Eliminating Hang-Ups using Airsweep
Application: Prilled AN in Bulk Storage Silos
Industrial Grade Ammonia Nitrate (AN) is specifically designed for mining and blasting industries all over the world and is widely used in coal mining in Australia.
In the intricate landscape of the mining industry, the efficient handling of Industrial Grade Ammonium Nitrate (AN) within bulk storage silos is paramount. This necessitates addressing challenges associated with the hygroscopic nature of AN, wherein the absorption of moisture poses operational impediments.
The Challenge:
Navigating the storage of AN introduces formidable challenges, notably the occurrence of hang-ups leading to potential hazards, time delays, and material wastage. Traditional methods such as industrial motor-operated vibrators and manually operated impact swing hammers have proven inadequate, especially given the sticky nature of AN, which persists even with partial control, often requiring manual intervention.
The deleterious effects of hang-ups are particularly pronounced in humid environments, where the absorbed moisture disrupts the conveyance of AN. A notable instance unfolded at a Reload Facility in one of Australia’s largest single-pit open-cut mines, situated in New South Wales, accentuating the critical need for an effective solution.
The main issue is that AN is highly hygroscopic, readily absorbing water from the air. In humid environments, absorbed water interferes with its ability for AN to be conveyed.
The Solution:
Addressing this challenge, Valve Distributors proffers a cutting-edge solution in the form of AirSweep Material Activation Systems. This sophisticated system, comprising strategically positioned nozzles, delivers a high-pressure, high-volume, 360-degree burst of compressed air. This action serves to dislodge and sweep stalled material back into the flow stream, thereby mitigating issues of hang-ups, bridging, ratholes, and material handling build-up.
Technical nuances of the AirSweep system involve the meticulous placement of four (4) AirSweep nozzles per silo, strategically angled and synchronized with a CBO 4-4-DC timer controller, alongside requisite accessories.
Benefits
The adoption of AirSweep systems yields multifaceted benefits, encompassing enhanced operational speed by reducing flushing and cleaning time between product runs. Moreover, improvements in batch uniformity bolster product quality. Significantly, this comes without incurring damage to equipment or personnel, precluding issues such as vibration, stress, wear to container walls, and operator injuries.
Quantifiable improvements underscore the efficacy of the AirSweep system in averting operational bottlenecks and enhancing overall material handling efficiency.
Performance:
Initial deployment of the AirSweep system at the aforementioned mining facility yielded immediate positive results. Activation of the first three nozzles facilitated unimpeded material flow from all sides, offering a testament to the system’s efficacy and sustained performance over time.
For further insights into our advanced solutions or to explore tailored applications for your specific industry challenges, we invite you to contact Valve Distributors. Our team stands ready to provide comprehensive assistance and consultation.
