Airmatic Inc. Assists in Solving a Paper Plant Coal Dust Issue

 



Established in 1944, Airmatic Inc. is a Malvern, Pennsylvania, company with a well-established track record of supplying the American bulk materials handling industry with quality machinery and equipment. Airmatic Inc. also has undertaken a number of complex projects for clients ranging from power plants to pulp and paper operations.

In one high-profile assignment, Airmatic Inc. engaged with a plant that primarily produces paper and uses coal in generating energy for operations. A key issue experienced by the manufacturer involved turbulent air at the transfer point between the coal crusher and conveyor, with airborne dust being blown out at pressure and covering nearby areas.

Each day, powdery dust covered paper mill surfaces ranging from railings to the floor. The dust needed to be swept up and removed by wheelbarrow. In addition, maintenance issues with the conveyor were occurring, and the skirt experienced rapid wear.

Airmatic’s solution involved installing a variety of Martin Engineering conveyor products, including a belt support system and belt-tracking devices. In addition, advanced wearliners and self-adjusting skirting were set in place and a high-volume dust settling zone with curtains was established. The end result was an increase in efficiency, cleanliness, and worker morale at the plant.

The Use of Acoustic Cleaning on Silos

Airmatic Inc. accommodates the needs of companies in a wide range of industries through three different operating divisions. Through its service group division, Airmatic Inc. is capable of providing its clients with equipment maintenance services, like sonic horn silo cleaning.

Sonic horn silo cleaning is a form of acoustic cleaning, a process which uses sound energy to clear buildup on the surfaces of equipment without doing the kind of physical damage that can occur through other methods. An additional benefit of the use of acoustic cleaning is that it does not require direct access to caked material and other build-up in order to clear the surface of the equipment. This can be especially useful in the cleaning of silos, which are not always built with openings that allow easy access to the inside.

The routine cleaning of silos is crucial for businesses that use them in production processes. Not only does it allow companies to comply with regulations for the sanitary storage of materials, but it also enhances efficiency by restoring flow rates that are slowed by build-up on the walls inside of the silo.