Automated conveying of bulk materials

Pneumatic conveying systems provide a way of linking manufacturing stages in the pharmaceutical production process. In principle, the conveying of bulk materials in production processes can now be automated in virtually all instances, according to the respective bulk material, the nature of the task, and the available space.

Intensive research and continued refinement by AZO has led to the development of conveying and IBC systems for fragile and abrasion-sensitive products without the risk of damage. Advantages include high efficiency; dust-free, closed systems; space and height saving design; and dependable and gentle conveying.

There are two different basic systems - suction and pressure. Vacuum pneumatic conveying is the most common system when the product is to be conveyed from several feeding stations to one delivery point. Product entry to the system is extremely simple and dust-free since there is no excess pressure.

AZO, which is represented in the UK and Ireland by Ingredient Handling Solutions, has introduced dense-phase vacuum pneumatic conveying for materials with a fragile size and/or shape. These include items like tablets, capsules and pellets, as well as mouldings and bottle caps, which until recently were thought to be unsuitable for pneumatic conveying.

IBCs such as AZO's Azodositainer meet modern requirements for batch tracking, identification and documentation as well as easy cleaning. External bundles can be transformed into internal ones quickly and without contamination, and are suitable for transportation within a plant. A metering screw enables quick change-over of bulk materials without residues.

Preferred applications for the system are as a means of transport and a storage container for bulk materials in plants with medium throughputs. The system can be mounted on the container docking station and locked in place pneumatically. Identification errors are eliminated by an electronic ID system.

The patented docking sleeve ensures dust-free operation and a vibrating feeder device offers complete discharging and can be used even on bulk materials with poor flow properties, as the intensity of the vibrations can be adjusted according to the type of product to be discharged and the desired output.