VAC-U-MAX Aero-Mechanical Conveying Systems: Versatile & Economic Alternative

VAC-U-MAX’s Aerocon Aero-Conveying System is constructed of two parallel tubular housings, typically 8cm (3in) or 10cm (4in) tubes, containing a continuous loop of steel cable.

Polymer discs smaller than the inside diameter of the tubes are mounted at equal intervals along the steel cable. One side of the housing is for conveying, and the other is for return. Material inlets and outlets are suitably located for the application.

Modularity and Versatility in Design and Materials of Construction

VAC-U-MAX’s Aerocon Conveyors are available in a variety of sizes, types, and materials of construction. These include carbon steel and 304 or 316 stainless steel. Stainless steel or aluminum tubing is supplied with all carbon steel parts painted externally with an environmentally-safe and durable powder coating. Stainless steel can be bead blasted, brush finished, or mirror polished. A wide variety of disc materials and features are available using VAC-U-MAX’s unique snap-together replaceable discs, or more traditional three-part assemblies in nylon, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and UHMW depending on the particular application.

Reduce Bulk Material Degradation While Conveying Continuously

A complete basic VAC-U-MAX Aerocon System consists of two sprocket assemblies, one providing drive and linked to a small motor (typically 2 or 3 hp.), and the other guiding the return. The versatility of Aero-Conveying permits for additional tubing, sprockets, inlets and outlets, angles, bends, horizontal and vertical configurations, forming a continuous system ranging from 3m (10ft) to about 37m (120ft). Several systems can cascade to cover greater distances. Bulk material entering the inlet is moved in a fluidized form via pockets of air between the discs, further aided mechanically by movement of the discs. Controlling the velocity of the cable assembly determines the nature of conveying and movement of the bulk material.

VAC-U-MAX has conducted research and tests which enables the user to move certain bulk materials at critical speeds, approaching the equivalent of dense or dilute phases in the system. High speed, lean phase (or dilute) conveying fluidizes the material and handles particles more gently than pneumatic conveying. The dynamics of fluidization within the cable-disc configuration, around the corners, causes minimal impact between particles and against the housing. The result is less particle degradation and less conveyor wear than with dilute pneumatic conveying. Low speed, dense phase aero-conveying further reduces particle degradation and conveyor wear by controlling the material’s optimum conveying velocity. The use of long-radius bends further reduces particle impact. VAC-U-MAX Aero-Mechanical conveyors allow dense phase aero-conveying of friable materials such as cereals, with minimal energy requirements and capital outlay.

Safe and Economical Solution

A small motor, generally 2-3hp, is the only power source needed for either high, low, or variable speed operation, and operating costs are modest. The cost difference is substantial in comparison to other forms of conveying which may require a dedicated supply of high pressure air, or filters to retain dust within the system. From a continuous operating standpoint, the overall maintenance of a VAC-U-MAX Aerocon system is limited to occasional tightening of the steel cable, and the occasional replacement of a disc and cable assembly. Product retention in the conveyor system is very low with the Aerocon unique housing designs. In many applications a simple cleaning procedure is accomplished in minutes. VAC-U-MAX’s Aerocon Aero-Mechanical Conveying system offers guards and safety interlocks on potential hazardous areas such as drives and quick access features. Aero-Conveyors are designed to be integrated into the customer’s plant and all safety devices should be in place and operational before running the equipment.

Versatility in Design and Bulk Material Conveyed

With the ability to convey through multi-planes, around corners, at any angle from 0 to 180º degrees, and at a variety of conveying speeds, the Aerocon system is highly versatile. This versatility is not limited by the ability to match geometry, but includes the versatility of the product conveyed. The system allows for a range of bulk densities from as low as 80 kg (5lbs) per cubic foot to 3,200kg (200lbs) per cubic foot, a range of particle sizes from 5 microns to 1.27cm (.5 in) pieces, and a range of powder properties from free flowing to cohesive, all handled by the same unit. True versatility is not just where the conveying system can be used, but also the range of bulk materials it can handle. To learn more, visit www.vac-u-max.com or call (800) VAC-U-MAX.