Neiva,Colombia:PneumaticConveyingofIncineratorPowder

Neiva, Colombia: Pneumatic Conveying of Incinerator Powder
Subheading: Latin America Pneumatic Conveying Case Study
Keywords: pneumatic conveying case, Latin America pneumatic conveying, positive pressure pneumatic conveying

This case study describes a positive pressure pneumatic conveying system supplied by Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. (headpowder) for a waste-to-energy plant in Neiva, Colombia. The plant burns municipal solid waste and produces a fine incinerator powder. Because this powder is abrasive and potentially harmful, it must be transported in a completely sealed system. Headpowder provided an enclosed pipe network that moves the powder safely from the incinerator to a storage silo, preventing any dust leakage. The system includes a feed bin, a rotary airlock, a Roots blower, a steel pipeline, a cyclone separator, and a bag filter.

Incinerator powder has a small particle size and low density, which makes it easy to become airborne. It can also contain chlorides and heavy metals. Therefore, open conveyors like belt conveyors are not acceptable. A pneumatic conveying system keeps the material inside a pipe and uses air to push it along. This eliminates dust, reduces personal exposure, and allows flexible routing through the existing plant structure. In the past, workers had to handle this ash manually, which was dangerous and inefficient. Now the system does all the work automatically.

For the Neiva project, headpowder selected a dilute phase, positive pressure conveying system. A Roots blower supplies compressed air, and a rotary airlock feeds powder into the pipe. The mixture travels about 150 meters horizontally and rises 20 meters vertically at a rate of five tons per hour. At the delivery end, a cyclone and bag filter separate the powder from the air. The operating pressure is about 0.1 MPa, and the conveying air velocity is kept between 20 and 30 meters per second.

Neiva’s hot climate and the abrasive nature of ash required strong materials. Headpowder specified thick carbon steel pipes for straight sections and replaceable wear-resistant liners for all bends. The rotary valve blades were hardened, and the whole system was protected against corrosion. Safety devices, including pressure relief valves, were also installed. These features ensure a long service life and low maintenance. A dedicated compressed air unit supplies pulses for cleaning and instrument control.

A PLC-based control system automates operation. The operator monitors air pressure, motor current, and material level from a touchscreen. If the pipe begins to block, the PLC detects the pressure increase and activates a cleaning pulse automatically. This feature reduces downtime and makes the system very reliable. The controls can also be linked to the plant’s central management system for remote supervision. It also records historical data, making it easier to diagnose problems and improve performance.

Since commissioning, the system has brought clear benefits. There are no dust emissions, so the working environment is cleaner and healthier. The positive pressure design uses moderate power and works efficiently. Maintenance is limited to checking filters and wear liners. The customer is very satisfied and regards the project as a successful example for Latin America. Headpowder engineers helped with installation and commissioning, ensuring a smooth start-up.

Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. is located in Shandong, China, and exports pneumatic conveying systems worldwide. This Neiva project demonstrates headpowder’s professional experience in positive pressure conveying for incinerator powder. The company is committed to supporting customers in Latin America with spare parts and technical service. For more information, contact Manager Zhang via WeChat: 15662777102.