Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1212417
March 2020 / 37 Limitations to modi cations Because pre-engineered systems come from the DNA of custom-engineered solutions, adaptations can be made to t the unique needs of manufacturers and processors. However, there are times when pre-engi- neered systems don't stretch into areas where more technical expertise and experience is required, such as facility constraints. While pneumatic conveying systems have a small footprint compared to other material-handling methods, even the smallest convey- ing system needs at least 30 inches of headroom above processing or packaging equipment. In situations where headroom isn't adequate for pre-engineered vacuum conveying systems, positive pressure systems, cyclones, lterless material receivers, or scaling valves that divert material directly into hop- pers in low clearance areas are some ways to get around headroom constraints. When a facility has severe height restrictions, vacuum receivers are sometimes located outside. When possible, adaptations can be made to conveying equipment, such as modifying lter lids, to enable systems to t within a speci c space. Every vacuum conveying system design, whether it's a sophisticated custom-engineered system or pre-engineered packaged system, begins with a blank page because each organization and plant have unique requirements. Consulting with a vacuum conveyor expert early in the buying process ensures that man- ufacturers and processors will reap the long lifespan and many bene ts of vacuum conveying systems, including maintenance ef ciency, which begins at the design stage. PBE For further reading Find more information on this topic in articles listed under "Pneumatic conveying" in Powder and Bulk Engi- neering's article index in the December 2019 issue or the article archive at PBE's website, www.powderbulk.com. Doan Pendleton (info@vac-u-max.com, 973-759-4600) is the president at Vac-U-Max in Belleville, NJ. He's an expert in vacuum technology with nearly 30 years of experience designing and engineering vacuum convey- ing systems and industrial vacuum cleaners. Vac-U-Max Belleville, NJ 973-200-6619 www.vac-u-max.com