Optimisation of powder transport for dissolver/process tank loading
Customers: companies in the chemical industry
Customers requirement: companies in the chemical sector had similar needs to improve powder transport to a dissolver or process vessel, with specific objectives.
- An hourly flow rate that could reach 1500-2000 kg/h.
- Minimise the dispersion of powder into the production environment to reduce chemical risk.
- Ensure a consistent dosed flow of product in the dissolver to optimise mixing efficiency.
- Facilitate disassembly and cleaning in case of product change.
- Meet the requirements of the ATEX powder directive.
Implemented solutions
After a careful analysis of the desired results and the plant layout, it was decided to adopt a pneumatic transport using vacuum suction with an electrical side channel vacuum pump. The raw materials (in powder or crystalline hygroscopic form) are taken from existing storage units.The product intake cone is custom-made and equipped with a ball valve to regulate the amount of air being sucked into the system.
The pneumatic transport system for the transfer of powders ensures complete emptying of the contents of the pipeline from the sampling point to the destination point, eliminating residues and preventing the dispersion of powders into the environment thanks to the vacuum generated by the system. A cyclone filter with a cartridge or sleeve filter depending on the transferred powder ensures correct filtration. The ease of dismantling and cleaning of the filters also allows their safe and efficient replacement during product changes to avoid cross-contaminations between the different products.
To ensure the required hourly flow rate and accurate dosing in the dissolver, the pneumatic transport system was configured to operate continuously, rather than in batches. This is possible thanks to the installation of a GIMAT DN 150 (or DN 200) rotary airlock valve under the receiving cyclone filters.
Our patented rotary valve with its protruding rotor and reduced clearances between rotor and valve body, ensures continuous emptying of the cyclone and a smooth flow of product to the dissolver.
