Pneumatic vs. Mechanical Grain Conveying

For years, the grain processing and milling industries have used a variety of techniques to improve the transport of grain. Recently, these methods have evolved and segmented into the two main categories: pneumatic grain conveying and mechanical grain conveying.

Mechanical conveying is described as any process that moves a bulk material from one location to the next using some type of chain or belt to propel a bucket or conveyor. The most common types of mechanical conveying systems are belt conveyors, bucket elevators, chain conveyors, chain elevators and grain augers.

On the contrary, pneumatic conveying is the process by which dry bulk materials or powders are transported or carried utilizing a gas. The bulk materials are transferred through an enclosed conveying pipeline by the collective force of pressure and the gas used. The pressure or airflow used to convey the materials is generated by air movers such as positive displacement blowers or vacuums.

While both systems are effective, pneumatic grain conveying is a much cleaner and more efficient way to transport grain for many reasons.

First, pneumatic grain conveying systems utilize air to suspend grain reducing damage done to the product. This prevents the grain from constantly smashing against metal surfaces causing the grains to become cracked or pulverized. In the mechanical conveying process, grains continually hit the metal surfaces of the conveyor increasing the likelihood of the grains to spoil when stored.

Second, a pneumatic grain conveyor can fit in tight spaces and tends to take up less space than a mechanical grain conveying system. The primary medium of transport in a pneumatic conveying system is small pipes that can be closely fitted around corners and walls. A mechanical conveying system is much bulkier and harder to manage.

Lastly, pneumatic grain handling systems keep the grain safe from harmful debris and foreign substances because the grain is enclosed in clean pipes. Mechanical conveying systems do not have this benefit of quality control and rather transport grain out in the open. This can cause grain to accumulate excess moisture and debris, which in turn can cause it to spoil. The grain is then toxic for humans to ingest and can’t be used – costing businesses lost supply and money.

Here at Blocker and Wallace, we are passionate about pneumatic conveying systems because they provide the efficient and safe bulk transfer of materials often desired by the grain processing and milling industries. We provide all the pneumatic conveying parts you need including PD blower packages, vacuum pumps, positive displacement blower parts and more. Also, we can conduct pneumatic conveying system evaluations to ensure that your system is running as efficient as possible. Shop at Blocker and Wallace today and contact us if you have any questions!

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• Pneumatic vs. Mechanical Grain Conveying
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Comments posted June 24, 2016 by Bob Lowe Thanks for the post. I really like the idea to use pneumatic conveying vs. mechanical. I like that it helps to keep the grain from being damaged when being transported. That can really help with gaining a greater yield in product. posted May 5, 2017 by Braden Bills It's interesting that there are different methods for moving grain around. I can understand why pneumatic systems would be the best! It would definitely be a lot cleaner than other methods.

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