Safely handling your powder with a closed-loop pneumatic conveying system
Although users have found ways to apply pneumatic conveying in many industries over the years, some applications have presented problems. One example is pneumatically conveying a combustible or explosive powder. This article explores how you can select components for a closed-loop pneumatic conveying system that can safely handle such a powder in your plant.
A combustible fine powder that's suspended in air can create an explosive mixture. Such powders -- including many dusts -- are extremely common. Examples are starch, polyethylene powder, and grain dust, as well as the dry dust of virtually any organic material. If a spark or other ignition source is present, the mixture can explode. The result? Damaged equipment, halted production, and, even worse, injuries to your workers.