Anhui Hefei TCM Ultrafine Powder Conveying Project

This case study examines a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ultrafine powder conveying project located in Anhui Hefei. The project was initiated by a pharmaceutical enterprise engaged in the processing of herbal ultrafine powders, which required a reliable and hygienic material handling solution. The company, referred to as Client A, partnered with headpowder to address specific operational challenges in its powder conveying process.

Client Challenges

During the production of TCM ultrafine powders, Client A encountered several difficulties. The existing conveying system caused significant dust leakage, leading to material loss and an unsafe working environment. The ultrafine nature of the powders made them prone to agglomeration, resulting in blockages and inconsistent flow rates. Additionally, cross-contamination between different herbal batches was a concern due to the difficulty in cleaning the equipment thoroughly. The manual handling required for these processes also increased labor costs and reduced overall efficiency.

headpowder Solution and Advantages

To resolve these issues, headpowder designed a customized closed-loop pneumatic conveying system specifically for TCM ultrafine powders. The system utilizes negative pressure vacuum technology to transport powders from multiple feeding points to a centralized receiving station. Key advantages of this solution include:

• Dust-Free Operation: The fully enclosed design prevents any dust escape, ensuring a clean plant environment and minimizing product loss.
• Smooth Material Flow: Specialized anti-bridging devices and controlled air velocity prevent agglomeration and blockages, maintaining stable conveying performance.
• Easy Cleaning and Changeover: The system incorporates quick-release connections and CIP (clean-in-place) features, allowing rapid cleaning between different TCM batches to avoid cross-contamination.
• Automated Control: An integrated PLC control system manages material flow, pressure, and sequencing, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.

By implementing this solution, the client achieved a measurable reduction in material waste, improved workplace safety, and enhanced production consistency. The system has been in continuous operation, meeting the strict quality standards required for TCM ultrafine powder handling.