Overview
In general, vacuum transfer systems are only be used for
products which are either dry, or have such a low moisture
content that they display all the properties of a dry product. However,
some moist products can lend themselves to vacuum transfer,
although trials are always recommended in such instances to
confirm suitability.
One such instance involved the transfer of a highly volatile
pharmaceutical product, from a centrifuge, to drums for onward
movement to the dryer. The solvents used in the manufacturing
process were highly flammable, and to compound this, the actual
product itself will explode if impacted with sufficient energy.
The moisture content of the product at the end of the centrifuge
cycle would be typically 6-7%, and had the consistency of
dry snow.
Quadro Vac
Solution
Trials were conducted on site with this product, in a hazardous containment area, using a Quadro Vac 820 (20 litre) unit, in conjunction with a 4kW Ex rated pump, and 50mm transfer hose. Conveying rates of between 1.0 and 1.5 tonnes per hour were achieved, with a 50 kg drum being filled in between 2 and 3 minutes.
Summary
The moist nature of the product did not hinder the transfer process, and no evidence of product retention was found in either the conveying lines, the primary filter, or the discharge chute. Another successful Quadro Vac installation.
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