New techniques to improve and modify existing pneumatic conveying systems in cement plants

Pneumatic conveying systems operating in the cement industry have been a very important part of successful cement production for decades. During the past 10 years, there has been a movement to replace this technology with mechanical-type systems. Pneumatic conveying systems are being replaced with bucket elevators and screw conveyors. The driving force for this change in technology is horsepower. As the pneumatic conveying equipment becomes worn out, replacement by mechanical equipment is seen. Before spending the large capital on mechanical systems, plant operations and maintenance personnel should be aware of how existing pneumatic conveying systems can be improved or replaced using new modern pneumatic technology. This new technology is lower power, lower maintenance, more efficient, more flexible and more dependable than older pneumatic systems. They are also easier to maintain than mechanical systems. This paper takes a few examples of cases where the older pneumatic systems have been replaced with newer technology. The examples discussed include improving existing pneumatic pump feed systems and replacing pumps with dense phase technology.