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Pneutrans Systems Limited

We specialize in pneumatic capsular pipeline systems. These systems offer lower operating costs, lower maintenance cost and in many cases lower initial capital cost compared to other methods of transport. These systems are applied where long distance covered belt conveyors, some mid-haul truck transport routes and short haul train systems would be considered.

Distance is not a problem with our systems

Think of a pneumatic capsular pipeline system as a cross between a pipeline and a railway. Materials can be picked up at one or several points and likewise can be deposited at one or several points. Two way traffic is not only possible, but also very practical.

What is a Pneumatic Capsular Pipeline?

A capsule carrying product is propelled through a pipeline using low pressure air. These pipelines can transport large quantities for long distances both horizontally and vertically at a very low operating cost and competitive capital cost.

Cylindrical wheeled trucks or capsules are automatically loaded with ore, concentrate, coal, aggregate, then propelled through a pipeline to be automatically unloaded at the receiving end.

Capsules are coupled together in trains, multiple trains run within the pipeline simultaneously so that the transport system is continuous.

Multiple products can be transported in the same and opposite directions simultaneously without mixing, for the same very low operating cost.

Where can Pneutrans apply this technology?

These Pneumatic Capsular Pipelines are used to transport large quantities of product for long distances.

Typical applications would include transporting:

  1. Ore, coal, aggregate from a mine to its mill. Returning tailings to the mine for backfill is possible, practical, and low cost.
  2. Concentrates from the mill to a rail or ship load out or directly to the customer/user.Two or more products can be transported simultaneously without mixing.
  3. Ore or coal can be transported from the working face in a mine, to the shaft, up the shaft to the surface and on to the mill without the product being transferred out of the capsule. There is a significant reduction in material handling and its cost. There is a reduction in skip hoist costs. This system helps ventilate the mine by removing stale, humid, warm air when the system is hoisting.
  4. Use where environmental issues prevent all other considerations, for example, use where the terrain or climate makes other transportation considerations difficult, impractical or expensive.

What are the parameters/limits of a Pneumatic Capsular Pipeline?

Pneumatic Capsular Pipelines must be designed by Pneutrans Systems Limited in order to determine their parameters and economics. User chosen parameters are usually not practical or economical.

  1. Horizontal Distances:
    • This includes inclines and declines.
    • These systems are most practical from 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) in length to 10's of kilometers/miles in length. Theoretically,there is no limit to the length of these pipelines.
  2. Vertical Distances:
    • This includes steep inclines.
    • Very practical, can be made to travel at the speed of a skip hoist or faster. Distances are not a problem.
  3. Annual System Throughput: Can range from 100,000 tonnes /tons to 12,000,000 tonnes/tons. The most practical range is 500,000 tonnes/tons to 5,000,000 tonnes/tons.
  4. Capsule Speed: 8 to 12 meters (25 to 40 feet per second). Can be made faster when the need arises.
  5. Capsule Payload: Tonnes/tons depending on pipeline diameter. Capsules or cylindrical trucks are connected together in trains. Many trains are in transit simultaneously.
  6. Pipeline Diameter: Anywhere from 406 mm (16 inches) to 1220 mm (48 inches). This is determined by the annual throughput, time available to transport and the geographical conditions.
  7. Pipeline Bend Radius: Usually 50 times diameter minimum. It is important to keep the pipeline as straight as possible.
  8. There are two basic type of systems:
    • Twin Line Systems: The loaded line runs from 'A' to 'B' with a separate return line running from 'B' to 'A'. These are used for extremely heavy-duty applications. Although they may be practical for some applications, they are almost twice the capital and operating cost of Single Line Reversing System.
    • Single Line Reversing System: One pipe connects 'A' to 'B'. Capsules are shuttled back and forth by a reversing airflow. These are used for most applications. Their capital and operating cost is slightly more then half a Twin Line system.
  9. Point-to-point pipelines: Typically, systems are installed as point-to-point pipelines. Switching for multiple entrances and exits is possible, practical and economical.
  10. Loading and unloading of trains: This is accomplished by known mining technology.

Why Consider a Pneumatic Capsular Pipeline?

Pneumatic Capsular Pipelines transport your product(s) with the lowest operating cost of any competing method. The low operating costs include (our P.E.P. formula) maintenance Personnel, Energy consumption and Parts. In some cases the initial capital cost is lower then other methods of transportation. In most instances, the savings in operating costs with Pneumatic Capsular Pipelines will allow these pipelines to be operated and capital paid for (including interest) with further savings left over when compared to other transportation systems.

Think of these systems as a cross between a pipeline and a railway. Pneumatic Capsular Pipelines can be installed elevated (in the air on columns) on the sides of existing bridges or on their own catinary bridges, on the ground, in the ground, under water. Their versatile routing makes efficient use of land. Everything is contained within a pipe; dust and noise are also contained. They are safe and environmentally friendly. Weather is not a problem.

To see how economical these systems can be for YOUR operation, just fill out the simple questionnaire. We will be pleased to provide you with budget pricing and costing as well as a detailed system description.

Pneumatic Capsular Pipeline is a Transportation Manager's Dream

  1. Quiet - Trucks/trains run on rubber wheels - little noise or vibration
  2. Energy Efficient - Use clean electricity
  3. Low Maintenance - Few Moving Parts - Very little wear and tear
  4. Pollution Free and Environmentally Friendly - All dust, if any, is contained within the system - All air is filtered before it is released from the system
  5. Unaffected by - Rain, snow, sleet, ice, heat, cold, wind Weather - Trains and materials are insured against bad weather
  6. Unaffected by - City or country, night or day Traffic - Delivery time guaranteed
  7. Fully Automatic - No operating personnel required - Fixed annual operating cost
  8. Low Operating - No contact between pipe and product Cost - Few moving parts
  9. Competitive - Easily justified Capital Cost - Easily written off (paid off)
  10. Safe - Everthing takes place within the pipe
  11. Installation - Almost anywhere

Contact

For the nearest Pneutrans representative:

Pneutrans Systems Limited has a sister company Thorne Pneumatic Systems Limited specializing in industrial portable and centralized vacum cleaning systems as well as systems for pneumatically conveying bulk particulate.

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