Introduction: Optimizing the Movement of Materials with Pneumatic Conveying

The transport of bulk materials in long distances poses to be a challenge while working with powders, granules, and grains. While smaller loads can be transported manually, an industrial scale load will require a more sophisticated approach. This is where conveyor systems come in handy. These systems utilize air pressure and vacuums to transport bulk materials through pipes in the same way water moves through plumbing systems, only this time, the medium is air.

The twin lobe blower, as a component, is the backbone of many pneumatic systems. This air-moving device is a type of positive displacement blower and is praised for its reliability, effectiveness, and multi-functionality. It guarantees uninterrupted and uniform transport of the material.

What Is A Twin Lobe Blower?

A positive displacement blower is also referred to as a twin lobe blower. This rotary machine provides constant airflow and utilizes two lobed rotors that turn in opposite directions within a sealed case as its core components. With each rotation of the blower, the rotors capture and push air from the inlet to the outlet side which generates consistent airflow.

This technique is like inflating a bicycle tire, where air is pushed in one direction continuously. Twin lobe blowers do not compress air; they displace it. This characteristic makes them ideal for low-pressure, high-volume applications like pneumatic conveying.

Function of Twin Lobe Blowers in Pneumatic Conveying Systems

In pneumatic systems, controlling volume and velocity of airflow is very important. The twin lobe blower achieves this either by pushing (pressure system) or pulling (vacuum system) air through pipelines:

• Pressure Conveying: The blower is placed upstream and forces air through the system, moving materials along with the airstream.
• Vacuum Conveying: The blower generates suction which draws materials into and moves them through the pipeline.

This constant airflow protects materials from the risk of clogging or settling, especially in dilute phase conveying systems which require high-speed transport.

Core Benefits of Twin Lobe Blow Displacement

Because twin lobe blowers operate with compelling advantages, they are widely used across industries:

1. Constant and Uniform Air Delivery

Air is provided without interruption, enabling smooth material transport. Each rotation yields a fixed volume of air ensuring no blockages in the systems.

2. Energy Efficiency

These blowers use power more efficiently when operating at low pressure than other types. Additionally, less air is lost due to the simple, aerodynamic shape of the equipment.

3. No Oil Porosity Emission

Where there is no movement of internal components, there will be no internal parts, necessitating external lubrication. As a consequence, the vaporized air is completely devoid of oil, which is critical in the pharmaceutical and food industries, since contamination is intolerable.

4. Maintainable tasks not needing much time and a Longer Lifetime

Because they are made of materials such as stainless steel or cast iron, twin lobe blowers possess long-lasting protective strength. Due to their simple construction, they experience reduced servicing and risk a longer lifetime.

5. Applicability in a Range of Fields

These types of blowers are also applicable in the food processing industry as they can efficiently process a variety of dry powders, granules, and bulk solids for use in the cement, chemical, and wastewater treatment industries.

Principles of Positive Displacement Twin Lobe Blowers Function:

The operation of twin lobe blowers is based on the principle of positive displacement and does not exceed a certain quantity of air throughput. The following steps describe the operation:

• Air Intake; The lobes rotate to the inlet port, bringing in air.
• Air Trapping Process Step Two: The lobes keep air between their surfaces and the casing.
• Air Discharge Process Step Three: The air that is held is compressed and moved to the outlet side where it is then released.

With each cycle repeating four times in a single rotation, the result is a consistent, steady, non-pulsating stream of air. Moreover, to boost operational effectiveness, the internal mechanisms are strategically placed to prevent direct contact, which reduces friction.

Significance of Twin Lobe Blowers in Industrial Use

As a result of twin lobe blowers’ reliability and performance, they are vital for pneumatic conveying across diverse operations.

• Material Blockage Prevention: Consistent continuous airflow aids in keeping materials suspended and flowing without the risk of clogging.
• Maintaining Product Purity: Uncontaminated operation ensures sensitive pharmaceutical and food products that require stringent handling remain oil-free.
• Conveying at High-Speed: This is beneficial for dilute-phase systems which require the movement of materials over long distances at elevated airflow speeds.
• Effective Transport Over Long-Distances: The pressure created aids in pushing materials through complex piping systems, both vertical and horizontal.
• Cost Saving While Eco-Friendly: Reduced operational cost, alongside lower energy usage and emissions, helps meet environmental regulations.

Functions of Twin Lobe Blowers

As a result of twin lobe blowers, various industries are able to perform different conveying tasks.

• Food and beverage: Conveying flour, sugar, coffee, spices, milk powder, and other dry ingredients.
• Cement and Construction: Conveying cement, fly ash, lime, and aggregates.
• Pharmaceuticals: Spatial cleanliness standards for containment make transporting powders and granules easier.
• Chemicals: Transporting soda ash, silica, and lime.
• Wastewater Treatment: Supplying enriched air for aeration of the treatment tanks it’s used in.

Disadvantages of Twin Lobe Blowers

Though they possess certain benefits, twin lobe blowers do have some disadvantages:

• Heat Generation: Heat is generated during the compression of air which can be detrimental to heat-sensitive materials. In such cases, aftercoolers are needed.
• Noise: As with many other types of equipment, these blowers have a greater tendency to be noisy and may require sound-attenuating enclosures.
• As Opposed to Tri-Lobe Blowers: While tri-lobe blowers are more expensive, they provide smoother operation with less noise and vibration. Because of its affordability and reliability, twin lobe blowers are more popular and more widely used in the industry.

Final Comment: Effective Bulk Material Handling Strategy

The twin lobe blower holds its place as a primary technology in pneumatic conveying systems. It is ideal for bulk material handling in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cement, and chemicals due to its oil-free operation, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. Although it has some noise and heat concerns, which is common in most equipment, these can be mitigated with proper accessories.

From transporting powdered sugar in a food processing plant to moving fly ash in a cement factory, a twin lobe blower provides a clean, economical, and reliable method of material transport both over long and short distances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the importance of using a twin lobe blower in a pneumatic conveying system?

A: It provides clean, oil-free transport, prevents material stick up or clogging in pipelines, and provides oil-free transport.

Q2: What are the differences between a twin lobe blower and a tri-lobe blower?

A: A twin lobe blower is more cost efficient even though it tends to be a bit louder, as it uses two rotors. A tri-lobe blower has three lobes which makes it quieter and smoother but much more expensive and uses three lobes.

Q3: Are twin lobe blowers appropriate for food grade requirements?

A: Absolutely. It is capable of conveying food powders and ingredients without contamination because it does not deliver oil-laden air.

Q4: What kind of maintenance does a twin lobe blower require?

A: Very little. A few routine inspections, light lubrication of some external surfaces, and mild washing do wonders for keeping the blower operating well for many years.

Q5: Is it able to process heat sensitive materials?

A: Not in a direct way. Since air compression inherently produces heat, materials that are sensitive to high temperatures will need to be placed in systems designed to cool air.