What is “pneumatic conveying” and how does it transfer solids?

Pneumatic conveying is a technology that enables the transfer of solids in a closed system. It provides for the solids to be mixed into a stream of gas, and uses pressure and/or vacuum to convey the gas stream with the entrained solids.

The solids:gas mixing ratio, and associated flow rates and pressures are monitored and controlled in order to effectively transport the solids from their primary source (usually some type of container) to a secondary location (such a reactor or other piece of process related equipment). The solids are then separated from the gas stream by a dust collection system or filter element, so it is typically one of the major design points of this type of technology.