Air Slides

Air Slides

In a forced draft application, fans are used to pneumatically convey or otherwise move bulk powder materials. The processing of gypsum materials and dry cement is just one example. A single stage regenerative blower provides the pressure needed in such applications. 

Air Slide Conveyors

Air slide conveyors are used in a variety of industries to move lightweight dry bulk items such as powders. It's comprised of a rectangular chamber that's divided into two parts. These are then separated by a porous material that is typically woven and permeable to allow for aeration. The upper chamber contains the conveyed material. The lower chamber handles the compressed air that moves the material. 

Typically, when an air slide conveyor is installed, it slopes downward slightly about six to eight inches. As long as the headroom is available, theoretically it's possible for this type of conveyor to be endlessly long. Air slope conveyors that are 200 or 300 feet in length are not unusual. 

An air slide conveyor uses a low-pressure blower or fan to move dry air -- usually about 1 psig -- into the lower chamber. As the air moves upward through the permeable layer, it works with gravity in a physics process to aerate the materials downward through the upper chamber. 

Industries That Use Air Slides

Because air slides have no moving parts, they are a popular, efficient and effective method used by varied industries to move lightweight materials from one place -- a storage area on the property, for example -- to another that is some distance away such as a processing building. In general, the powder tends to have particles that are smaller than 50 mesh so they can be moved in a smooth and timely manner. 

Food Processing

With the variety of food processing applications available today as well as the complexity of the industry, utilizing an air slide conveyance system increases productivity, reduces waste and saves time. 

Chemical

Detergent powders, calcium carbonate, activated carbon and alumina are just a few of the materials that the chemical industry might use in an air slide conveyance system. 

Mining

The mining industry often has a variety of powders they need to convey from one part of the plant to the other. These include cement, gypsum, soda ash, fly ash, lime and more. 

Single Stage Regenerative Blowers

A single stage regenerative blower from a high-quality manufacturer provides today's industries with the performance, quality and value they need to stay competitive and meet their goals. Offering a variety of sizes, blades sizes and phases to meet the diverse air slide needs of industries from chemicals and mining to food, these manufacturers stand behind their products with a warranty. When more power is needed for a particular application, two stage regenerative blowers are an option. 

At Industrial Fans Direct, we offer a variety of industrial fans, including single stage regenerative blowers suitable for air slides, as well as shop fans, high velocity fans and more. Contact us today at 866-727-1060 for more information or assistance with choosing the right fan or blower for your particular application.