Dry Bulk Conveying Solutions

The best blower for dry bulk pneumatic conveying depends on the material being transported, required airflow, operating pressure, and unloading method. Fine powders, dense materials, and lightweight pellets all behave differently in a pneumatic system. Gardner Denver has developed and refined multiple blower technologies over decade, including bi-lobe, helical screw, and rotary vane, so systems can be properly matched to real-world conveying conditions.

For a detailed breakdown of blower types and where each performs best, the full Dry Bulk Conveying Solutions guide includes application-specific comparisons and performance data. 

Selecting the right blower starts with understanding material properties such as bulk density, particle size, abrasiveness, and flow behavior. Cement and fine powders typically require stable airflow and controlled vacuum capability, while plastic pellets and granules benefit from higher flow rates and efficient pressure discharge. Gardner Denver was one of the first manufacturers to publish material-to-blower selection guidance based on these variables.

The downloadable guide expands on this with material charts and recommended operating ranges to help narrow down the correct equipment for each application. 

Required airflow and pressure depend on hose diameter, conveying distance, elevation change, and material type. Insufficient airflow can cause slow unloading or line plugging, while excessive pressure increases heat, wear, and fuel consumption. Gardner Denver established many of the performance benchmarks still used today by publishing continuous and intermittent pressure ratings alongside airflow curves.

The Dry Bulk Conveying Solutions guide provides performance charts for common blower models, showing CFM, pressure limits, and vacuum capability to support proper system sizing. 

Fuel consumption during unloading is influenced by blower efficiency, system weight, and required engine speed. Helical screw blower technology, pioneered and refined by Gardner Denver, reduces internal losses and allows systems to operate at lower RPM while maintaining airflow. Lighter blower designs and properly matched system components further reduce horsepower demand.

Fuel-saving design features and comparative performance data are outlined in more detail within the downloadable guide. 

Bi-lobe blowers are known for durability and consistent airflow across a wide range of dry bulk materials. Helical screw blowers offer higher efficiency, reduced noise, and lower fuel consumption, particularly in pressure and vacuum applications. Rotary vane compressors excel in higher-pressure unloading with quiet operation and cool running temperatures. Gardner Denver has engineered and supported all three technologies, allowing applications to be matched to the correct blower type rather than forcing compromises.

A side-by-side technology overview with operating limits is included in the Dry Bulk Conveying Solutions guide. 

Blower selection directly impacts conveying velocity, heat generation, component wear, and unloading time. An undersized blower may struggle to maintain material flow, while an oversized unit can introduce excessive stress and inefficiency. Gardner Denver’s long-standing approach emphasizes operating within defined performance ranges to balance speed and reliability.

The downloadable guide outlines recommended operating limits and system considerations to help achieve consistent unloading performance and longer service life.