Where Can You Install an AirSweep?

Material flowing from a hopper

AirSweep pneumatic flow aid systems are used in thousands of plants around the world. Aside from improving material flow, one of its biggest benefits is its simple and fast installation. You do not need special tools or skills to attach the nozzle, and you can use the system on any storage silos and hoppers, chutes, blenders, or any vessel of any size.

AirSweep can even be used in many vessels or environments where other flow aids simply won’t work. Here’s what you need to know about installing an AirSweep—and why it’s the easiest, most effective fix for material blocks.

AirSweep is easy to install

The AirSweep system consists of a nozzle that releases powerful bursts of pressured air. This is hooked up to an air supply through high-flow solenoid valves and an air receiver. An electronic sequence controller sets the duration and frequency of the pulses.

The nozzle is attached to the outside of the vessel. You just need to cut small holes to accommodate the nozzle tip, and then weld the couplings into place. Finally, insert the AirSweep nozzle to the desired depth and then tighten the lock nuts to hold it in place. It’s that simple!

The AirSweep can also be installed without any welding, using the outside of the mounting bracket. We recommend this option if you want to avoid modifying the vessel, or if you need to remove the nozzle often for frequent sanitation and cleaning.

Follow these simple steps on how to install the AirSweep without any welding or special tools:

AirSweep can be used on any vessel

Many flow aids like air cannons or vibrators are so bulky or generate so much metal fatigue that they cannot be used on small vessels or cramped locations. In contrast, AirSweep’s air pulses do not damage the vessels and have a sleek and compact design.

That is why AirSweep is the best flow aid for any vessel: storage silos and hoppers, gravity chutes, cyclones, blenders, pipes, conveyors, and more.

A plastic and chemical manufacturer found that it was the best flow aid for cyclone efficiency. They had frequent production delays because of the build-up of adipic acid. It would coat the upper discharge area, forming a cake-like crust. Bridging over the discharge would lead to complete blockage. The product-laden air would also fail to drop out and return to the baghouse. As a result, good product would get carried to the waste stream.

Vibrators, fluidizers, and other flow aids would not have been able to solve this problem. AirSweep engineers positioned AirSweep units strategically to prevent bridging at critical areas, leading to better flow and fewer operator interactions.

AirSweep can be used in hazardous environments

AirSweep has been fully tested and approved for use in hazardous and explosive environments. It has even received ATEX certification. ATEX (which stands for ATmosphères EXplosibles) is required for all products that are used in explosive environments in the European Union.

An explosive atmosphere can be caused by a variety of substances and chemicals in the air, such as flammable gases, mists or vapours, or fine organic dusts like grain flour or wood. This includes petrochemical industries, underground mining, and food production.

AirSweep can be used in sanitary process environments

Some industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals, must meet strict regulations on sanitary processes and equipment.

The USDA-accepted AirSweep has been developed specifically for this environment. The model incorporates sanitary design and fabrication principles to meet the guidelines set by the USDA. It has flanged connections for simple tool-less removal and easy assembly/disassembly with simple hand tools for inspection and cleaning. All parts are resistant to corrosive products and cleaning/sanitizing chemicals.

Get a custom installation proposal now

Each process, material, and vessel is unique. The AirSweep engineers will analyze your material flow problem, and recommend the best system for your needs—including the best AirSweep model, where to install it on your vessel, and what pulse frequency and sequence to follow.

Contact us if you have any questions about AirSweep and how it can be integrated into your process.

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