In industries where bulk material handling is a daily operation, efficiency, reliability, and cleanliness are essential. One of the most effective ways to transport powders, pellets, and granular materials is through pneumatic conveying systems. These systems rely on controlled air pressure or vacuum to move materials through pipelines. At the heart of many high-performance pneumatic conveying setups are Becker vacuum pumps and blowers—engineered for consistent airflow, minimal maintenance, and exceptional energy efficiency.
In this post, we explore how Becker pumps play a vital role in pneumatic conveying systems, the different pump technologies they offer, their applications across industries, and how choosing Becker can enhance productivity and system longevity.
1. What Is Pneumatic Conveying?
Pneumatic conveying is the process of moving bulk solids or powders through a pipeline using air or gas flow. It’s a popular material handling solution in industries such as:
- Food and beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plastics
- Chemicals
- Agriculture
- Cement and construction
Unlike mechanical conveyors (e.g., belts, screws, or chains), pneumatic systems offer closed, dust-free transport, making them ideal for hygienic and explosive material environments.
There are two main types of pneumatic conveying:
- Positive pressure systems: Use compressed air or blowers to push materials.
- Vacuum systems: Use vacuum pumps to pull materials.
Becker pumps are used in both configurations, depending on the specific needs of the operation.
2. Why Becker Pumps for Pneumatic Conveying?
Becker is a trusted global manufacturer of vacuum pumps, compressors, and regenerative blowers. Their products are engineered to deliver:
- Consistent airflow and vacuum pressure
- Oil-free operation for contamination-sensitive applications
- Energy-efficient performance
- Long operating life with minimal maintenance
For pneumatic conveying, Becker’s pumps are particularly well-suited due to their ability to provide steady vacuum or pressure, operate quietly, and handle continuous-duty cycles required in industrial environments.
3. Types of Becker Pumps Used in Pneumatic Conveying
Becker offers several pump types that are compatible with pneumatic conveying systems. Each is designed for specific materials, distances, and flow requirements.
1. Oil-Free Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps
Becker’s oil-free rotary vane vacuum pumps are known for their clean, maintenance-friendly operation. These pumps are ideal for vacuum-based conveying of sensitive materials such as pharmaceuticals, food powders, and electronic components.
Key features:
- Dry-running with self-lubricating vanes
- Integrated cooling and silencers
- Suitable for continuous duty
Common models: VT Series, KVT Series
2. Regenerative Blowers (Side Channel Blowers)
Becker regenerative blowers are widely used in positive pressure conveying systems. They generate high airflow with low pressure, perfect for pushing light bulk materials like pellets or plastic granules.
Key features:
- Oil-free, non-contacting operation
- Compact and low-maintenance
- Ideal for conveying over short to medium distances
Common models: SV Series
3. Claw Vacuum Pumps
For heavy-duty or high-capacity vacuum conveying systems, Becker’s claw vacuum pumps offer a reliable and efficient solution. Their contact-free design means no internal friction, which leads to a long service life.
Key features:
- High vacuum levels
- Continuous operation in harsh environments
- Low energy consumption
Common models: BCV Series
4. How Becker Pumps Enhance Pneumatic Conveying Systems
1. Consistent Material Flow
A common issue in pneumatic conveying is material bridging or inconsistent flow due to pressure fluctuations. Becker pumps deliver stable pressure or vacuum, ensuring smooth, clog-free material transport.
2. Clean and Oil-Free Air
Becker’s oil-free pumps prevent contamination, which is essential in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and food. The clean air output also extends the life of downstream filters and receivers.
3. Reduced Downtime and Maintenance
Becker pumps are engineered with minimal moving parts, especially their oil-free and regenerative blower models. This results in fewer wear components, less frequent service intervals, and greater uptime.
4. Energy Efficiency
Many Becker pumps support variable frequency drives (VFDs), allowing operators to adjust motor speed based on system demand. This optimization results in lower energy consumption, reducing operational costs.
5. Compact Design
Becker pumps are compact, lightweight, and often come with integrated silencers and filters. This makes them easy to install in tight spaces or integrate into modular systems.
5. Key Applications of Becker Pumps in Pneumatic Conveying
1. Food and Beverage Industry
In food processing plants, Becker vacuum pumps and blowers are used to convey:
- Flour, sugar, cocoa, spices
- Coffee beans and grains
- Powdered milk and nutritional supplements
These materials are often transported from storage silos to mixing or packaging equipment. Becker’s oil-free pumps ensure sanitary operation and comply with hygiene standards.
2. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Precision, cleanliness, and compliance are critical in pharmaceutical production. Becker vacuum systems are used to convey:
- Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Fine powders and excipients
- Capsules and tablets
Their vacuum systems are compatible with cleanroom environments and help eliminate product loss and contamination.
3. Plastics and Polymers
Becker regenerative blowers are widely used to convey plastic pellets, granules, and powders from hoppers to extrusion or injection molding machines.
The non-contacting, oil-free operation of these pumps reduces heat generation and material degradation, ensuring consistent product quality.
4. Chemical and Industrial Processing
In chemical processing, materials such as catalysts, pigments, and carbon black are conveyed under vacuum to prevent exposure and minimize dust emissions.
Becker pumps are capable of handling abrasive or corrosive materials with proper configuration and can operate continuously in demanding environments.
6. Real-World Use Case
Challenge:
A food processing facility needed a solution to transport cocoa powder from a bulk silo to multiple mixing lines without contamination or material loss. The existing blower system was noisy, inefficient, and required frequent maintenance due to oil contamination and filter clogging.
Solution:
The company replaced their system with two Becker KVT 3.100 oil-free rotary vane pumps. The pumps were integrated with automated sensors to regulate vacuum pressure based on demand.
Results:
- Reduced product contamination risk
- 28% reduction in energy consumption
- Extended filter life by 3x
- Noise reduction improved operator working conditions
7. System Integration and Controls
Becker pumps are often paired with modern control systems that enable automation and real-time monitoring. Through pressure sensors, VFDs, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), manufacturers can:
- Monitor vacuum or pressure levels
- Optimize motor speeds based on material load
- Schedule preventive maintenance
- Reduce wear and increase pump longevity
This makes Becker pumps a future-ready solution for smart factories and Industry 4.0 applications.
8. Best Practices for Using Becker Pumps in Pneumatic Conveying
Match Pump Type to Material and Distance
- Use regenerative blowers for light materials over short distances.
- Use claw or rotary vane vacuum pumps for denser materials or longer lines.
Maintain Filters and Intake Lines
Regularly inspect and clean filters to prevent suction losses and wear on internal components.
Avoid Over-Specification
Select the pump model that matches actual airflow and pressure requirements. Oversizing can waste energy and increase equipment cost unnecessarily.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Though Becker pumps are efficient, adequate ventilation helps maintain operating temperatures and extends service life.
9. Maintenance and Service Tips
Becker pumps are known for low maintenance, but proactive care maximizes their performance:
- Check filters regularly for dust or material buildup.
- Inspect vanes in rotary pumps every 10,000–15,000 hours.
- Ensure clean air intake to prevent contaminants from entering the system.
- Listen for noise changes, which may indicate wear or motor issues.
Becker offers genuine parts and global service support, ensuring quick repairs and minimal downtime.
Conclusion
In pneumatic conveying systems, performance hinges on consistent airflow, energy efficiency, and equipment reliability. Becker vacuum pumps and blowers check all the boxes—offering clean, oil-free operation, stable pressure or vacuum, and long-term dependability.
From pharmaceuticals to food processing, plastics to chemicals, Becker pumps support high-throughput material handling with minimal maintenance and maximum efficiency. Their adaptability across pressure and vacuum applications makes them a trusted solution in countless industrial environments.
If you’re looking to upgrade or build a pneumatic conveying system that performs with precision and longevity, Becker pumps are a smart investment.
Interested in Becker pumps for your conveying application?
Contact your industrial equipment supplier or Becker-authorized distributor today to explore the right solution for your process.
