments. It is a tried and trusted technology that has stood the test of time. But understanding the composition of the material being transported and how that impacts the performance requirements of the pneumatic system are vital considerations. When choosing the right compressed air components, the sum is often bigger than its parts. Getting the whole package from a single supplier makes sense, with all components designed to work together. This one-stop-shop approach minimises compatibility, integration, and installation issues while increasing operational efficiency and providing maintenance savings over time. Atlas Copco has many years of experience providing pneumatic conveying systems across sectors such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, pulp, paper, cement, and more. Its in-house knowledge and expertise can help engineers determine the rightsized solution for the pneumatic conveying process – whatever the application.
Atlas Copco Compressors
www.atlascopco.com
A milestone in quality, manufacturing and innovation
Yearsofexcellence
For the last 25 years Bowman Stor have been leading the development and refinement of condensate filtration products and technology.
From our industry leading filtration media to our in house
development lab and prototyping facilities we are, and always have been, at the forefront of the Oil-Water Filtration industry.
• OEM SEPURA™ Separators & service kits • Design and Development facilities • ISO9001 & 14001 Accreditations • Own brand options available • Filter bags to fit all systems • Free Product Finder App to download • All manufactured on site in the UK
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SEPURA™ is part of the Bowman Group +44 (0)1543 379212 e:
sales@sepura-technologies.com FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | JUNE 2023 17
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