Pneumatic Conveying

Reliable conveying is essential for transferring powders and bulk solids between storage, dosing and processing steps. The conveying system must be designed around the material properties, required throughput, conveying distance and process conditions to maintain product quality and consistent operation.

Hosokawa integrates pneumatic conveying systems for a wide range of powders and bulk solids. Depending on the application, systems can operate under pressure or vacuum and incorporate feeding, product separation, filtration and control equipment as part of the complete process.

Pneumatic conveying transfers powders and bulk solids through pipelines using a controlled flow of air or gas. The appropriate conveying principle depends on factors such as bulk density, particle size, flowability, abrasiveness, moisture sensitivity and product fragility. Hosokawa Micron

Conveying velocity, pressure conditions and pipeline configuration are selected according to the material and process requirements. This helps minimise particle degradation, segregation, equipment wear and unnecessary energy consumption.

Conveying solutions

• Dilute-phase conveying – For reliable transfer of free-flowing powders, granules and other bulk materials at relatively high conveying velocities.
• Dense-phase conveying – For slower and gentler transport with a higher concentration of material in the conveying line.
• Pressure conveying – Suitable for applications such as higher throughputs, longer distances or supplying multiple destinations.
• Vacuum conveying – Particularly suitable where contained material transfer, cleanliness or controlled product collection is important.
• Plug conveying – For gentle transport at low velocity, especially for fragile, abrasive or difficult-to-handle materials.

At the end of a pneumatic conveying line, the transported product must be separated from the conveying air. Efficient filtration is therefore an integral part of many pneumatic conveying systems. Hosokawa Alpine

Filter configuration depends on the product, air volume, operating conditions and required level of separation. Automatic filter cleaning can support reliable continuous operation while limiting pressure loss and maintaining conveying performance.

Filtration solutions

• Product separation filters – For separating powders and bulk solids from the conveying air.
• Vent filters – For venting air during filling, dosing or material transfer.
• Silo filters – For dust separation during pneumatic filling of storage vessels.
• Safety filters – For protecting downstream equipment if the primary filter becomes damaged or ineffective.