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Blower systems are known by a few other names in the grain processing and milling industries. Also known as grain conveyors, pneumatic conveyors, grain transporters or aspirators, these machines use air instead of mechanical forces to manipulate a material stream. These devices have a large variety of applications, though they are usually utilized for moving around grain, powder or other light material. However, they can also be used to clean or dry out bulk grains. In some milling processes, an aspirator can keep dust and other contaminants from damaging the product.
Around large grain silos, blower systems are a common sight. Without some form of powered transport, moving grains into storage can be dangerous and extremely time-consuming. For this reason, most agricultural workers install a method of grain transport adjacent to their silos. Bucket elevators and pneumatic conveyors are both capable of this purpose, but some prefer pneumatic conveyors for a few reasons. For one, using air to transport grains reduces damage done to the product. Grains that smash against metal surfaces constantly are more likely to be cracked or pulverized. Cracked and shattered grains are more likely to spoil when placed in storage.
Because they only use a jet of air, blower systems are safer for the grain. Also, pneumatic conveyors tend to take up less space. They can be fit into tighter spaces and built to transport material around corners and into spots that a mechanical auger can’t go. They can also remove moisture from grains that are being carried. One of the biggest threats to grain food safety is excess moisture, so these machines provide an important source of quality control in addition to conveying material.
In the grain milling industry, aspirators are excellent for transport grains from one process to the next and for removing debris from the kernels. Blower systems are ideal for maintaining product quality because they can remove large pieces of debris like straw or fiber from the kernel. Aspirators work with nothing but pressurized air, so the kernel is stripped of debris without being damaged. In most grain milling facilities, multiple aspirators are employed to keep the grain dry. Following some milling processes, multiple products need to be sent to different areas of the facility for additional processing. The most efficient way to do this is with aspirators, which are finely calibrated to only convey a small range of product weights. For instance, heavier parts of the kernel, like the endosperm, are required for white flour. Smaller parts, like the bran and germ, are pulverized separately and added back to create whole wheat flour. To separate these processes, an aspirator is set to carry the bran and germ away while the endosperm flows through unaffected by the pressurized air.
Blower systems use pressurized air to maneuver materials around. In most cases, the machine will utilize positive pressure to do this. Positive pressure is present when the device uses mechanical energy to increase the pressure in the system. If there is any leak, air escapes out. Positive pressure is also adept at preventing dust contamination, because air cannot enter the pressurized chamber.
These machines are among the most versatile devices in a processing facility. Able to convey, clean or dry, aspirators are an essential part of the plant.
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