Pressure Control Valve: What is an Air or Pneumatic Conveyor?
An air or pneumatic conveyor refers to a family of devices that use high-pressure air to move products and materials instead of using mechanical chains or belts. Air conveyors are most widely used to move lightweight objects such as trays, boxes, and empty containers. Conveyor speeds can reach up to 1,000 fpm. However, conveyors are not limited to just lightweight materials. Some pneumatic conveyors in large manufacturing firms are so long it takes several pressure control valve systems to operate.
The pneumatic conveyor
Air conveyors can move fine, dry material using compressed air or nitrogen, typical flow of gas, and pressure differentials. The flow of materials is totally enclosed within clean pipes or tubes. A pressure differential can be made by increasing or decreasing the pressure on either side of the tube, or the addition of a blower will cause fine powder to flow. Push systems can push materials from one inlet to many outlets and pull systems (with negative pressure) can pull material from many inlets to one outlet.
Another type of air conveyor is the open type using centrifugal blowers. This is commonly used with items like aluminium cans or empty PET bottles. Such contents would simply topple and spillover when using conventional conveyors. These air conveyors can reach speeds up to 1,000 fps.
Today’s special applications
Historically, the first pneumatic conveyor systems were created for the discharge of grain from overseas ships. Air conveyors were also applied in the transferring and transporting of coal, since coal dust tends to build up and become flammable.
- With today’s air conveyors, burner feeding with combustible dusts in the cement industry.
- Pneumatic transport feeding for non-ferrous iron-metal smelting.
- Pneumatic conveying in the recycling sector.
- Injection of alternative fuels at power plants.
Other applications include the transfer of flakes, granules, powders, and other dry bulk solids materials using enclosed conveyor lines utilising air pressure. Air conveyors are also used for venting gas, hopper loading, trim removal, filling operations, light material transfer, food ingredients, coal, grain, and abrasive or corrosive chemical industry products and fumes.
MasterMac2000
When it comes to pressure control valve systems, you can rely on MasterMac2000. The company was founded in 1989 and has now become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned distributors of pneumatic components. It is the sole distributor of Mack Valves, exclusively made in Australia. Other brands include Univer, Bimba, Tolomatic, Piab, and much more stocked in our Brisbane main office and warehouse. We’re sure to have a solution for you. Call now at 07 3344 4711 or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.