This case study presents a successful implementation of a fishmeal dilute phase pneumatic conveying system designed for a leading aquafeed producer located in Beihai, Guangxi. The project was engineered and executed by Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd., a renowned expert in bulk material handling and dilute phase powder conveying technology. The client, a specialized aquaculture feed manufacturer, required a reliable and efficient solution to transport fishmeal—a cohesive, hygroscopic, and easily degradable powder—from storage silos to the mixing and batching area without compromising product quality or causing dust pollution. After evaluating multiple options, the client selected the dilute phase pneumatic conveying approach due to its closed-loop design, low maintenance requirements, and proven performance in similar aquafeed conveying applications.
The client's existing fishmeal handling method relied on manual bag dumping and mechanical screw conveyors, which led to frequent product degradation, high dust emissions, and significant labor costs. Fishmeal, being a fine, cohesive powder with a tendency to bridge and cake, posed severe challenges for traditional conveying equipment. The plant's layout also required a long-distance transport path of over 80 meters with multiple elevation changes, making it unsuitable for mechanical conveyors. To address these issues, the client sought a solution that could provide gentle handling, minimal product breakage, and a fully enclosed system to meet strict environmental and hygiene standards. The dilute phase powder conveying system developed by Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. was selected as the optimal choice, offering a high air-to-material ratio that ensures stable flow even for difficult-to-handle materials like fishmeal.
The core of the project is a custom-designed dilute phase pneumatic conveying system that operates at high velocity and low pressure, utilizing compressed air to suspend and transport fishmeal particles through a closed pipeline. The system includes a rotary airlock feeder, a positive displacement blower, a cyclone separator, a bag filter, and a fully automated control panel. The fishmeal is first fed into the rotary valve from the storage silo, then picked up by the air stream and conveyed through the pipeline to the target destination. Key design features include a specially profiled pipeline to minimize pressure drop, wear-resistant elbows, and a moisture-control system to prevent fishmeal from absorbing humidity during transport. This fishmeal dilute phase conveying case demonstrates how headpowder's engineering expertise can handle cohesive powders with high fat content (up to 12%) while maintaining a consistent feed rate of 5 tons per hour.
The aquafeed conveying system developed for this project offers several distinct advantages over conventional methods. First, the dilute phase approach ensures that fishmeal particles are transported at a controlled velocity, reducing the risk of degradation and preserving the nutritional value of the feed. Second, the fully enclosed design eliminates dust emissions, creating a cleaner and safer working environment for operators. Third, the system requires minimal manual intervention, with automated start/stop sequences, real-time monitoring of pressure and flow rate, and remote diagnostics capability. The customer also benefited from a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to mechanical conveyors, as the positive displacement blower is sized to match the exact conveying requirements. This dilute phase powder conveying system has been in continuous operation for over 18 months with zero unscheduled downtime, proving its reliability in demanding industrial conditions.
The project was executed in three phases: site survey and system design, fabrication and installation, and commissioning and training. Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. deployed a dedicated project team that worked closely with the client's engineering staff to integrate the new system with existing batching and mixing equipment. The entire installation was completed within 45 days, including electrical and pneumatic connections. After commissioning, the system achieved a conveying capacity of 5.5 tons per hour, exceeding the client's requirement of 4.8 tons per hour. The fine powder content in the conveyed fishmeal remained below 0.5% (by weight), indicating minimal particle breakage. Dust emissions were reduced to near zero, and the client reported a 30% reduction in labor costs due to the elimination of manual bag handling. The success of this fishmeal dilute phase conveying case has led to repeat orders from the same client for other production lines.
Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. has over 15 years of experience in designing and manufacturing pneumatic conveying systems for a wide range of industries, including aquafeed, pet food, chemical, and pharmaceutical. Our dilute phase powder conveying systems are engineered to handle materials with specific gravity as low as 0.3 g/cm³ and as high as 2.5 g/cm³, with particle sizes from 0.5 microns to 10 mm. We offer turnkey solutions including system design, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and after-sales support. For this project, the headpowder team applied advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize pipeline routing and air velocity, ensuring stable transport of fishmeal even during seasonal changes in humidity. Our commitment to quality is reflected in the use of S304 stainless steel for all product contact surfaces, FDA-approved gaskets, and CE-certified electrical components.
For more information about this fishmeal dilute phase conveying case or to discuss your specific aquafeed conveying requirements, please contact us directly. Our team of experienced engineers is ready to provide a free consultation and system evaluation. Manager Zhang, our senior project manager, will be happy to answer your questions and provide a tailored solution for your application. You can reach Manager Zhang via WeChat at 15662777102. We look forward to helping you optimize your bulk material handling processes with reliable and efficient dilute phase powder conveying systems from Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd.
Beyond fishmeal, our dilute phase pneumatic conveying technology is widely used for other aquafeed ingredients such as soybean meal, corn gluten meal, wheat flour, and rice bran. The same core principles—gentle handling, dust-free operation, and energy efficiency—apply to a broad spectrum of powder and granular materials. In the dilute phase powder conveying system, the air-to-material ratio is carefully controlled to maintain a dilute suspension, which prevents clogging and ensures uniform flow even when multiple materials are conveyed sequentially. The system can be easily integrated with existing control systems via Profibus, Modbus, or Ethernet IP, enabling seamless automation. For customers in the Guangxi region and across China, headpowder provides local technical support with a service center in Nanning, ensuring rapid response to any operational needs.
The successful implementation of this fishmeal dilute phase conveying project in Beihai, Guangxi, demonstrates the technical excellence and practical experience of Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. in delivering high-performance dilute phase powder conveying solutions for the aquafeed industry. The system not only solved the client's core challenges of product degradation, dust pollution, and labor inefficiency but also provided measurable improvements in throughput, energy consumption, and operational reliability. If you are seeking a proven, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method for conveying fishmeal, soybean meal, or other aquafeed ingredients, consider the headpowder solution. Contact Manager Zhang on WeChat: 15662777102 to discuss your next project. Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd., based in Shandong, China, is your trusted partner for all your bulk material handling needs.
Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd.
156-6277-7102（Zhang manager） 
0531-83386006 
Jinan City, Shandong, China Province 
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