An air cannon, also known as an air blaster, prevents material clogs by using a sudden release of compressed air to dislodge and move materials that have become stuck in hoppers, silos, chutes, or other storage and transport systems. Here's how it works:
1. **Installation**: Air cannons are strategically installed at points where material flow issues are likely to occur. These points are typically areas where materials tend to compact, bridge, or adhere to surfaces.
2. **Compressed Air Storage**: The air cannon consists of a pressure vessel that stores compressed air. This air is kept at a high pressure, ready to be released when needed.
3. **Trigger Mechanism**: The air cannon is equipped with a trigger mechanism, which can be activated manually, automatically, or remotely. This mechanism controls the release of the compressed air.
4. **Air Release**: When activated, the trigger mechanism opens a valve, allowing the compressed air to be rapidly released into the material handling system. This release is often directed through a nozzle to focus the air blast on the problem area.
5. **Dislodging Material**: The sudden burst of air creates a shock wave that travels through the material, breaking up compaction, dislodging stuck particles, and clearing blockages. This action helps to restore the flow of materials.
6. **Repeatability**: Air cannons can be activated repeatedly as needed to maintain material flow, making them an effective solution for ongoing clogging issues.
By using air cannons, industries can reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent material flow, which is crucial for operations in sectors like mining, cement, and agriculture.