All industrial processes use bulk product handling equipment. Some are used to transport and supply materials to processing units. Others perform more specific functions like blending, compacting, flushing, grinding, etc.
Flow aids are used to improve the material flow of bulk materials. They perform an important function because when materials don’t flow properly, the entire production line is affected. Without any bulk product handling equipment, workers must hammer the vessels to get the material moving again. This can cause hours or even days of delay.
AirSweep: Bulk Product Handling Equipment for Material Flow
AirSweep provides on-demand flow of even the toughest materials. It eliminates bridging, ratholing, arching and sticky build-up on the vessel walls.
Each AirSweep nozzle directs high-pressure, high-volume, 360-degree bursts of compressed air or inert gas along the inside walls of process equipment, vessels, chutes, and ducts.
The air pulses break the friction between the wall and the material to lift and sweep stalled material back into the flow stream. The unique, sweeping action can even result in the vessel or cone walls being flushed completely clean.
This video explains how the AirSweep system provides reliable bulk material handling.
Built for tough materials
AirSweep works on the toughest materials. The pulses are powerful enough to activate moist, sticky, damp, and wet materials — even with bulk densities up to 200 pounds per cubic foot.
Many companies shifted to AirSweep after becoming disappointed in other flow aids. A commercial bakery had issues with flax bridging above the discharge. “The vibrators that came installed on the bottom of the hopper above the mixture practically turned the flax into concrete,” said the maintenance department head. “Then we installed fluidizers, which were terrible. We still had to use hammers and sticks, and spent an hour a day to clean and keep things flowing.”
AirSweep resolved 90% of material retention problems—which increased production and eliminated the cost of wasted raw materials. “My experience totally exceeded my expectations—a 10 out of 10!”
Energy-efficient
The AirSweep system uses less plant air and electricity compared to other flow aids. Unlike fluidizers and vibrators, which run continuously, the units are pulsed in a sequence—one at a time—which minimizes overall energy use.
Low maintenance
The AirSweep can be mounted and dismounted from the process equipment without tools. This makes it very easy to remove the nozzle for routine cleaning.
The AirSweep can also run for 1,000,000 cycles before it needs preventative maintenance. Aside from replacing parts that are prone to wear and tear, a system can last for decades without any problem. If there are any issues, customers also enjoy a 7-year warranty—the longest in the business.
Easy installation
One of AirSweep’s key benefits is that it is installed outside the vessel. Drill small holes at the appropriate location, then weld the couplings into place. It can also be retrofitted into existing holes.
Safe for use in hazardous environments
The AirSweep design and materials of construction can withstand high process or material temperatures, corrosive environments and materials, and hazardous area classifications. It is also ATEX-certified, which means that it has been independently tested as safe for use in explosive atmospheres.
Watch AirSweep at work
The proof is in the flow. Watch these material flow videos to see how AirSweep activates different types of materials.
You can also contact us so we can personally explain how the system works, and how it can help you with your particular process.
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