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AirSweep: The Role of Pressure and Volume

Why do you need to get large pipes, headers and air receivers when you use an AirSweep material activation system? What’s wrong with the pipes you already have?

In this video, Paul the AirSweep Guy answers these very common questions. He uses a simple fire hose analogy to explain the role of pressure and volume in the AirSweep system, and then demonstrates its effect on a heavy material. For the purposes of this demo, he used river gravel with a bulk density of 100 lbs/cubic feet, but it applies to any bulk solid that won’t respond to gentle aeration or vibration. (That’s also one of the biggest differences between AirSweep and fluidizers.)

Watch the video to see how large compressed air volume, delivered in little bursts, gives the AirSweep system the power to get the toughest materials flowing, fast.

How to Replace AirSweep Parts for Preventative Maintenance

The AirSweep system is built to last, and will probably be running long after you retire. It just needs regular preventative maintenance. Some parts will need to be replaced periodically to ensure smooth, on-demand flow. These regular “tune-ups” do not require plant shutdowns, expensive equipment, or extensive technical training.

This video will show you the basics of routine preventative maintenance for your AirSweep® or any pneumatic flow aid with similar components.

What is preventative maintenance?

Routine preventative maintenance is a fairly simple concept. It just means choosing a service interval to change out certain parts in the flow aid system in order to prevent big problems from occurring. This includes the solenoid valves and the AirSweep nozzles.

Why do you need preventative maintenance?

Flow aid systems operate in very hot, dusty environments. After thousands of cycles in these difficult conditions, parts can wear down – affecting performance and energy efficiency. Eventually, this can lead to equipment failure, downtime, or possible safety hazards.

What tools do you need?

AirSweep is designed for easily installation and maintenance. Since it is mounted outside the vessel, you can quickly access and replace the parts. You don’t even need to disconnect it from the AirSweep or the air supply; just turn off the power and depressurize the system.

As for tools, all you need is a screwdriver, a power drill or a socket wrench, and the AirSweep replacement kit.

Watch the video for step-by-step instructions

Paul the AirSweep guy walks you through the entire process of replacing the solenoid valve.
Contact us if you have any other questions, or concerns about your AirSweep’s performance. We’ll be happy to help!

Standard AirSweep vs. Straight Shooter Models

The AirSweep system can handle almost any type of material and can be fitted into several kinds of storage vessels: silos, hoppers, ribbon blenders and more. The nozzles are positioned to release high-pressure, high volume 360° bursts of air. However, your process may require the air to be focused in one direction. Or, there may be structural limitations like a shared wall in the grain bin that make it difficult to install the standard AirSweep.

That’s when you need the AirSweep straight shooter models. In this video, Paul the AirSweep guy explains:

• The difference between the standard AirSweep® and the Straight Shooter models
• Situations or applications where the Straight Shooter may work better
• How to adjust the position/location and angle of the Straight Shooter to achieve the desired material flow

The video concludes with a material flow test that shows how the AirSweep Straight Shooter can eliminate ratholing, bridging and other material blocks.

What will work better for your vessel, material, process or industry? The AirSweep engineers can customize the system for you, and recommend the right models and set-up.

AirSweep: Dust-Tight Design, Easy Maintenance!

How much time and money do you lose every month because you need to shut down your production to clean your flow aid systems? That’s a common issue with most pneumatic flow aids. The material gets trapped in the material activation device, compromising performance and even causing cross-contamination.

Material Feedback—It’s a Money Issue!

Every time you pause production to clean out your flow aids, you lose time and money. Aside from lowering your output, you have to assign someone to dismantle the equipment, and manually remove any trapped debris.

That’s never a problem with the AirSweep system. It is designed to be completely dust-tight, so material never enters its individual parts. The patented nozzle design closes shut after each pulse, and is locked in place by a heavy-duty compression swing when it’s not in use. You have zero material feedback.

Watch proof of AirSweep’s dust-tight design

We submerge an AirSweep nozzle to see if water will leak through to the nozzle and solenoid valves. Will the AirSweep system stay dry and clean? See the results yourself.