The industrial air cannon or blaster is a critical device to consider when starting a bulk material handling, packaging or production operation. In simple terms, if you are installing new plant machinery in your commercial premises that is designed to convey granular or generally powdery materials, you should ensure that an air blaster is incorporated or installed after purchase. The common bulk granular materials in consideration include flour, cement and cosmetic powders.

This type of accessory device consists of a pressure vessel component which stores air under pressure and the triggering mechanism for releasing the air. The cannon will release air into bulk-handling machines such as silos or hoppers periodically to ensure continuous flow of powdery material. This will prevent caking of the material and limit the risk of clogging. If you require the air cannon in your industrial operation, consider these factors when selecting the ideal device.

Pressure Vessel Construction Material

The pressure vessel is a crucial component in the air cannon because it is designed to handle compressed air. Therefore, when purchasing this device, you should choose a strong vessel structure that can withstand the heavy usage in the industrial environment. The most important factor with regard to pressure vessel construction is the material. This will determine the longevity, cost and general strength of the structure after installation.

Stainless steel is one of the ideal materials for pressure vessels because of its high compressive and tensile strength. It can handle large air loads for large bulk-handling plant machinery. Moreover, it is resistant to corrosion. Composite materials like filament-wound polymers, plastics and copper are also popular in this construction. Plastics are cheap but their capacity might be low while copper is a strong choice but expensive. Composites are often proprietary, so inquire about the specifics from suppliers.

Vessel Lining

You can choose a pressure vessel with or without a lining for your air cannon. The lining is designed and constructed to improve the impermeability of the vessel. Moreover, this will reduce the load exerted on the main walls of the vessel. This is a precautionary measure, and it is not mandatory since most primary construction materials are resilient. If you choose a lined vessel, consider selecting ceramic or polymer liners.

Valve Design

Finally, the air cannon's valve should be designed to handle high air discharge tasks such as removing plugged ducts, removing bulk material build-up and restoring flow in slow channels. In addition, this component should be easy to remove and install because they should be replaced periodically.

For more information on air cannons, talk to a professional like ESS Engineering.

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