From a financial perspective, all cement plant operators know they have a lot riding on the efficiency of their pneumatic conveying systems. From a technical perspective, however, it is what is riding in the system and how well it is being conveyed that is the key focus. When the system works well to convey raw meal, finished cement or baghouse dust,  the plant can efficiently meet its production and financial objectives. When it does not, the costs can be high.

Often problems with pneumatic conveying systems can be traced to the line charger. This article will discuss the inherent performance challenges cement plants face in conveying various materials throughout the plant. It will also discuss how the unique design of double flap airlock valves can help cement plant operators to overcome problems in their pneumatic conveying systems.

Introduction

Double flap airlock valves are emerging as a leading technology to be utilised as line chargers for pneumatic conveying systems in the cement industry and other industries with comparable material handling challenges. Typically, double flap airlock valves are utilised on pneumatic conveying systems by cement plants to reduce energy cost per tonne of material transported and/or to solve a problem with an existing pneumatic conveying line charger. When certain parameters exist, retrofitting an existing system with a double flap valve can be easy and straightforward. For either a completely new installation or a retrofit of an existing system, a double flap valve will often significantly outperform alternative line feeders.

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