
Pneumatic Conveying
Clyde Pneumatic Conveying is a global leader in dense phase pneumatic conveying systems.
Energy-Efficient, Low-Velocity Conveying for Challenging Bulk Materials
We deliver reliable, low-velocity transport solutions for a wide range of powders and granular materials.
Our technology moves bulk materials efficiently, gently and with significantly lower energy consumption than conventional pneumatic conveying methods.
By operating at low conveying velocities and high solids loading, Clyde dense-phase systems minimise compressed air demand, reducing energy use and operating costs while maintaining reliable material transfer over long distances.
With installations worldwide, Clyde systems are trusted in industries including cement, energy, minerals processing, metals and chemical processing, where reliability and efficiency are essential.
True Dense Phase Conveying Technology
Clyde systems operate using true non-suspension dense phase conveying, the most efficient form of pneumatic conveying.
Material is transported through the pipeline in controlled slugs at low velocity, dramatically reducing the amount of conveying air required compared with dilute phase systems.
Typical system capabilities include:
- Conveying distances up to 1,800 metres
- Throughput rates up to 300 tonnes per hour
- Air-to-material ratios are typically between 25 and 200
- Low conveying velocities to minimise wear and energy consumption
Because dense-phase systems require significantly less conveying air, they typically deliver substantial energy savings compared with high-velocity dilute-phase conveying systems.
Industry-Leading Expertise in Dense Phase Conveying
With decades of experience in bulk solids handling, Clyde Pneumatic Conveying has developed a strong global reputation for reliable dense phase conveying solutions and specialist process injection technologies.
Our systems combine advanced conveying equipment, world-renowned Dome Valve technology, and deep engineering expertise to deliver dependable material transport in some of the most demanding industrial environments.
This combination of proven technology, global references, and application know-how enables Clyde to design conveying systems that maximise efficiency, minimise energy consumption, and provide long-term operational reliability.
Dense Phase vs Dilute Phase Conveying
EnquirePneumatic conveying systems generally operate in either dense-phase or dilute-phase modes. While both methods transport materials through pipelines using air pressure, the operating principles and performance characteristics differ significantly.
For many industrial applications, dense-phase conveying offers significant operational advantages, particularly when handling abrasive or sensitive materials. Lower conveying velocities reduce pipeline wear and compressed air consumption, helping plants achieve lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency throughout the system's lifetime.
| Feature | Dense Phase Conveying | Dilute Phase Conveying |
|---|---|---|
| Conveying velocity | Low velocity | High velocity |
| Solids loading | High | Low |
| Energy consumption | Lower compressed air demand | Higher air consumption |
| Pipeline wear | Significantly reduced | Higher wear due to high velocity |
| Material degradation | Gentle conveying | Potential material damage |
| Suitable materials | Abrasive, fragile or difficult materials | Free-flowing materials |
| Maintenance requirements | Lower | Higher |
Material Testing and System Validation
Successful pneumatic conveying systems depend on understanding how each material behaves during transport. Clyde Pneumatic Conveying works in partnership with the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology at the University of Greenwich, London, one of the world's leading research and testing facilities for bulk material handling.
Through this collaboration, materials can be tested to evaluate their conveying characteristics and optimise system design before installation.
Testing programmes can determine:
- Conveying velocity and air requirements
- Material flow characteristics
- Pipeline pressure losses
- Optimal system configuration
- Achievable conveying capacity
This approach allows Clyde to validate system design using real material data, ensuring reliable performance while reducing technical risk.
Typical Applications
Clyde Pneumatic Conveying dense phase systems are used across a wide range of industries where reliable, energy-efficient transfer of bulk powders and granular materials is required.
Our technology is particularly suited to abrasive, fragile, or difficult-to-convey materials, as well as to applications requiring long conveying distances.
Cement and Building Materials
- Cement conveying
- Fly ash handling
- Cement kiln dust (CKD)
- Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)
- Lime and raw meal transfer
Energy and Power Generation
- Fly ash
- Bottom ash
- Boiler ash
- Sorbents and additives
Metals and Minerals Processing
- Alumina
- Mineral powders
- Smelter dust
- Metallurgical additives
Chemical and Process Industries
- Chemical powders
- Catalysts
- Process additives
- Industrial mineral fillers
In many applications, Clyde conveying systems can also integrate with process injection technologies, enabling precise delivery of materials into pressurised process environments such as kilns, smelters and gasification reactors.
Lifecycle Support and System Upgrades
Clyde Pneumatic Conveying supports customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their conveying systems, from commissioning through to long-term operation and optimisation.
Our experienced aftermarket team provides services designed to maximise system availability and efficiency.
These include:
- Inspection and maintenance programmes
- Supply of OEM spare parts and components
- Refurbishment of valves and conveying equipment
- System upgrades and modernisation
- Performance optimisation and troubleshooting
Clyde also maintains a large global installed base of Dome Valves and pneumatic conveying systems, allowing our aftermarket specialists to support both Clyde installations and systems originally supplied by other manufacturers.
With decades of experience supporting installations worldwide, Clyde ensures pneumatic conveying systems continue to operate efficiently, safely and reliably throughout their operational life.
Our Specialities
Delivering innovative engineering solutions with proven expertise, we specialise in reliable, high-performance systems designed to optimise material handling efficiency, durability, and long-term operational success.