This case study presents a comprehensive mixed pneumatic conveying project implemented for a major metallurgical enterprise located in Tangshan, Hebei Province, China. The client operates a large-scale steel production facility and required an efficient, reliable, and dust-free solution for transporting metallurgical mineral powder across multiple receiving points within the plant. The project was successfully delivered by Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. (abbreviated as headpowder), a leading engineering company based in Shandong, China. The system integrates advanced mixed pneumatic conveying technology to handle the unique challenges of fine, abrasive, and high-density mineral powders, ensuring continuous operation with minimal maintenance. This article details the technical specifications, key products, and operational benefits of the installed system, serving as a valuable reference for similar industrial applications.
The primary product deployed in this project is the metallurgical mineral powder mixed pneumatic conveying system. Unlike traditional dilute-phase or dense-phase conveying, the mixed-phase approach combines the advantages of both by utilizing a controlled air-to-material ratio that allows for stable, plug-free transport over long distances and complex pipeline layouts. The system is specifically designed to handle metallurgical mineral powders, which often have high moisture content, irregular particle shapes, and tendency to agglomerate. By employing a precise pressure control mechanism and specialized feeder valves, the mixed pneumatic conveying system ensures that the powder remains fluidized without causing pipeline wear or blockages. The key components include a rotary airlock feeder, a mixing chamber, a series of pipeline bends with wear-resistant liners, and a cyclone separator at each discharge point. This solution minimizes energy consumption while maximizing throughput, achieving a conveying capacity of up to 50 tons per hour per line.
A distinctive feature of this project is the multi-point receiving conveying configuration. The metallurgical plant required the mineral powder to be delivered to six separate storage silos located at different elevations and distances from the main feeding station. The system was engineered with a branched pipeline network that allows selective routing of the material flow using automated diverter valves. Each receiving point is equipped with a dedicated dust collector and level sensor to prevent overfilling and ensure accurate batch transfer. The multi-point design eliminates the need for multiple independent conveying lines, significantly reducing capital investment and floor space requirements. The control system integrates PLC-based logic that sequences the delivery to each silo based on real-time demand, optimizing the overall plant logistics. This approach has proven to reduce manual handling and downtime, while maintaining consistent material quality across all receiving stations.
This mixed pneumatic conveying case demonstrates the engineering excellence of headpowder in adapting the technology to challenging site conditions. The original plant layout featured narrow corridors and a 90-meter horizontal distance with a 25-meter vertical lift. The mixed-phase system was designed to operate at a conveying velocity of 8–12 m/s, with a pressure drop of 0.6–0.8 bar across the entire line. During commissioning, the system achieved a solid-to-air ratio of 15:1 by weight, which is significantly higher than conventional dilute-phase systems. The wear rate on pipeline components was measured at less than 0.1 mm per month, thanks to the use of ceramic-lined bends and a proprietary air distribution method. After six months of continuous operation, the system maintained a availability rate of 98.5%, with only routine maintenance required on the rotary valves. The client reported a 30% reduction in energy cost compared to their previous mechanical conveying system, alongside a 40% improvement in dust suppression, meeting stringent environmental regulations in Hebei Province.
Headpowder (Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd.) brings over 15 years of specialized experience in pneumatic conveying systems for the metallurgical, mining, and chemical industries. The company's engineering team has completed more than 200 projects globally, with a strong focus on customized solutions that address specific material characteristics and site constraints. For this Tangshan project, headpowder provided end-to-end services including site survey, 3D pipeline modeling, fabrication, installation supervision, and operator training. The company's headquarters in Shandong, China, houses a testing laboratory where material flowability tests are conducted before final design, ensuring that the system parameters are optimized for the actual powder properties. All equipment is manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards, and the company offers a standard two-year warranty on all conveying components. The successful delivery of this mixed pneumatic conveying system in Tangshan reinforces headpowder's reputation as a reliable partner for heavy-duty material handling applications.
For more details about the metallurgical mineral powder mixed pneumatic conveying system or to discuss your specific project requirements, please contact the headpowder sales team. The project manager, Manager Zhang, can be reached via WeChat at 15662777102 for prompt responses. The team is available to provide technical proposals, budgetary quotes, and references from similar installations. With a strong presence in the Chinese market and expanding international reach, headpowder is committed to delivering efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly conveying solutions. Whether you need a single-point or multi-point receiving system, the engineering experts at Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. are ready to assist you from initial concept to final commissioning. Contact Manager Zhang today to explore how mixed pneumatic conveying can transform your mineral powder handling operations.
Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd.
156-6277-7102（Zhang manager） 
0531-83386006 
Jinan City, Shandong, China Province 
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