Pneumatic Conveying Systems: Efficient, Dust-Free Transport of Bulk Solids

Pneumatic transport of solids is a modern and highly efficient method used to move bulk solid materials—such as powders, granules, pellets, and other dry bulk solids—through pipelines using air flow. It is widely adopted across industries including plastics, chemicals, food processing, pharmaceuticals, minerals, and agriculture, thanks to its flexibility, cleanliness, and automation capabilities.

At Margo Industries, we design and deliver customized pneumatic transport systems for solids that optimize your material handling processes. Whether you need to transport abrasive powders, fragile granules, or heavy bulk solids, our systems ensure smooth, dust-free, and controlled transfer tailored to your plant’s layout and production needs.

What is Pneumatic Transport of Solids?

Pneumatic transport involves moving solid materials through enclosed pipes by using air or another gas. This is accomplished by generating a pressure differential—either pushing material through the pipeline using positive pressure or pulling it through by vacuum. The solid particles travel suspended in the conveying air or as dense slugs, depending on the system type.

This method contrasts with mechanical conveyors like belt or screw conveyors, offering advantages such as reduced footprint, enclosed handling for dust control, and easier routing around obstacles.

Types of Pneumatic Transport Systems

Pneumatic transport systems are broadly classified into two categories based on how the solids are moved:

Dilute Phase (Lean Phase) Conveying

In this method, material particles are suspended in high velocity air streams. It is ideal for light, free-flowing solids and can handle longer distances but may cause material degradation due to high velocity.

Dense Phase Conveying

Material is moved in plugs or slugs at lower velocities. This method is gentler on fragile or abrasive materials and reduces wear on pipelines and equipment. It is suitable for handling fragile solids or those prone to degradation.

At Margo Industries, we evaluate your material’s properties—such as particle size, bulk density, moisture content, and abrasiveness—to recommend the most suitable conveying method.

Advantages of Pneumatic Transport of Solids

  • Dust-Free and Clean Operation: Enclosed pipelines prevent dust emissions and protect workers and environment.

  • Flexible Installation: Systems can be routed vertically, horizontally, and around corners, fitting complex plant layouts.

  • Reduced Maintenance: Fewer moving parts compared to mechanical conveyors mean lower wear and tear and simpler upkeep.

  • Improved Product Integrity: Gentle handling options prevent material degradation, segregation, or breakage.

  • Energy Efficient: Optimized designs reduce air consumption and power costs.

  • Automation Friendly: Easy integration with control systems such as PLCs and SCADA for precise process control.

Applications Across Industries

Pneumatic transport systems handle a wide variety of solids in industries such as:

  • Plastics and Polymers: Conveying plastic pellets, powders, and additives to extruders, mixers, and molding machines.

  • Food and Agro: Handling flour, sugar, starch, grains, spices, and other food powders hygienically.

  • Pharmaceuticals: Moving APIs and excipients in cleanroom and GMP environments without contamination.

  • Chemicals and Minerals: Transferring powders, granules, and minerals safely while minimizing dust and spillage.

  • Construction Materials: Transporting cement, fly ash, lime, and aggregates efficiently.

No matter the application, Margo Industries custom-engineers pneumatic transport systems to meet your specific requirements for throughput, distance, and regulatory compliance.

Key Components of Pneumatic Transport Systems

Our pneumatic transport systems include:

  • Feeders and Airlocks: For consistent, controlled material feeding.

  • Blowers or Vacuum Pumps: To generate the necessary air pressure or vacuum.

  • Pipelines and Fittings: Engineered for abrasion resistance and smooth material flow.

  • Filters and Dust Collectors: To separate and capture dust, ensuring clean exhaust air.

  • Receiving Hoppers and Silos: For temporary storage before further processing.

  • Automation and Controls: For monitoring flow rates, pressures, and system performance.

Each component is selected and sized according to your material properties and operational needs, ensuring maximum efficiency and longevity.

Challenges Solved by Pneumatic Transport

Material handling can be plagued by problems such as dust pollution, material degradation, inconsistent flow, and equipment wear. Our pneumatic transport systems solve these by:

  • Containing dust within sealed pipelines and using filters to maintain air quality.

  • Designing low-velocity dense phase systems for fragile or abrasive materials.

  • Integrating automation for precise feed control and monitoring.

  • Using wear-resistant materials and optimized pipeline layouts to reduce maintenance.

Why Choose Margo Industries for Pneumatic Transport of Solids?

  • Decades of Expertise: Over 50 years in material handling and pneumatic conveying.

  • Customized Engineering: Tailored solutions based on extensive material testing and site evaluation.

  • Quality Manufacturing: State-of-the-art facilities ensuring durable and reliable systems.

  • Full Support: From design and installation to commissioning and after-sales service.

  • Pan-India Reach: Local support and quick response for all clients.

  • Compliance: Systems designed to meet food safety, pharma, and industrial standards.

Get Started with Your Pneumatic Transport Solution

Ready to optimize your solids handling with a reliable, efficient pneumatic transport system? Margo Industries is your trusted partner.

📞 Contact our engineers for a free consultation
 📩 Request a customized quote for your application
 📄 Download our brochure to explore technical details