Pneumatic conveying system for hygroscopic powder

Transferring hygroscopic materials – Pneumatic conveying system for hygroscopic powder – (materials that readily absorb moisture from the air) using a pneumatic transfer system requires special considerations to prevent clumping, degradation, or blockages due to moisture. Here’s how to effectively transfer them:


Recommended System: Vacuum Pneumatic Conveying (Closed Loop)

Pneumatic conveying system for hygroscopic powder – 

Why? Vacuum systems minimize air leaks and can maintain controlled environmental conditions, ideal for hygroscopic materials.


pneumatic conveying for hygroscopic materials

🔧 Key Design Considerations

  1. Use Dry Air or Nitrogen

    • Problem: Ambient air contains moisture, which can be absorbed by the hygroscopic powder.

    • Solution: Use dehumidified air or nitrogen (inert gas) as the conveying medium to prevent moisture absorption.

  2. Closed or Inert Loop System

    • A closed-loop vacuum system prevents external air (and moisture) from entering.

    • Nitrogen blanketing can be used for highly sensitive materials (e.g., in pharma or specialty chemicals).

  3. Stainless Steel Construction

    • Use SS304/316 for hygienic and corrosion-resistant surfaces.

  4. Minimal Elbows and Bends

    • Reduces the risk of product build-up and sticking in the lines.

  5. Proper Filter & Receiver Design

    • Use HEPA filters and ensure the receiver is properly sealed and purged.

  6. Use of Air Dryer or Desiccant Dryer

    • Install a drying unit in the compressed air line to remove humidity before conveying.


📊 Typical Pneumatic Transfer Setup for Hygroscopic Materials

System Flow:

Hopper → Vacuum Pump → Transfer Line → Filter Receiver → Discharge to Process Equipment

Options for Sensitive Powders:

  • Dense Phase Vacuum System (for fragile and moisture-sensitive powders)

  • Low Velocity Conveying to reduce attrition


🧪 Example Hygroscopic Materials:

  • Citric Acid

  • Calcium Chloride

  • Sodium Hydroxide

  • Sugar

  • Ammonium Nitrate

  • Pharmaceutical APIs


🧩 Additional Tips:

  • Avoid long conveying distances if possible.

  • Purge lines after operation to prevent material sticking.

  • Monitor dew point of conveying air to ensure it stays below critical limits.

 

 Pneuconveyor System & Engineers

Vacuum Pneumatic Transfer System for Hygroscopic Materials

📞 Contact: 8169813211 / 8169820763
✉️ Email: pneuconveyor@gmail.com / info@pneuconveyor.com
🌐 Website: https://pneuconveyor.com

 

By RKP