Pneumatic tubes are a unique transportation system that are used to carry all kinds of materials and documents around a business in a flash. Huge tube networks can be set up to transport capsules from one place to another using compressed air.
The capsules can contain almost anything that you need to move, as both the tubes and capsules can be made to a variety of different sizes and they can be made to move up, down or sideways. All the capsules can be completely sealed to keep their contents safe from leaks and contamination, and it often takes just a matter of seconds for them to reach their destination. As they are pneumatic, the rise is soft and air cushioned, which means it is suitable for transporting even the most fragile of cargo.
Initially, they began life as a single tube with a sending and receiving station at each end, but these days the tubes can spread across entire networks, with interconnecting junctions to ensure that a carrier can be sent just about anywhere, in any direction and to any floor in just a matter of seconds.
These networks can now be custom built to work around any building and any set of needs, enabling the workflow of a business to be as efficient as possible.
How do Pneumatic Tube Systems work?
Pneumatic Tube Systems works via pressurised air to propel cylindrical containers through networks of tubes.
The air compressor pumps, frequently described as ‘blowers’ uses both vacuum and air pressure to transport sealed products; this means that products can be moved through transport tubes in every direction. A control centre is used to oversee system function; operating blower units and transfer units to ensure products are guided to the correct location.
In more complex systems where, multiple paths are in place, a diverter may be placed at an intersection. This acts like a junction and can change the path of each carrier as it passes through to make sure that it goes in the right direction.
Pneumatic Tubes are made out of durable material that can withstand being catapulted through a network of tubes. They have secure flaps to make sure that nothing escapes en-route and also have cushioned skirts to allow it to travel smoothly and protect the contents.
These carriers are placed into stations which can both send and receive the capsules. Each one has its own interface panel that allows the user to decide which end station the carrier should be sent to. The system will have a minimum of two stations but could have many more depending on its size and the number of departments within the business.
The components of pneumatic tube systems
Pneumatic Tube Carriers
The term carrier refers to the cylindrical containers used to ‘carry’ goods from point A to point B. Coming in a diverse range of sizes, carriers can fit a wide selection of packages and objects. These containers can be either plastic or metal dependant on user preference and needs. Plastic is often the preferable choice, being clean and durable, whilst also exhibiting static reducing qualities. Leak-proof and lockable carriers fitted with RFID chips are ideal options for hospitals, offering safe and secure transport for sensitive content. Carriers are often fitted with plastic bumpers and fabric bands to help protect the capsules content during its journey.
Pneumatic Tube Stations
Pneumatic tube stations refer to the location where carriers are sent or received. The large range of pneumatic tube stations available allow users to select the most appropriate station based on their needs. Stations come in a range of sizes and designs. Standard design includes a loading port and an interface panel. With users keen to improve efficiency, the latest designs have features such as auto unloading. Accessories can also be added to ensure safe and secure transport including receiving baskets, carrier storage and arrival indicators.
Pneumatic Tube Diverters
Diverters are extremely important to Pneumatic Tube Systems, allowing packages to turn corners and/or change directions within the tube network. Today, users often require complex systems, which incorporate a larger number of send and receive stations and thus paths. Located at zone connections, a diverter regulates air flow to ensure that carriers are transported along the correct and most direct path. Once installed diverters can be operated remotely.
Pneumatic Tubes Blowers
The blower is the driving force behind pneumatic tube systems, providing the system with its air supply. ‘Blower’ is used to describe the fans that create the vacuum and air pressure within the transport tubes, causing the carriers to move. These fans create a difference in air density behind and in front of the canister. This difference in air pressure enables the carrier to be pushed or pulled along the tube. These fans are responsible for propelling containers through the system at speeds of 25 feet per second.
Where are pneumatic tubes used?
Whilst the digital age has changed how we transport documents and money, there are still many physical items which need to be moved. This means that they are a common sight in laboratories, pharmacies and hospitals where samples and medicines can be quickly passed from one department to another without contamination.
Pneumatic tubes are also often found in retail environments where checkout operators can send bundles of money straight to the cashier’s desk without it needing to be carried across the shopfloor.
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