Ningxia Yinchuan Pharmaceutical Powder Closed Conveying Project

Case Overview

A pharmaceutical manufacturer in Yinchuan, Ningxia, required a reliable solution for transporting active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) powders between processing stages. The facility needed to maintain strict containment standards to comply with GMP regulations and ensure operator safety.

Customer Challenges

The client faced several operational difficulties: fine powder generated airborne dust during manual handling, leading to cross‑contamination risks and material losses. Conventional mechanical conveyors caused product degradation and required frequent cleaning. The existing open‑transfer system also exposed operators to hazardous compounds, increasing health and safety concerns. Additionally, inconsistent feed rates created bottlenecks in production.

Headpowder Solution

Headpowder designed and installed a fully enclosed pneumatic conveying system tailored for the pharmaceutical plant. The system uses a controlled vacuum‑pressure loop to move powder from storage bins to mixing vessels and tableting machines. All transfer points are sealed with gas‑tight couplings, eliminating dust leakage. The conveying path is constructed from 316L stainless steel with electropolished internal surfaces, meeting clean‑room standards.

Key components include a variable‑speed rotary feeder, a high‑efficiency cyclone separator, and an integrated bag‑filter dust collector. The entire system is automated via PLC with HMI touchscreen, allowing operators to adjust conveying speed and monitor material flow in real time. A nitrogen purging function prevents oxidation of sensitive compounds.

Operational Benefits

After deployment, the client achieved zero dust emissions during normal operation, cutting cleaning time by 70%. Product yield increased by 8% due to reduced spillage and degradation. The enclosed design meets OEL (Occupational Exposure Limit) class 5 containment requirements, protecting both product and personnel. System uptime exceeded 98% in the first year of operation.