Posted by Dedet Panabi on | Comments Off on AirSweep USDA 112 Makes the Cover of Powder and Bulk Solids Magazine
The AirSweep® USDA 112 has been featured on the cover of Powder and Bulk Solids (PBS) magazine, a leading publication for professionals in dry particulate processing and powder bulk material handling.
PBS spotlights innovations that improve the way materials are stored, processed, and conveyed–including the USDA 112. This compact but powerful flow aid is designed for applications that need sanitary equipment and frequent cleaning. It is ideal for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical processes that use small powder processing equipment or have space constraints.
The USDA 112 is the latest addition to the AirSweep USDA-accepted series, which is already used by some of the biggest companies in the world.
Learn more about the AirSweep USDA Series and how it improves bulk material handling for sanitary environments. Compare the different models or watch the video that demonstrates its features and benefits.
Posted by Dedet Panabi on | Comments Off on How to Solve Material Flow in 10 Common Processing Vessels
Managing bulk materials comes with a common challenge: ensuring smooth flow through every stage of processing. Blockages can strike at any point, leading to costly downtime, wasted product, and frustrated teams. Here’s a look at the processing vessels most prone to material hang-ups.
Hoppers
Hoppers store and dispense bulk materials like powders and granules, feeding them into the next stage of processing.
Material hang-up: Bridging and rat-holing are the biggest culprits here. Materials can form a solid arch across the outlet or flow unevenly through a narrow channel. Sticky powders can also cling to hopper walls, disrupting flow and creating bottlenecks.
Silos
Silos store massive quantities of materials, from cement and grains to plastic pellets. They’re essential for large-scale operations.
Material hang-up: Moisture and compaction can cause materials to stick to the silo walls or create blockages. Fine powders, in particular, tend to clump and resist flow, which leads to uneven discharge and wasted product.
Bins
Bins serve as short-term storage vessels for bulk solids, often holding material right before it’s processed.
Material hang-up: Like hoppers, bins suffer from material stagnation. Solids may become compacted or form dead zones, preventing a consistent flow. Dusty materials can also accumulate on bin walls.
Chutes
Chutes transfer materials using gravity, directing them from one stage of processing to another.
Material hang-up: Insufficient slope or the wrong surface finish can cause materials to stick or clump together, especially if they’re damp or adhesive. This results in blockages that stop material movement entirely.
Cyclones
Cyclones separate particles by size or density in pneumatic systems, a common process in industries handling fine powders or particulates. Material hang-up: Accumulation of fine particles often occurs in bends or outlets, especially in systems that deal with sticky or moisture-laden materials. This can clog the system and reduce efficiency.
Mixing Vessels
Mixing vessels homogenize ingredients, blending powders, liquids, or slurries in food, chemical, or pharmaceutical production.
Material hang-up: Settling and clumping are common issues, especially with viscous materials. Unmixed components can adhere to the walls or bottom of the vessel, reducing the quality of the final blend.
Feeders
Feeders dispense materials in precise quantities, ensuring consistent input for downstream equipment.
Material hang-up: Sticky or fine-grained materials can clog feeder mechanisms, leading to uneven discharge or complete blockages.
Weigh Hoppers
Weigh hoppers measure and dispense materials by weight, a critical function for accurate batching.
Material hang-up: Material bridging or sticking to the hopper walls can result in inaccurate measurements. Over time, residual material build-up can compromise efficiency.
Bag Dump Stations
Bag dump stations transfer materials from bags into processing lines, filtering dust and contaminants in the process.
Material hang-up: Residue from bags can collect on the grids, while powders may clog the transfer points, slowing down production.
Storage Tanks for Slurries or Powders
Storage tanks hold materials for later use, whether it’s liquid, slurry, or powder.
Material hang-up: Sedimentation or compaction at the bottom of the tank is a frequent issue. These blockages make discharge inconsistent and increase clean-up time.
Solve Material Blocks in Processing Vessels
Material flow issues are more than just a nuisance—they can cost your operation valuable time and money. The good news is that these problems are solvable. With the right system in place, you can keep your processing vessels running smoothly, no matter the material.
AirSweep is a pneumatic flow aid system that uses powerful bursts of compressed air to activate stagnant material and restore flow. Unlike vibrators or other mechanical aids that only address surface-level issues, AirSweep penetrates the material column, breaking up blockages at the source.
AirSweep can be installed in all types of processing vessels—whether you’re dealing with a stubborn hopper, a silo that refuses to empty evenly, or a bin plagued by dead zones. It works seamlessly with powders, grains, and even sticky materials, ensuring efficient flow every time. Find out more about how AirSweep works.
A special message from our president Henry Tiffany and the rest of the team at Control Concepts.
To all of our customers, distributors and partners: Warmest wishes to you and yours this holiday season. Thank you so much for your support this past year and we look forward to working with you in 2021.
Copyright Control Concepts, Inc. , 19 S. Main Street, Brooklyn, CT 06234 • ph: 860-928-6551 • fax: 860-928-9450
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