Blockages are a common and critical issue in material handling and processing. Whether a silo, chute, hopper, kiln, bin or other material handling equipment, bridging, clinging, ratholing and arching are some of the common material flow problems you may experience. Slow and inefficient material flow, equipment stress and downtime are the reasons why it's critical to deal with material flow issues early enough.
Air cannons are your go-to solution here. They are blast aerators that facilitate smooth material flow. However, they come in different types. And if you are looking for one, follow these steps to get the correct type.
Step 1: Focus On The Material Being Blasted
The first step to getting the right air cannon for your silo or other material handling equipment is to analyse the materials flowing inside it. Most importantly, focus on the materials' weight and type because it will help you determine the correct amount of air pressure needed to move them when stuck. Generally, air cannons have different pressure ratings, and it's imperative to choose correctly for the best results. Naturally, bulky and sticky materials will require more pressure to move. Materials containing liquids like water or oils are also likely to create huge lumps that may call for more force to remove when stuck than their dryer and freer-flowing counterparts. Therefore, keep all these in mind when shopping for an air cannon.
Step 2: Consider The Working Environment
In what conditions will you be subjecting the air cannon? You must select an air cannon that can stand up to the conditions inside your silo, kiln, hopper, bin etc. Analyse the ambient temperature first because it's often the most critical aspect to consider when it comes to the air cannon's working environment. Some air cannons are not designed to handle extreme temperatures and may become damaged or struggle to perform optimally under excessive heat. Therefore, ensure the air cannon you select is rated for the temperatures inside your material handling equipment.
It will also help to check whether the environment is corrosive to ensure the air cannon you install doesn't give in to the corrosiveness.
Step 3: Check The Air Cannon Configurations
The last step is to check the air cannon itself for specifications that will suit your application. The critical details to assess include its size, the nozzle type, the valve system it uses and piping compatibility. It will also be essential to decide between an automatic and manual air cannon. Manual air cannons are usually more cost-effective but tend to be less convenient to use than automatic ones.
For more information, contact a local company that sells air cannons.