Bulk handling and process systems manufacturer Flexicon introduced a new vacuum receiver with a pneumatically actuated dump valve for dilute phase pneumatic conveying systems in January.

The company will exhibit the system at the 2014 International Powder & Bulk Solids conference and exhibition, in Rosemont, Illinois, in the US, this month.

Diversified business-to-business media company UBM Canon’s International Powder & Bulk Solids conference is a technical training event that delivers the latest innovations and best practices in – including but not limited to – dry processing, bulk materials handling, stor- age and particle technology.

“This highly competitive industry requires engineers to stay up to date with the latest innovations and procedures. The 2014 programme is designed to provide value to powder and bulk solid engineers of all experience levels,” says UBM Canon.

The company states that the International Powder & Bulk Solids conference is an exclusive opportunity to obtain a year’s educational content and networking in just three days.

Meanwhile, Flexicon global business development and marketing VP David Boger tells Engineering News that the company’s new vacuum receiver, which is made of stainless steel, has a strong, clamp-together design that facilitates rapid, tool-free disassembly for filter cleaning and maintenance.

“The modular design permits the addition of cylinder segments for increased holding volume,” he adds,

Boger says the vacuum receiver’s flap-type dump valve is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder through a manual contact closure, or by programmable controls, based on weight gain, elapsed time or other user-defined parameters.

“Unlike conventional filter receivers that employ multiple small filter elements, this unit employs a single, large-diameter filter cartridge that facilitates rapid filter changes and automatic reverse-pulse jet cleaning of the filter element to maintain conveying efficiency during operation,” he points out.

Flexicon vacuum receivers separate solids from the air stream using filter media and gravity, and are generally specified when materials contain smaller particles that are prone to become dust and/or when dust containment is a primary requirement.

According to Flexicon, the new filter receiver handles a range of capacities, but is particularly suited to high-volume applications above storage vessels or process equipment such as blenders and bulk bag fillers.
Flexicon also manufactures flexible screw conveyors; tubular cable conveyors; bulk bag dischargers, conditioners and fillers; bag dump stations; drum, box and container tippers; weigh-batching and blending stations; and plantwide bulk handling systems.