Air Dehumidification in Conveyor Technology

Regardless of the industry, high conversion speeds, optimum coordination between the individual elements and, above all, reliable functionality are essential quality features of dynamic process technology. The quality of the conveyor technology within the individual process segments plays an essential role here. To uphold this over the long term, external disturbance factors, such as high or significantly fluctuating air humidity, must be systematically excluded. Dehumidification systems based on contemporary condensation or adsorption technology provide the optimal conditions in which to do so. They ensure that condensation does not turn into corrosion on essential conveying elements, but above all that bulk materials retain their flowability and general cargo does not stick or adhere. They are therefore indispensable for the efficiency of production processes and thus also for the manufacture of competitive products.

Preventing General Cargo from Adhering to Conveyor Belts

An unhindered, consistently strong production flow of the conveyor and transport paths used is an essential component of process quality here. If the area surrounding these paths is not sufficiently dehumidified, adhesion or sticking of the products to the conveyor belts or clogging of the conveyor paths due to the formation of lumps can severely disrupt the production process. Food manufacturers can optimally control and manage their processes through intelligent dehumidification solutions.

Keeping Bulk Material Pourable

Significant fluctuations in humidity or excessive humidity in general within a bulk material production environment can severely impair, or even completely nullify, the flowability of the materials to be conveyed. This is especially true for materials in granular form or those with a powdery consistency. In the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, the ambient air must be pre-dehumidified in order to prevent hygroscopic bulk materials from sticking to the belts or clogging the conveying paths through the formation of lumps. This can be reliably achieved using modern, high-tech adsorption dryers. Pre-dehumidified ambient air ensures that the raw materials maintain their flowability from initial storage in the silos through transport on the conveyor belts to final storage. This ensures that the processing quality is upheld and saves potential system cleaning costs,
making these dryers indispensable.

Preventing Corrosion on Conveyor Systems

When exposed to bare, dry air, iron cannot rust. However, when moisture settles on the metal, the oxygen (O2) and water (H2O) begin to react to form hydroxide ions (OH-). In order to balance the electrons needed for this reaction, the iron oxidises, i.e. it gives up its electrodes, which are then taken up by the oxygen. Iron oxide is formed during this process. Where the electrons have been removed, an electron deficiency occurs and positively charged iron atoms (Fe2+) dissolve. These migrate into the water droplet, where they merge with the negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-). Iron(II) hydroxide is then initially formed by various charges. Further reactions with water, oxygen and hydroxide ions lead to more and more reactions, from which iron(III) oxide and iron(III) hydroxide are formed. They settle on the metal surface and give rust its typical appearance. Unlike metals such as aluminium, the process only stops when there is no more iron.