Conveying Polystyrene/Dylite beads
Conveying Polystyrene/Dylite beads
(OP)
We've got an application where polystyrene beads are added to a mixing vessel that is charged with other dry ingredients. The current method involves measuring the beads by volume and pouring them into the top of the mixer. Quite messy since the mixer is under a positive pressure. Ideally, I would like to pneumatically convey them, but I hear that static electricity precludes this as a conveying option.
Has anybody had experience moving polystyrene and if so, what pointers may you have for me?
Many thanks,
John C
Has anybody had experience moving polystyrene and if so, what pointers may you have for me?
Many thanks,
John C






RE: Conveying Polystyrene/Dylite beads
RE: Conveying Polystyrene/Dylite beads
These were injection moulding granules, not expandable polystyrene beads. EPS might be more of a problem due to the volatile nature of the medium for expansion.
Regards
pat pprimmer@acay.com.au
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RE: Conveying Polystyrene/Dylite beads
Brauer were last in Milton Keynes in the UK but did export. I was a design engineer for them back in the 1970's.http://www.brauer.co.uk/airmovers/stainless.html
RE: Conveying Polystyrene/Dylite beads
Thank you for the responses. We have recently ordered a Line Vac from Exair. It appears to be very similar to the units that brauer manufactures. It's good to hear that it has been successfully used elsewhere.
Stanier, other than solid grounding, did you use any static elimination devices in the convey line?
We've considered a volumetric screw feeder as you mentioned, Turk, but this will be our backup plan if pneumatic conveying proves to be impossible.
Again, Thanks,
JCovey
RE: Conveying Polystyrene/Dylite beads
If you were to use a flexible PVC hose it would be of benefit to run a copper conductor up the bottom of the hose. How long it would last is a question.
The main point was the use of vacuum rather than pressure to kove the beads. I have used Airmovers as pressure device for wheat and other seeds but plastic beads wouldnt move.