FLUIDIZATION PAD

The Powtek A-15 Fluidization Pad is widely used to aid the flow of product out of bins and silos. It is one of the most simple and economical flow aids devices available on the market. With its large contact surface and its round shape air is distributed more uniformely to the material inside the bin.
Being made in of durable polymer this pad is rust free. There is no metal contact with the product. It is also unaffected by possible moisture present in the air.

HOW IT WORKS

The number of pads to be used depends on the cone’s size. Pads are usually applied in rows of 3.By adding air to the powder inside the silo’s cone the friction between the wall and the product is reduced enhancing a more balanced material discharge.

Common quantities are: 3(small bins); 6 (medium silos); 9 (larger silos)

The operation cycle can be:
- continuous with a constant flow of air at 3 psi
- intermittent using a higher 10 psi air pressure.
In this case a timer and a solenoid valve are required.

HOW IT WORKS

By adding air to the powder inside the silo’s cone the friction between the wall and the product is reduced enhancing a more balanced material discharge.

The number of pads to be used depends on the cone’s size.
Pads are usually applied in rows of 3.
Common quantities are 3(small bins);
6 (medium silos); 9 (larger silos)

The operation cycle can be:
- continuous with a constant flow of air at 3 psi
- intermittent using a higher 10 psi air pressure.
In this case a timer and a solenoid valve would be required.

bin pad side2

AIR PADS or VIBRATORS?

There are many products that do not respond well to vibration.
Since they are highly compactible, if vibrated, the discharge is inhibited.
By making the material more fluid and without any shaking, aerators are much more capable of achieving a better flow.

TECHNICAL SPECS.
Air Pressure :	3 PSI
Air consumption :	0.1 cfm at 3 PSI
Weight :	1/2 lbs
Housing :	Durable Polymer
Contact surface:	100 sq cm - 15 sq inches
Inlet air port size:	1/4" BSP


In order to operate the fluidization pads the follwing components are needed: Air regulator, Manual air valve or, for automized plants, a solenoid valve and a switch. Air valve opening should be sincronized with opening of bin valve.	Time of opening should be long enough to properly fluidize product to achive best product outflow. However it should not be too long as it might add too much air and reduce the specific weight of the material.
	Example: If we have cement in the bin discharging into a screw conveyor below, the capacity of the auger will be diminished in case of overfluidized cement. This will increase the time required to fill the batch hopper. The installation is made from inside. The pad is secured through a 1/4” BSP metal fitting.

COMMON BIN PROBLEMS WITHOUT FLUIDIZATION
CLINGING	BRIDGING	ARCHING	RATHOLING