Industrial air cannons or blasters are integral to the smooth operation of many industrial applications. These devices are designed for the purpose of preventing blockages and buildups of bulk solids in industrial plants. Blockages can cause industrial operations to come to a halt and severely affect productivity. In addition to productivity being affected. safety can also be compromised as buildups can cause industrial equipment to malfunction and cause explosions, causing great harm to those around. 

Materials such as coal and cement are particularly notorious for causing blockages, even if they retain a slight amount of moisture. This results in hard-to-remove, solid buildup that can lead to a complete blockage if not cleared straight away. Air cannons for this purpose can be installed individually or in multiple spots to aid removal of buildup. These air cannons must be strategically placed so they apply direct pressure onto the buildup area and effectively remove it.

Types of industrial cannons

Pneumatic Air Cannon System: This is a fairly new type of air blaster that works by blasting compressed air in circles along the flow of the material in an industrial plant. This type of air blasting prevents the material from sticking along the plant walls and moves it along the direction of the flow. Some types of pneumatic air cannons are also self-cleaning, allowing cost savings with regards to labor and extending the life of plant equipment. The firing of air bursts in done in certain time intervals. This interval is adjusted to suit the industrial application.

Manual and automatic: Programmed or automatic air cannons will blast air at certain set time intervals, whereas manual air blasters can be used when you need them. Automatic air cannons are more expensive; however, cost savings will result from reducing blockages and increasing productivity.

Multi-valve air cannons: Many silos and bins are small, making it difficult to install air cannons. In such small spaces, air cannons with multiple valves can be installed. Tubes and hoses connect to these valves and lead to various areas of the bins and silos. This allows you to control where the air will be blasted.

It is important to assess your needs and conduct research before investing in an air cannon. Air cannons can also be custom designed to suit your needs. In this case, professionals can come to your site and assess your requirements. They can also recommend the air cannon that's best for you.