A positive displacement blower, or PD blower, is a type of air pump used for moving gas, air, or liquid using the force created by rotary lobe pumps or reciprocating pistons. This mechanical equipment serves as a source of constant air movement with a stable velocity to allow a continuous movement of solutions, particles, and other forms of products in the distribution pipe. Because displacement blowers are used to move large amounts of food, agricultural, or pharmaceutical products, they need to have the power and the capacity to move air with a strength that prevents blockages in the pipeline.
Air packing requires a steady source of high-pressure air for pneumatic control, although the source should also be able to provide low-pressure air to move products from the chamber into the intended placement, such as a bag or a container. The choice of air mover depends on the production requirements and the type of product to be packed. Various blowers are available, though not everyone is fit for multipurpose usage. Moreover, there are pros and cons to each type of equipment.
To help you determine if a PD blower is suitable for your business requirements, here are some PD blower information and the pros and cons of utilizing one for your daily operations.
Pros
Some of the advantages of using PD blowers in your business processes are as follows:
1. Provides Balanced Air Pressure And Volume
PD blowers are designed to produce an equal and stable amount of air pressure and volume in each usage. This balance is ideal for optimizing product movement and placement because it makes the process more predictable and easier to control. There should be sufficient air pressure to move the product from one point to the next, though it should be at controlled levels to avoid spillage or damage to the bag and pipes. On the other hand, the air volume should also be consistent with supporting the weight of the products as they’re moved along the lines and pushed toward the container.
Additionally, many manufacturing companies use plastic bags and other packing materials. These bags stay unopened before being attached to the pipe that supplies air. Using a PD blower, the operator can inflate the sack to its maximum capacity, so there’s enough room for product placement. It also prevents delays in filling schedules, underweight, overpacked containers, or spillage. In effect, the packing process is optimized, and efficiency is attained.
2. Offers Optimal Strength And Work Capacity
Besides providing stabilized air pressure and volume, another advantage of using PD blowers is that they have the power to move large masses and high volumes of products in minutes. These characteristics make them ideal for volume manufacturing and other business processes that require the strength and capacity they have.
Usually, PD blowers can handle flow rates of up to 15,000 gallons per minute (GPM) and provide air pressures that can support more than 70,000 pounds per square inch (psi). These figures show how much product PD blowers can move in a short period, thus boosting work efficiency.
3. Convenient To Use
Many manufacturing plants and production sites comply with local regulations regarding the noise level that equipment produces. Aside from this, controlling noise levels can help promote workplace safety and efficiency. For these reasons, factories prefer air-packing equipment that makes less noise to have the ideal workplace environment.
A PD blower makes an ideal piece of equipment when you want to control noise levels in your work sections because it can be located from 50 to 100 feet away from the workers. Doing so will help keep the noise away from areas frequented by people and from the operations floor, where people can be distracted by loud noises from machinery. In addition, placing your PD blower away from the production floor is ideal for preventing dirt and debris from getting into the transfer pipes.
Another factor that makes PD blowers convenient for users is that many models are designed to handle liquid injection, which can be highly useful in boosting performance and efficiency.
4. Low Maintenance
PD blowers require maintenance to retain optimal functionality. Frankly, most users find it easier to maintain compared to other types of displacement blowers. To keep the equipment functional and damage-free, you’ll need to check the oil levels every few months periodically. Then, you’ll also need to clean the air filters once a month. Both tasks take only a few minutes each, which is highly convenient and easy to complete.
Regarding repairs, a mechanic can fix PD blowers on site using essential repair tools. Compared to other displacement blowers, this repairability is ideal because it’s not as complex or disruptive to work processes as others would require.
PD blowers are also durable because they don’t require thorough cleaning with each use as the machinery doesn’t quickly accumulate dust and pollutants. Thus, saving your employees time they can use for other matters that need their attention.
5. Flexible
PD blowers offer more flexibility compared to their counterparts. One example is their ability to move products containing fluid with the same strength and efficiency as dry materials. Because of this characteristic, PD blowers are commonly used in various industries and operations.
Here are some examples of industries that utilize PD blowers:
- Food and beverage
- Oil and gas
- Aquaculture
- Agriculture
- Chemical manufacturing plants
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Construction companies
- Cleaning services that use vacuum cleaners
- Material manufacturers
- Power and Energy
- Water supply
PD blowers are also commonly used by wastewater treatment companies. Some may use it to pump water, remove pipe blockage, and perform other relevant tasks.
Cons
The following are some of the disadvantages of using PD blowers. Depending on the materials you’ll handle and your business requirements, these points may or may not be impactful in your operations, though they may also be worth noting for reference.
1. Produce Impactful Pressure And Vibration
Although PD blowers produce minimal noise compared to other pumps, the reciprocating pump can also create pressure and vibrations, called pulsation. Pulsation is one of the characteristics of PD blowers because they utilize pump or reciprocating designs. These vibrations may be strong and forceful, which can cause damage or cavitation to the pipe systems. Unlike centrifugal blowers, which run smoothly, PD blowers may not be ideal for manufacturing sites with weak foundations.
To avoid damage or failure, selecting a working location with the strength to support the equipment as it operates is essential. You can also include pulsation dampeners in your system design to weaken the impact of vibration and pressure produced by your displacement blower.
2. Displacement Blower Unit And Installation Costs
Owning a PD blower may require a substantial investment, which includes installation costs. The price of each unit varies depending on the brand and source, while the installation would cover any additional build you may need to support the equipment and the supply line. You’ll also need to consider the electrical setup, which will entail labor and material costs.
However, the price of purchasing a PD blower and having it installed can be considered a wise investment toward improving your work efficiency and productivity. It can also minimize product contamination, spillage, and degradation, which is why the benefits of your PD blower can easily justify your initial investment.
3. Challenges In Handling Low Viscosity Materials
Some users of PD blowers may experience challenges when handling products or materials with low viscosity. At times, the air volume and pressure may be insufficient to move the products because of their weight or material components.
In this case, you may need to consult with your manufacturing designers and advisers if you need to make enhancements to your PD blower. You can also consider other displacement blowers or air-packing solutions that will best suit your business requirements.
4. Susceptibility To Wear And Tear
The supply line, valves, and seals of your PD blower will be frequently exposed to the materials and products you’ll pack. Because your PD blower will handle large masses of products and substances while exposing its parts to pressurized air, wear and tear become a constant possibility. Hence, the durability and life span of the equipment will also be influenced by the materials it handles.
For instance, packing powdered or liquefied products may not be as abrasive as running grains and other solids through pipelines. To avoid early damage, you can consult with your PD blower supplier or production planners on how to improve your packing processes and extend the longevity of your equipment.
Conclusion
PD blowers offer many advantages, making them ideal for various industries, especially the ones listed above. This equipment is designed for medium to large-scale operations and can be utilized for different purposes. Furthermore, many users attest to the convenience it contributes to their daily processes, with PD blowers being powerful and durable yet easy to operate and maintain. Therefore, if you’re looking for a displacement blower that would boost your productivity and efficiency while lowering your operating costs, a PD blower might be the answer you’re looking for.
