.Conclusion
The shift to DSG, as a substitute for minerai gypsum, has strong environmental and commercial merits for plant operators. However, problems with the conveying of DSG within the gypsum plant have led to a shift to either lean phase pneumatic conveying of coarser grades of DSG (away from dense phase), or a shift to mechanical handling to replace all pneumatic conveying options.
The use of mechanical or lean phase conveying solutions, however, have brought their own problems, which are mainly concerned with high maintenance costs and down time, and reduced plant flexibility. In the case of lean phase conveying, excessive power consumption and occasionally reduced plant availability also occurs, which ultimately leads to loss in revenues and can impact on the competitiveness of the respective producer.
To combat these issues, Clyde Materials Handling has adopted an innovative approach to solving problems related to reliable conveying of material, such as DSG, by calling upon the experience and dedication of its Testing, Research and Development Team. The Clyde Material Handling Test House is an industrial sized facility that is able to rigorously and accurately determine the performance and behaviour of material within a live pneumatic conveying environment.
This proven approach to testing is called the empirical approach, where the conditions of conveying can be varied to develop a set of data that can be reliably applied within tested and understood boundaries.
By following this proven approach, Clyde Materials Handling was able to create an innovative self adaptive dense phase conveying solution, which allows plant operators to convey any grade of DSG in a dense phase conveying system, without suffering any of the problems recently experienced by many users. Conveying distances of 150m have been proven in practice, with distances in excess of 500m possible, giving far greater levels of flexibility for the future gypsum plant arrangement.
This technology is now proven within the industry, and allows plant operators to return to the wide benefits offered by dense phase pneumatic conveying, when compared to lean phase or mechanical handling solutions.
To find out more about this solution or to ask a Clyde pneumatic conveying expert about handling any gypsum or mineral-related material, please contact:
Jeff Buxton
Gypsum Market Manager Clyde Materials Handling Ltd
Shaw Lane Industrial Estate Ogden Road Doncaster DN2 4SE UK