One primary function of an industrial air cannon is to aid material flow by eliminating build-up and blockages. It is made possible by blasting compressed air via a cannon's nozzle directly to the affected points. It can thus be concluded that without compressed pressure, air cannons would be useless. That said, compressed air is an expensive source of energy in the industrial sector; therefore, it is paramount to ensure efficiency. For this reason, facility managers are advised to understand factors that affect the efficient use of air cannon. Therefore, this article looks at factors that affect the efficient use of compressed air by industrial air cannon. 

Size of the Pressure Vessel

The two main parts of air cannon are the fast-acting valve and the tank or pressure vessel. The size of the pressure vessel determines the amount of compressed air that can be held at any given time. Therefore, bigger tanks hold large quantities of air while smaller tanks hold small amounts of compressed air. Since bigger tanks hold more compressed air, they deliver longer blast durations. It makes the big tanks the best choice for sizeable silos since all the compressed air is used to break up any build-up. However, it is inefficient to install air cannon with a big tank on a small silo because the remaining compressed air will go to waste. Similarly, an air cannon with a small tank on a big silo will need regular refilling, and that results in energy waste. 

Operating Pressures

Another factor that affects the efficient usage of compressed air in industrial air cannon is the operating pressure. It refers to the amount of energy needed to blast air from the pressure vessel through the nozzle to the affected area. Therefore, if operating pressures are low, then the air cannon will deliver smaller blast forces. Consequently, you would need more compressed air to ensure that any build-ups or blockages are eliminated. Higher operating pressure, on the other hand, delivers a higher blast forces; therefore, you only need a small amount of compressed air to break up material buildup. Higher operating pressure is preferred since it promotes efficient use of compressed air. 

Valve Design

The valve in industrial air cannon keeps compressed air inside the tank. Unfortunately, most traditional valves have a less efficient design that contributes to excessive use of compressed air. Newer valve designs, on the other hand, are more efficient and can deliver higher blast forces even if the pressure vessel is small. The impact of such technologically advanced air cannon valves is that the devices allow facilities to use smaller pressure vessels without the need for too much compressed air.  

Reach out to a supplier of valves, such as Bailey valves, to learn more.

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