Impulse for optimised material flow

In bulk material handling, impactors are used to support the material flow, to loosen adhesions, to destroy bridges and tube formations and for product jams.

In certain unfavourable constellations in the processing of difficult bulk materials, technicians and maintenance engineers are faced with a familiar challenge: a stagnant material flow, for example if the surface quality of the container is poor, the material is moist or the product tends to stick or jam. In such cases, high-frequency electric or pneumatic vibrators with their sinusoidal vibrations are often no longer sufficient to eliminate the problem. Instead, an impact with the appropriate energy is required to knock off hard-to-remove adhesions on silo walls, pipes and containers, in the event of bridging and for residual emptying. In practice, this is often carried out with a rubber mallet at proven points. However, this leaves clear marks in the form of dents and dings on the walls of the system. In addition, the work has to be carried out manually by employees.

Pneumatic impactors of the PKL series from NetterVibration enable reliable and effective cleaning that is gentle on the material without deformed and thus constricted outlets gradually obstructing the material flow. The effect of the impactor is comparable to the traditional ‘silo hammer’. Strongly adhering materials are loosened by the impact of the PKL on its impact surface. The pneumatic impactor generates an ideal, elastic impulse.

Electric twin

The long-established PKL 740 now has a brother that knocks on electrical impulse and can therefore be used almost anywhere - even mobile with a rechargeable battery if, for example, no power supply is available at silos outdoors. When using renewable energy sources, the ePKL also contributes to sustainability. The compact control unit triggers one-off or regular pulses. It can also be integrated into modern control systems and thus offers expandable, process-dependent options, such as integration into the measurement of the fill level in silos to avoid unnecessary impacts.

Practical applications

One of the largest and most modern lime plants in Germany produces various limes, special mixes for building protection and minerals for road construction. The maintenance staff and plant managers have been relying on PKL pneumatic impactors from NetterVibration for over 40 years. In the lime production plant, the PKLs achieve very good results when knocking off hard-to-remove caking on pipes and containers, preventing tube and bridge formation and emptying silos. In the production environment with an existing compressed air supply and integration into the control system, the conventional PKL types are used successfully. However, where flexible solutions are required in the factory, the all-electric ePKL brings its advantages into play. On a filter, for example, which only needs to be cleaned occasionally and irregularly, the ePKL was easy to install, connect to the power supply via a socket and switch on as required.

Read the complete article (in German) including practical examples here, published in SCHUETTGUT 04/2024.

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