According to OSHA, “manual material handling is the principle source of compensable injuries” in the goods producing industry. And when workplace injuries occur, workers aren’t all that is hurt—so are profits. It is estimated $250 billion is lost due to workplace injuries and illnesses every year. Processors know workplace injuries and illnesses are counterproductive to the bottom line, but may be hesitant to adopt new technologies without proof of sufficient return on investment (ROI).
Ideally, hazards would be engineered out of the process, but that isn’t always possible. However, use of a pneumatic conveying system can reduce fall hazards and back injuries as well as control fugitive dust.
Pneumatic conveyers use vacuum technology to gently and quickly convey material from point to point. Suitable for batching, conveying and weighing dry materials from fine powders to plastic pellets and caps, they consist of five pieces of equipment: a pick-up point, convey tubing, a vacuum receiver, a vacuum producer and a control module. Systems also may offer semi-automation or complete automation, but all offer improved safety.