Pneumatic Conveyors

Summary of Tractor-Vac Model 9481 (Vac-U-Vator) Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.94 MB)

The functional performance of the Tractor-Vac model 9481 pneumatic grain conveyor was fair for conveying wheat and barley and good for conveying oats. Functional performance was lowered by high power consumption and low conveying rates.

The maximum conveying rates obtained were 27.7 t/h (1015 bu/h) for wheat, 26.7 t/h (1225 bu/h) for barley and 36.9 t/h (2390 bu/h) for oats. Conveying rates were reduced significantly when the intake nozzle was totally submerged in grain or when the intake or discharge pipe length was increased.

Average power requirements while conveying grain varied from 41 kW (55 hp) for wheat and barley to 47 kW (63 hp) for oats. A tractor with power take-off output of at least 60 kW (80 hp) was required due to high starting torque and for unplugging.

The specific capacity of a six inch grain auger was 12 times greater than the Tractor-Vac when conveying wheat, 11 times greater when conveying barley and nine times greater when conveying oats, indicating that pneumatic conveying of grain is very costly and inefficient when compared to a grain auger.

Crackage in dry wheat was about 0.25% for each pass through the Tractor-Vac. This is similar to damage caused by a grain auger.

The intake nozzle was heavy and difficult to maneuver during operations such as cleaning grain bins. Mounting the discharge cyclone on either the standard discharge or mobile discharge cart was difficult and inconvenient. Extra assistance such as a tractor mounted front end loader or equivalent was needed.

The Tractor-Vac was much safer to use than a grain auger, especially for cleaning grain bins. In addition, it could be beneficial to people with grain dust allergies when cleaning bins.

The operator's manual instructions on nozzle use and adjustments were incorrect for the production nozzles now in use.

Summary of Neuero model 675 Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.23 MB)

The functional performance of the Neuero model 675 pneumatic grain conveyor was good for conveying wheat, barley and oats, Functional performance was lowered by high power consumption.

The maximum conveying rates obtained were 32.1 t/h (1180 bu/h) for wheat, 36.9 t/h (1696 bu/h) for barley, 34.7 t/h (2250 bu/h) for oats and 27.4 t/h (1208 bu/h) for rapeseed. Conveying rates were reduced significantly when intake or discharge pipe lengths were increased.

Power requirements while conveying grain varied from 25 to 35 kW (34 to 47 hp). A tractor with maximum power-take-off output of at least 45 kW (60 hp) was required due to high starting torques.

The specific capacity of an average 7 in (178 mm) diameter grain auger was 5 times greater than that of the Neuero 675 in wheat, 4 times greater in oats, and 3.5 times greater in rapeseed, indicating that pneumatic conveying of grain is costly and inefficient when compared to a grain auger.

Crackage in dry wheat was less than 0.2% for each pass through the Neuero 675. This is similar to damage caused by grain augers.

The intake nozzle was fairly easy to maneuver during bin cleanout, but it was usually easier to sweep the grain remaining on a bin floor toward the intake nozzle than to attempt final cleaning with the nozzle. Mounting the discharge cyclone on the standard discharge assembly was easy, but mounting the cyclone on the optional mobile discharge cart was inconvenient.

The Neuero 675 was much safer to use than a grain auger, especially for cleaning grain bins. Working near the inlet nozzle was clean as most dust was conveyed into the inlet. Noise levels adjacent to the conveyor varied from 85 to 98 dBA when operating in open areas. When operating close to metal bins the noise level was loud and irritating. It is recommended that an operator wear suitable ear protection when working near the Neuro 675.

Several mechanical failures occurred during the test. The hitch clevis bent, the rotary air lock hub wore, the discharge tube cracked and one section of flexible piping cracked.

Summary of Walinga MT 510 Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.12 MB)

The functional performance of the Walinga MT 510 pneumatic grain conveyor was very good for conveying wheat, barley, oats and canola. Functional performance was lowered by high power consumption.

The maximum conveying rates obtained were 44.8 t/h (1650 bu/h) for wheat, 47.0 t/h (2160 bu/h) for barley, 42.0 t/h (2720 bu/h) for oats and 45.3 t/h (2000 bu/h) for canola. Conveying rates were reduced significantly when the intake pipe diameter was reduced and when intake or discharge pipe lengths were increased.

Power requirements while conveying grain varied from 36 to 47 kW (48 to 63 hp). A tractor with maximum power-take-off output of at least 56 kW (75 hp) was required due to high starting torques and peak loading requirements.

The specific capacity of an average 178 mm (7 in) diameter grain auger was four and one-half times greater than that of the Walinga MT 510 in wheat and oats and three times greater in canola. This indicates that pneumatic conveying of grain is inefficient in terms of power required for the amount of grain moved when compared to a grain auger. However, pneumatic conveyors have advantages a grain auger doesn't have. For example, they are capable of conveying grain over longer distances, both vertically and horizontally, than is possible with a grain auger.

Crackage in dry wheat was less than 0.5% for each pass through the Walinga MT 510. This is similar to damage caused by grain augers.

The intake nozzles and pipe were easy to maneuver during bin clean-out. With the use of the flat nozzle attachments, complete clean-out could be accomplished. The discharge cyclone could be conveniently attached by lowering the discharge boom.

The Walinga MT 510 was much safer to use than a grain auger, especially for cleaning grain bins. Working near the inlet nozzle was clean as most dust was conveyed into the inlet. It was also safer than an auger since the operator was exposed to fewer moving parts. Noise levels adjacent to the conveyor varied from 94 to 98 dBA when operating in open areas. When operating close to metal bins the noise level was loud and irritating. It is recommended that an operator wear suitable ear protection when working near the Walinga MT 510.

Several mechanical failures occurred during the test. The polyurethane intake hose failed due to weathering, the spool valve on the flow divider seized due to rust and the jack handle for the hydraulic boom jack was easily bent and required replacing.

Summary of Kongskilde Model SUCB 500 Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.90 MB)

The functional performance of the Kongskilde Model SUCB 500 suction blower was good for conveying wheat, barley, oats and canola. Functional performance was lowered by high power consumption.

The maximum conveying rates obtained were 32.0 t/h (1180 bu/h) for wheat, 29.9 t/h (1370 bu/h) for barley, 36.9 t/h (2390 bu/h) for oats and 37.3 t/h (1640 bu/h) for canola. Conveying rates were reduced when intake or discharge pipe lengths were increased. Conveying rates could be increased by using rigid rather than flexible intake pipe and using better seals for joining lengths of intake pipe.

Power requirements while conveying grain varied from 32 to 42 kW (43 to 56 hp). A tractor with maximum power-take-off output of at least 50 kW (67 hp) was required due to high starting torques.

The specific capacity of an average 178 mm (7 in) diameter grain auger was four times greater than that of the Kongskilde SUCB 500 in wheat, and oats and three times greater in canola. This indicates that pneumatic conveying of grain is inefficient in terms of power required for the amount of grain moved when compared to a grain auger. However, pneumatic conveyors have advantages a grain auger doesn't have. For example, they are capable of conveying grain over longer distances, both vertically and horizontally, than is possible with a grain auger.

Crackage in dry wheat was less than 0.4% for each pass through the Kongskilde SUCB 500. This is similar to damage caused by grain augers.

The two types of intake nozzles were fairly easy to maneuver during bin clean-out when using the flexible vinyl clean-out hose and complete clean-out could be accomplished using the flat nozzle. Mounting the discharge cyclone for field position was inconvenient.

The Kongskilde SUCB 500 was much safer to use than a grain auger, especially for cleaning grain bins. Working near the inlet nozzle was clean, as most dust was conveyed into the inlet. It was also safer than an auger since the operator was exposed to fewer moving parts. Noise levels adjacent to the conveyor varied from 93 to 98 dBA when operating in open areas. When operating close to metal bins the noise level was loud and irritating. It is recommended that an operator wear suitable ear protection when working near the Kongskilde SUCB 500.

Several mechanical failures occurred during the test. There were several air leaks in the piping and the flexible vinyl cleanout hose collapsed.

Summary of F.N. Pneumatic Model 2050 Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.14 MB)

The functional performance of the F.N. Pneumatic Model 2050 grain conveyor was very good for conveying wheat, barley, oats and canola. Functional performance was lowered by high power consumption.

The maximum conveying rates obtained were 56.0 t/h (2060 bu/h) for wheat, 62.8 t/h (2880 bu/h) for barley, 57.6 t/h (3735 bu/h) for oats and 62.2 t/h (2740 bu/h) for canola. Conveying rates were reduced when intake or discharge pipe lengths were increased.

Power requirements while conveying grain varied from 63.9 to 74.5 kW (86 to 100 hp). A tractor with maximum power-take-off output of at least 80 kW (107 hp) was required due to high starting torques and peak loading requirements.

The specific capacity of an average 178 mm (7 in) diameter grain auger was six times greater than that of the F.N. Pneumatic 2050 in wheat and oats and four and one-half times greater in canola. This indicates that pneumatic conveying of grain is inefficient in terms of power required for the amount of grain moved when compared to a grain auger. However, pneumatic conveyors have advantages a grain auger doesn't have. For example, they are capable of conveying grain over longer distances, both vertically and horizontally, than is possible with a grain auger.

Crackage in dry wheat was less than 0.2% for each pass through the F.N. Pneumatic 2050. This is similar to damage caused by grain augers.

The intake nozzle and flexible hose were fairly easy to maneuver during bin clean-out. The discharge cyclone could be conveniently attached by lowering the discharge boom.

The F.N. Pneumatic was much safer to use than a grain auger, especially for cleaning grain bins. Working near the inlet nozzle was clean as most dust was conveyed into the inlet. It was also safer than an auger since the operator was exposed to fewer moving parts. Noise levels adjacent to the conveyor varied from 96 to 109 dBA when operating in open areas. When operating close to metal bins the noise level was loud and irritating. It is recommended that an operator wear suitable ear protection when working near the F.N. Pneumatic 2050.

Several mechanical failures occurred during the test. The air distributor for the filtering system was replaced because of a bent shaft and two flexible hose couplers pulled apart.

Summary of Kongskilde SUC 500 TR2 Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.04 MB)

The maximum conveying rates obtained with the Kongskilde SUC 500 TR2 were 1370 bu/h (37.2 t/h) for wheat, 1740 bu/h (37.9 t/h) for barley and 2460 bu/h (55.8 t/h) for canola. Conveying rates were reduced when intake or discharge pipe lengths were increased.

Power requirements while conveying grain varied from 47 to 50 hp (35 to 37.5 kw). A tractor with maximum power-take-off output of at least 70 hp (52 kw) was required due to high starting torques.

The specific capacity of an average 8 in (200 mm) diameter grain auger was six times greater than that of the Kongskilde SUC 500 TR2 in wheat and two times greater in canola. This indicates that pneumatic conveying of grain is inefficient in terms of power required for the amount of grain moved when compared to a grain auger. However, pneumatic conveyors have advantages a grain auger doesn't have. For example, they are capable of conveying grain over longer distances, both vertically and horizontally, than is possible with a grain auger.

Crackage in dry wheat was about 0.1% for each pass through the Kongskilde SUC 500 TR2. This is similar to damage caused by grain augers. However, observations indicated that crackage was high in dry canola. Passes through the machine should therefore be kept to a minimum.

The intake nozzle was fairly easy to maneuver during bin clean-out when using the flexible vinyl clean-out hose. Complete clean-out could be accomplished with the intake nozzle but it was found easier to sweep or push the grain towards the spout laying in its horizontal position.

The jack assembly and telescoping discharge pipe allowed the discharge cyclone to be conveniently placed into transport position onto the support bar provided.

The Kongskilde SUC 500 TR2 was much safer to use than a grain auger, especially for cleaning grain bins. Working near the inlet nozzle was clean as most dust was conveyed into the inlet. It was also safer than an auger since the operator was exposed to fewer moving parts. Noise levels adjacent to the conveyor varied from 94 to 96 dBA when operating in open areas. When operating close to metal bins the noise level was loud and irritating. It is recommended that an operator wear suitable ear protection when working near the Kongskilde SUC 500 TR2. No mechanical failures occurred during the test.

Summary of Conveyair I Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.06 MB)

The maximum conveying rates obtained with the Conveyair I were 2590 bu/h (70.4 t/h) for wheat, 3170 bu/h (69.1 t/h) for barley and 2090 bu/h (47.4 t/h) for canola. Conveying rates were reduced when intake or discharge pipe lengths were increased.

Power requirements while conveying grain varied from 61 to 78 hp (45.5 to 58.2 kw). A tractor with maximum power-take-off output of at least 90 hp (67.2 kw) was required to overcome peak power requirements.

The specific capacity (the amount of grain moved per unit of power in a specific period of time) of an average 8 in (200 mm) diameter grain auger was four and one-half times greater than that of the Conveyair I in wheat and three and one-half times greater in canola. This indicates that pneumatic conveying of grain is inefficient in terms of power required for the amount of grain moved when compared to a grain auger. However, pneumatic conveyors have advantages a grain auger doesn't have. For example, they are capable of conveying grain over longer distances, both vertically and horizontally, than is possible with a grain auger.

Crackage in dry wheat was less than 0.2% for each pass through the Conveyair I. This is similar to damage caused by grain augers. However, observations indicated that crackage was high in dry canola. Passes through the machine should therefore be kept to a minimum.

The optional 4 in (100 mm) diameter intake and polyethylene hose made bin clean-out very easy. The discharge cyclone could be conveniently removed or attached when the discharge boom was lowered.

The Conveyair I was much safer to use than a grain auger, especially for cleaning grain bins. Working near the inlet nozzle was clean as most dust was conveyed into the inlet. It was also safer than an auger since the operator was exposed to fewer moving parts. Noise levels adjacent to the codveyor varied from 96 to 106 dBA when operating in open areas. When operating close to metal bins the noise level was loud and irritating. It is recommended that an operator wear suitable ear protection when working near the Conveyair I.

Several mechanical failures occurred during the test. The main blower shaft failed and the seals on the folding discharge boom failed.

Summary of Midwest 552 Pneumatic Grain Conveyor (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.62 MB)

Rate of Work: The maximum conveying rates for the Midwest 552 were 1719 bu/h (46.9 t/h) in wheat, 2149 bu/h (46.9 t/h) in barley, 1986 bu/h (50.6 t/h) in corn and 3006 bu/h (68.3 t/h) in canola.

Specific capacities were 1.43 ton/hp.h (1.73 t/kW.h) in wheat and 1.39 ton/hp.h (1.68 t/kW.h) in barley.

Quality of Work: Crackage in dry wheat was less than 0.2% for each pass through the Midwest 552. Crackage in canola could be kept to an acceptable level by reducing power-take off speed.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: The discharge auger was difficult to fold and unfold. Otherwise the machine was easy to operate and adjust during the test.

Power Requirements: A tractor with a minimum pto rating of 70 hp (52 kW) would have sufficient power to operate the Midwest 552.

Operator Safety: Operator safety was very good. The machine was safe to operate and maintain. The operator should wear ear protection when working with the Midwest 552.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual was very good. The manual was well written and illustrated and adequate for effective safe machine operation.

Mechanical History: A few minor mechanical problems occurred during the test.