IEDCO has been providing pneumatic conveying solutions for nearly two decades and has established a solid reputation within many industries based on our expertise in pneumatic conveying technology. Our pneumatic conveying systems are custom designed to specifically suit a wide range of duties and have set new benchmarks in relation to efficiency, quality, and cost-performance ratio. IEDCO Pneumatic Conveying Systems (IEDCOveyors) transport the most diverse materials, including: powders, pigments, granules, tablets, capsules, small parts, etc.
Advantages of Pneumatic Conveying
- Dust-Free, Closed System Material Transfer
- Gentle to the Material
- Reliable Low-Weight Systems
- Low Maintenance & Easily Cleaned
- Simple Installation & Control
- cGMP & Hygienic Design
- Quiet & Reliable Operation
Dense Phase Pneumatic Conveying
Pneumatic Conveying has been given a “bad rap” when handling fragile products due to the fact that many have tried a version of it only to erode (or even explode) their product through a high velocity conveying line. These experiences are, in fact, representative of conventional dilute phase vacuum conveying. With dilute phase conveying there is a lot of air used for conveying and therefore a lot of product interaction (potential damage) at the high velocities necessary for conveying with traditional vacuum pumps.
Our pneumatically operated vacuum pump makes Dense Phase pneumatic conveying possible. By being able to pull nearly a full vacuum (27” Hg.), the vacuum pump permits us to let in very little air for conveying. The product can be pulled through the line in dense slugs which move at low velocity, with little to no product interaction. The result is the ability to vacuum transfer fragile products without damage. This opens up the door to automation, efficiency, labor savings, and solutions to many ergonomic issues that plague the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Pneumatic Conveying Components
Feed Systems for Pneumatic Conveying Systems
There are a few options available for introducing material into the pneumatic conveying system. The most common being a vacuum feed wand or a feed station hopper.
A Vacuum Feed Wand is our standard method of feeding the product into the pneumatic conveying system from a drum, Gaylord, or other container. With its twin tube design, the vacuum feed wand permits full adjustment of aspirating air at the feed point. The feed wand also permits “in/out” adjustment of the inner tube permitting total flexibility for feed rate control. The tip of the wand has a tube guard feature that prevents clogging from plastic liners.
As an alternative to a feed wand, IEDCO can provide a Feed Station Hopper of any size or configuration to introduce the product into the pneumatic conveying stream. This configuration allows for optimum material conveying and offers full adjustability. Further, it allows for additional system automation and reliable feed of material into the conveying system. For materials with difficult flow characteristics, Fluidization Cones can be provided. These cones prevent bridging by providing a finely distributed air stream that creates a cushion or film that reduces friction between materials and the pick-up components, enhancing particle movement.
At the heart of the pneumatic conveying system is the vacuum pump which creates the suction that moves the material from its source to the collection container. A compressed air driven, multijector vacuum pump is our standard. By using a compressed air-driven vacuum pump, the unit is inherently explosion-proof. Vacuum pumps driven by compressed air also have the advantage of being virtually maintenance-free, whisper quiet, and easy to control. Further, the pump only runs during the suction period and is at rest at other times saving energy.
In situations where compressed air is either not available or in limited supply, we can provide a motor driven vacuum pump and skid assembly. The rotary claw-type, positive displacement, dry vacuum pump acts as a dedicated vacuum source for the pneumatic conveying system.
Vacuum is produced by two non-contacting rotors in an oil-free pumping chamber. The dry, non-contacting design leads to a longer pump life with low maintenance.
Vacuum Filter Elements
When the material, together with the conveying air, enters the collection container, most particles are separated out, due to a drop in velocity. A small amount of fine particles follow the air to the filter(s) where they are collected and prevented from entering the vacuum pump.
The clean air continues through the vacuum pump and exhausted. The filter material used can be of a number of choices depending on specific applications, including stainless steel, plastic (polyethylene), and HEPA filters.
The IEDCO In-Line Vacuum Sifter is designed to be directly connected into a pneumatic conveying line and capable of screening using a wide range of mesh sizes.
Its sanitary construction is ideal for use within the high-quality food, chemical and pharmaceutical powder processes, and perfect for scalping lumps and unwanted contaminates from the product stream.
Operating and cleaning is quick and easy, making this sifter perfect for all processing industries. A wide range of sizes and options means the machine can be tailored to suit your exact needs.
Explosion Proof Vacuum Cleaner
The IEDCO Explosion Proof Vacuum Cleaner has been designed as a portable, self-sustaining vacuum for use in hazardous environments. The system is capable of vacuuming up various materials while maintaining ground and continuity with static dissipation to provide a safe vacuuming environment and remain non-combustible during the process.
- For use in hazardous environments
- Battery operated (no electric plug or outlet required)
- Utilizes static dissipative hose
- Removable, explosion proof drum
- Supplied with 6 tool attachments
Pneumatic Conveying Reactor Feed System
Using pneumatic conveying, the IEDCO Reactor Feed System allows the charging of a vessel in an inert atmosphere and in a clean and contained manner. A perfect solution for pharmaceutical, chemical, and food processes. The Reactor Feed System can charge directly into vessels under pressure or vacuum in a closed, contained system. The unique vacuum/air interface removes oxygen and inerts the powder before discharging into the vessel.
- Completely closed, contained system
- Charges vessels that are under pressure/vacuum
- Dust-free process increases operator safety by reducing exposure
- Removes oxygen from powder before discharging into vessel
- Charges vessels with existing solvents
- Easy to clean/maintain
- Eliminates the need for lifts/hoists above reactor vessel
- GMP design with WIP option