Choose Blow Tanks for Efficient Industrial Material Conveyance
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Blow tanks, or conveying tanks, are extensively utilized in various industrial sectors such as metallurgy, power generation, construction materials, and chemical industries. Their primary function is to convey materials at a lower velocity, transporting them in a plug-like form through pipelines without the need for material-gas mixing. This method significantly reduces the wear and tear on pipelines and the associated energy consumption costs. The design and construction materials of blow tanks are versatile, catering to the transportation needs of different bulk materials. Blow tanks excel in continuously conveying abrasive materials and maintaining pressure differentials, thus offering lower operational energy consumption and maintenance costs, coupled with high reliability.
Working Principle of Blow Tanks
The operation of a blow tank involves several key stages, each ensuring that materials are transported from the storage area to the destination efficiently and reliably. Here is a detailed process of how a blow tank works.
1. Feeding Stage
Feed Valve Operation: Before the transportation begins, the feed valve is opened. At this point, materials fall into the blow tank from a storage silo or other sources.
Material Level Monitoring: As the material rises inside the blow tank, a preset level sensor detects when the tank is full and sends a signal.
Automatic Closure: Upon receiving the signal, the feed valve automatically closes, completing the feeding process. At this stage, the blow tank is filled with materials ready for transportation.
2. Fluidization and Pressurization Stage
Air Valve Activation: To initiate the flow of materials, the air valve is automatically opened. Compressed air enters the bottom of the blow tank through the air inlet.
Gas Diffusion: The compressed air diffuses at the bottom and passes through a fluidized bed, which thoroughly fluidizes the material. This process increases the internal pressure of the blow tank, creating a state conducive to transportation.
3. Transportation Stage
Pressure Monitoring: When the pressure inside the blow tank rises to a set value, a pressure sensor detects this change and sends a signal.
Discharge Valve Activation: After receiving the signal, the discharge valve automatically opens. The material in the fluidized bed becomes more fluid due to the pressure change, initiating transportation.
Material Transportation: The material flows from the blow tank into the transportation pipeline. Throughout this process, the material remains in a state of being both fluidized and transported, ensuring stable fluidity and transportation efficiency.
4. Purging Stage
Pipeline Sweeping: Once all the material in the blow tank has been transported, the system pressure drops to the pipeline resistance level. At this point, an indicator light signals the need for pipeline sweeping.
Ventilation and Sweeping: Continued ventilation for a certain period uses compressed air to sweep residual material from the pipeline. After the sweeping is complete, the air valve closes, stopping the supply of air.
Preparation for the Next Cycle: After a period, the discharge valve is closed, and the feed valve is reopened, preparing for the next transportation cycle.
Features and Advantages of Blow Tanks
Blow tanks play a vital role in industrial material transportation due to their efficiency, energy-saving, and low maintenance characteristics. Here are the main features and advantages of blow tanks.
1. Compact Design
The design of blow tanks is compact, occupying minimal space, making them suitable for various installation environments. This allows for easy integration into existing production lines or facilities.
2. Low Operating Costs
The use of low-pressure gas transportation significantly reduces the operating costs of blow tanks, making long-term use more economical.
3. Wear Resistance
Blow tanks transport materials at low air velocities, effectively reducing wear on pipelines and systems. Additionally, it minimizes the breakage of brittle particles due to collisions with the pipe walls.
4. Easy Maintenance
The absence of moving parts in the blow tank system means lower failure rates and reduced maintenance needs. Maintenance costs are lower than traditional equipment, lowering overall operating costs.
5. Adaptability
For materials with unstable chemical properties or special requirements, appropriate gases can be chosen for transportation, meeting diverse needs. The sealed transportation pipeline effectively prevents the impact of climate changes and external environments on the materials, avoiding moisture, contamination, or foreign matter mixing.
6. Flexible Combination
Multiple blow tanks can be combined according to needs to adapt to different transportation requirements and application scenarios. This flexibility allows the system to be adjusted based on actual needs.
In summary, blow tanks, with their efficient transportation principles and significant economic advantages, have demonstrated their irreplaceable value in industries such as metallurgy, power generation, construction materials, and chemicals. Their low-speed, non-material-gas mixing method of material transportation significantly reduces pipeline wear and energy consumption costs. At the same time, their compact design, low operating costs, and easy maintenance contribute to improving production efficiency and reducing operational expenses. With these advantages, blow tanks provide a reliable and economical solution for industrial material transportation, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of various production processes.