Art or Science: The Choice Between Dilute Phase Pneumatic Conveying and Flexible Screw Conveying

Everyone has rules of thumb when it comes to choosing a conveying system—rules based on bulk material characteristics, required flow rates and distances, source and destination, plant configuration, and other variables. But those with experience in all types of systems will tell you that the only real rule for choosing a conveying technology is that there are no hard-and-fast rules.

The fact is, most materials can be conveyed using any of several methods. No one can say with certainty, for example, that positive pressure pneumatic conveying is always the better choice for conveying high-temperature materials. The final selection comes down to balancing the pros and cons of each type of system for the particular application, with all its variables. That said, the following guidelines will help you select the optimum method for conveying your bulk solid products.

The first rule is, ask the experts. While the science of conveying has advanced significantly over the past two decades, there is still an art to selecting the best overall system and engineering it to meet individual needs. The final analysis requires an intimate understanding of the material and process as they relate to the strengths and limitations of each conveyor technology. Consult with a specialist who does not have a vested interest in selling only one type of equipment. An expert will weigh each parameter and recommend the best solution for you.