Pneumatic Conveying Bends by
Material and Application

Match the Bend to Your Bulk Solid

The same elbow can perform very differently with two materials handled at the same nominal throughput. Particle hardness, shape, size distribution, bulk density, moisture, temperature and tendency to agglomerate determine how the material flows and where it contacts the pipe. Conveying gas conditions and operating sequence are just as important.

This application library explains questions to ask before choosing a bend, rather than promising that one material automatically requires one product family. When possible, measure the existing problem and agree the criteria for a successful replacement.

Highly Abrasive Powders

Cement, fly ash, sand and mineral powders can erode a metal elbow and the pipe immediately after it. Basalt, ceramic, tungsten carbide hardfacing and appropriate geometry may be candidate solutions; evaluation depends on particle size, impacts and actual velocity. Cement and fly ash · Sand and minerals.

Granules and Polymer Pellets

Plastic resins can develop streamers, fines and deposits at bends under unfavorable conditions. A material-cushion elbow is one candidate geometry, but product retention, temperature and cleaning must be assessed. Plastic pellets.

Food and Grain Products

For product-contact applications, material selection includes corrosion, surface finish, cleanability, contamination control and validated cleaning procedures. Grain kernels and other granules may also be sensitive to impact. Food and grain.

Fragile and Breakage-Sensitive Materials

Abrasiveness is not always the primary issue. Brittle crystals, granules or other fragile products may need controlled impact and before/after particle quality measurements. Fragile products.

Chemical and Pigment Powders

Confirm compatibility between the conveyed chemicals and the entire bend assembly: metal substrate, liner, adhesive or retention system, gasket and cleaning agents. Specify the allowable level of retained material. Chemicals and pigments.

Variable-Quality Recycling and Biomass

Variable moisture, particle shape and oversize content can change plugging and erosion behavior. Selection should account for startup, upset conditions and easy maintenance access. Recycling and biomass.

Request Application-Specific Advice

A useful enquiry includes material name, throughput, conveying mode, pressure or vacuum, gas flow, pipe OD and installation envelope. For a troubled line, add wear photographs and the approximate tonnes or hours to failure. Start an application enquiry · Read the selection guide.