How a Powder Transfer System Works
A Powder Transfer System moves bulk powders (pharma, chemical, food, minerals, etc.) from one point to another in a closed pipeline using air or vacuum โ safely, cleanly, and efficiently.
๐งฉ Main Components
-
Material Loading Point
(Big bag station / Bag dumping station / Silo / Hopper / Reactor) -
Air or Vacuum Source
-
Blower / Compressor (for pressure conveying)
-
Vacuum Pump / Venturi (for vacuum conveying)
-
-
Conveying Pipeline
-
Material Receiver
(Cyclone, Receiver hopper, Filter receiver, Bin) -
Filtration & Dust Collection
-
Discharge Device
(Rotary valve, Butterfly valve, Slide gate) -
Control Panel & Automation
๐ Working Principle โ Step by Step
Step 1: Material Feeding
Powder is fed from:
-
Bags, big bags, silos, reactors, or mixers
into the feeding hopper / pick-up point.
Step 2: Creating Conveying Force
Depending on the system type:
| System Type | How Force is Created |
|---|---|
| Vacuum Conveying | Vacuum pump creates negative pressure |
| Pressure Conveying | Blower/compressor creates positive pressure |
| Dense Phase | High pressure, low air velocity |
| Dilute Phase | Low pressure, high air velocity |
Step 3: Powder Movement in Pipeline
The created air flow carries powder through the pipeline.
-
Dilute Phase:
Powder floats in fast air stream (suspended) -
Dense Phase:
Powder moves in slow, compact โplugsโ
โ Less degradation, less pipeline wear
Step 4: Material Separation
At destination:
-
Air + powder enter receiver
-
Filter separates air and powder
-
Clean air is exhausted
-
Powder drops into hopper / reactor / bin
Step 5: Discharge & Cycle Repeat
Powder discharges through:
-
Rotary valve / Butterfly valve
into next process equipment.
The system repeats the cycle automatically via PLC.
๐งช Simple Example (Pharma Plant)
Bag โ Vacuum Loader โ Pipeline โ Filter Receiver โ Reactor
Operator opens bag โ powder is sucked โ travels in pipe โ powder collected in reactor โ clean air released โ no dust, no spillage.
๐ Key Benefits (Why Industries Use It)
-
Dust-free & hygienic
-
No manual lifting
-
No contamination
-
Closed & safe operation
-
High efficiency
-
GMP compliant
-
Low manpower
๐ญ Where It Is Used
Pharmaceutical | Chemical | Food | Cement | Minerals | Plastics | Battery materials | FMCG
