Suppose you have to send some goods from one place to another. If the goods are less, then you can carry them by hand. But what will you do if the goods are very large, like grain sacks or factory powder?
This is where pneumatic conveying systems come in handy. This is a method by which goods are sent from one place to another through a pipeline using air pressure or pull (vacuum). It is exactly like water flows from one place to another through a pipe, only here there is air instead of water and the goods flow with the air.
The most important part of this system is a machine called twin lobe blower. It can also be called the heart of this system, because it creates the necessary flow of air.
What is a twin lobe blower?
Twin lobe blower is a type of air pumping machine. It has two special wheels (called lobes) rotating in opposite directions inside a round container (housing). As they rotate, they pull air in from one side and push it out from the other. This is similar to how you pump air into a bicycle.
This blower supplies air slowly and steadily, allowing the goods to flow smoothly through the pipeline. It is used in places where high pressure is not required, such as in pneumatic conveying systems.
What is the function of a twin lobe blower in a pneumatic conveying system?
The main function of a twin lobe blower in a pneumatic conveying system is to create a flow of air. This flow pushes or pulls the goods through the pipeline.
It works in two ways:
- Pressure system: The blower pushes air forcefully, and this air moves the goods forward.
- Vacuum system: The blower sucks in air, creating an empty space in the pipeline and the goods move along on their own.
The twin lobe blower ensures that the air flow is constant. If the air is intermittent, the material may get stuck in the pipeline. Continuous air flow is especially important in systems where the material is moved quickly (dilute phase conveying).
Advantages of twin lobe blowers
Twin lobe blowers are vital to pneumatic conveying systems, and have several advantages:
- Constant and controlled air: The blower delivers an equal amount of air with each rotation. This ensures a smooth flow of material and prevents clogging of the pipeline.
Less power consumption: The blower operates at low pressure, thus saving power. Its design also reduces air wastage.
Oil-free air: The moving parts inside the blower do not touch each other. Therefore, it does not require oil and the air it delivers is absolutely clean. This is very important for industries where the purity of the material is important, such as food and pharmaceutical factories. - Robust and low maintenance: The blower is made of strong metals (such as iron or stainless steel) and has a simple design. Therefore, it lasts a long time and is inexpensive.
- Variety of applications: Twin lobe blowers are used in many different industries, such as cement, food, chemicals and wastewater treatment. It can easily handle dry powders, granules and other materials.
How does a twin lobe blower work?
A twin lobe blower works on a simple principle: positive displacement. This means that it pushes a certain amount of air forward with each rotation. Let’s understand how this happens in simple steps:
- Air intake: As the lobes rotate, air is drawn into the blower from an open section of the pipe (the inlet).
- Air entrapment and clogging: The rotating lobes trap air between themselves and the outer compartment of the blower. As the lobes rotate further, this trapped air is pushed forward.
- Air venting: The trapped air is continuously expelled through the other opening (outlet) of the pipe.
This process occurs four times per rotation, ensuring a continuous flow of air. A small gap is left between the lobes and the compartment to prevent them from colliding, thus reducing air leakage, thus improving the efficiency of the blower.
Why is a twin lobe blower important in pneumatic conveying?
- Preventing clogging: In pneumatic conveying, it is important that the goods flow smoothly through the pipeline. The continuous air from the twin lobe blower ensures that the goods do not get clogged.
- Protecting the goods: In the food and pharmaceutical industries, it is very important to protect the goods from getting contaminated. Twin lobe blowers do not use oil, so the air remains clean and the goods do not get spoiled.
- Works well in high flow: Twin lobe blowers are the best option in systems where goods are transported very fast (dilute phase conveying). It delivers good pressure and fast air.
Transporting long distances and through winding paths: In pneumatic systems, goods have to be transported through long pipelines and winding paths. The pressure and air flow of twin lobe blowers make this task easy. - Environmental concern: This blower consumes less electricity and causes less pollution, which helps industries to comply with environmental regulations.
Where are twin lobe blowers used?
Twin lobe blowers are used in many different places, such as:
Food and beverage industry: Transporting products such as flour, sugar, spices and milk powder from one place to another.
Cement industry: Transporting raw materials, cement and ash from one place to another.
Pharmaceutical industry: Transporting drug powders and granules in a clean manner.
Chemical industry: Transporting chemicals such as lime, soda ash and silica.
Drainage treatment: Providing air to add oxygen to the water.
Twin lobe blowers have some disadvantages:
Excessive heat: When air is compressed, it becomes hot. This heat is not good for some products (such as sugar). Therefore, a separate machine has to be installed to cool the air.
Noise and vibration: Twin lobe blowers can be a bit noisy and vibrating, which requires keeping it in a closed container.
Comparison with other types of blowers: There is another type of blower called a tri-lobe blower. It makes less noise and vibration and works slightly better, but the twin lobe blower is cheaper.
Conclusion
The twin lobe blower is an important part of a pneumatic conveying system. Its consistent air, low power consumption, oil-free air and robust design make it great for the food, cement, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. There are some heat and noise issues, but with proper care and other equipment (such as an air cooler and sound enclosure), this blower works well for a long time. It not only transports goods from one place to another comfortably, but also helps save the environment.
Frequently Ask Question (FAQs)
Question 1: Why is a twin lobe blower important in pneumatic conveying?
Answer: It gives continuous supply of air, so that the material moves smoothly in the pipeline and does not get stuck. It does not use oil and also consumes less electricity.
Question 2: What is the difference between twin lobe and tri-lobe blower?
Answer: Twin lobe has two rotating wheels, it is cheaper but makes more noise. Tri-lobe has three wheels, it makes less noise and works a little better.
Question 3: Is twin lobe blower suitable for food industry?
Answer: Yes, because it does not use oil, the air remains clean and food items do not get spoiled.
Question 5: How much maintenance does twin lobe blower cost?
Answer: It is strong and its design is simple, so it does not require much maintenance. Just oiling and cleaning is required from time to time.
Question 6: Is twin lobe blower suitable for things that get damaged by heat?
Answer: When air is compressed, it can become hot, which is not good for some things. Therefore, an air cooling machine has to be installed for such things.
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