An overseas ice cream manufacturer reached out to me recently with a request for assistance. They were in search of a better means to transfer “inclusions” from a storage bin into the blending tanks of their creamery. The “inclusions” in question, shown above, looked familiar. I’ve found identical cookies stashed in my sons’ favorite places around the house, so I’m somewhat familiar with their transfer from one place to another. Fortunately, in this application the cookie transfer is deliberate whereas it is always “magic” or “no one knows how it got there” when it happens at home.
Seeing as how this application involves the transfer of foodstuffs, we immediately explored a 316 grade stainless steel solution, and gathered the necessary data for determining the proper pneumatic conveyor (an EXAIR Line Vac). Our Line Vacs utilize a high velocity airstream which travels along the ID of a conveyance tube to move material. Because of this, application specifics like material/material size, bulk density, conveyance height and distance, and required conveyance rate play a key role in proper sizing. Here’s how the specifics looked for this application:
Material: Dry cookies and cookie crumbs, 8mm-50mm in diameter (5/16” – 2” in diameter)
Bulk density: 0.69 g/cm³ (43 lb./ft.³)
Conveyance height: None
Conveyance distance: 5m (16.5 feet)
Required conveyance rate: As high as possible, preferably in the range of 500kg/hr. (1100 lb./hr.)
Available compressed air supply: 170m³/hr. @ 5.5 BARG (100 SCFM @ 80 PSIG)
Material constraints: 316SS mandatory
With these details well defined, I used our empirical test data to appropriately size a suitable Line Vac. In this case, we had a viable solution in our Heavy Duty Line Vac with regards to conveyance rate, but this solution is not the proper material. So, we matched performance of a Heavy Duty Line Vac in our 316SS Line Vac using model HP6064-316. Model HP6064-316 is not a stock option and not shown on the website, so having a proper dialogue with an Application Engineer was critical to dialing in on the right solution for this application.
Once the solution was confirmed, this customer was all set. We worked with them on every aspect of the application solution and ended up shipping them (3) specialized Line Vacs in 316 stainless steel. The Line Vacs are up and running, helping to make delicious ice cream for expecting customers.
If you have a similar application or are interested in exploring a Line Vac solution, now is the time to act. We have a Line Vac promotion running through the end of October that includes a free 2” Flat Super Air Nozzle with the purchase of any Line Vac. Application Engineers are available for any questions you may have via phone (1-800-903-9247), email (techelp@exair.com), and online chat.
Lee Evans
Application Engineer
LeeEvans@EXAIR.com
@EXAIR_LE