Product/Service
Conveying Popcorn Kernels Via Vacuum & Pressure
•Application Sheet: Conveying Popcorn Kernels Via Vacuum & Pressure
The popcorn processing and packaging industry typically relies on low velocity, dense phase pneumatic conveying to transfer popcorn kernels. This is primarily due to the friability of the popcorn kernel. If hull damage to the kernel occurs while being pneumatically transported, the internal pressure of the kernel is compromised, and it will not pop.
Process Details
Typical methods of conveying used to date often result in low process efficiencies because of the limited volumes and longer conveying times required to avoid damage to the popcorn kernels. By combining the respective advantages of both pressure transfer and vacuum sequencing systems, along with some specific design additions to ensure gentle action on the popcorn kernel, the experienced Systems Group at K-Tron Premier was able to provide an economical and custom designed solution for the transfer of this extremely sensitive product.
The complete process of conveying the product from pickup point all the way to the packaging line is provided as two subsystems. The first is a pressure transfer system to unload bulk bags and transfer the kernels to storage tanks. As shown in Figure 1, the super sack or bulk bag discharges popcorn kernels into the top assembly of a K-Tron Premier bag dump station. From there, the kernels drop through a maintenance slide gate, past a magnet and fall via gravity into a K-Tron Premier Heavy-Duty (HD) Aerolock™ rotary valve fitted with a shear protector to assure smooth flow into the valve.
Click Here To Download:•Application Sheet: Conveying Popcorn Kernels Via Vacuum & Pressure
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