Bentonite
IN BRIEF
A company running a bentonite mining operation in Wyoming decided to replace their high maintenance bucket elevator with a Macawber pneumatic conveying system. Bentonite, a clay made up of minerals, is utilized in many different products from animal feed and cosmetics to casting molds and cement. The system purchased included an 8/8-5 Denseveyor® along with a 5” pinch type switch valve and pneumatic controls.
Download Case Study: Bentonite (pdf)
MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Material: Bentonite
- Bulk Density: 65.9 lbs./ft3
- Temperature: ≤ 212°F
- Moisture: ≤ 11.8%
- Condition: Moderate flowing
SYSTEM OBJECTIVES
1. Reduce maintenance
2. Create operational savings
3. Decrease downtime
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
- Transfer Capacity: 15.00 T/hr.
- Conveying Distance: 200 ft.
- Reception Points: 2
IMPROVEMENTS ACHIEVED
1. Maintenance cost was reduced significantly
2. Generated savings
3. Downtime lessened with less moving parts and system reliability