K-Tron PCS Provides Vacuum Conveying Systems for In-line Cone Milling, Solving Containment Problems and Improving End Product Quality
PITMAN, NJ (March 14, 2006) — K-Tron Pneumatic Conveying Systems (PCS) can supply in-line dilute phase vacuum conveying systems for conveying through conical screen mills. Vacuum conveying is used to transfer material through the conical screen mill in order to eliminate dust and exposure to hazardous chemicals, to help improve the throughput of the process and to improve end product quality. This automated in-line method of moving material through cone mills replaces the older process of manually loading the mill, which created multiple dust and exposure problems. The system can also be easily adapted to use nitrogen as the conveying gas, thus eliminating potential explosion risk.
Conical screen mills (or cone mills) are used to precondition material prior to its entry into a process, either by de-lumping or coarse size reduction. When conveying through process equipment, the system must be sealed and suitable for operation under vacuum. Operation under vacuum can actually improve the product quality and mill efficiency, by reducing residence time in the mill, reducing the attrition applied toward the product, reducing the fines and dust produced by the mill and improving the overall particle size distribution of the end product. Since the entire system is enclosed and under negative pressure, the product is completely contained in the system. After conveying through the mill, the material is delivered directly to the PCS vacuum receiver, which will discharge the milled powder into storage containers or the next stage in the process.
Depending on the mill, convey rates can be up to 6000 pounds per hour and convey distances up to 50 feet. The PCS receivers are constructed of 316 stainless steel and designed to confirm with strict cGMP sanitary standards, with mirror polish if required.