Drying and handling of maltodextrin powder in the food and chemical industries requires absolute hygiene, precise flow control, and complete dust containment. In the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, a major food ingredient manufacturer faced significant challenges in transferring their maltodextrin powder from production to packaging. The existing mechanical conveying method caused frequent product degradation, dust leakage, and high maintenance costs. After a thorough evaluation, the company selected a closed-loop pneumatic conveying solution provided by Hai De Powder, a leading Chinese engineering firm specializing in powder handling systems. This detailed case study illustrates how the implemented pipeline pneumatic conveying system solved these operational bottlenecks while meeting strict Saudi food safety standards.
The client, a maltodextrin producer located in the Al Qassim Province, required a fully enclosed conveying system to transport maltodextrin powder with a bulk density of 0.6 g/cm³ and particle size distribution ranging from 30 to 150 microns. The target conveying distance was 85 meters horizontally and 12 meters vertically, with a required capacity of 5 tons per hour. The existing screw conveyor system suffered from frequent blockages, product contamination due to exposure, and high energy consumption. The client specifically demanded a closed pipeline system that would eliminate any dust emission, prevent moisture absorption, and maintain the original powder quality. Additionally, the system had to operate reliably in the extreme desert climate of Saudi Arabia, with ambient temperatures exceeding 50°C in summer and low humidity conditions.
Hai De Powder engineers designed a dilute-phase pneumatic conveying system using a closed pipeline approach. The core of the solution was a positive pressure pneumatic conveying system, where compressed air from a screw compressor was used to transport the maltodextrin powder through a seamless stainless steel pipeline. The system included a rotary airlock feeder at the inlet, a specially designed acceleration chamber, and a cyclone separator with a reverse jet filter at the discharge point. The pipeline was made of 304 stainless steel with an inner diameter of 100 mm, and all joints were welded and polished to avoid any powder accumulation. The closed-loop design ensured that the maltodextrin powder never came into contact with the outside environment, preventing both contamination and dust leakage. The entire system was controlled by a PLC with touch screen interface, allowing operators to adjust conveying speed, air pressure, and flow rate in real time.
The pipeline pneumatic conveying system for maltodextrin powder incorporated several critical features. First, the rotary airlock feeder was equipped with a variable frequency drive to precisely meter the powder feed rate, avoiding overloading. Second, the acceleration chamber used a venturi effect to smoothly introduce the powder into the conveying air stream, minimizing particle breakage. Third, the pipeline was designed with gradual bends (radius of 1.5 meters) to reduce wear and pressure drop. Fourth, the cyclone separator achieved 99.5% separation efficiency, and the reverse jet filter ensured that the exhaust air was absolutely clean. Fifth, the entire system was insulated with a 50 mm thick rock wool layer to prevent heat transfer from the surrounding hot air, which could cause caking of the maltodextrin. The system also included a nitrogen purge option for applications requiring inert atmosphere, although the client chose standard compressed air due to the non-hazardous nature of maltodextrin.
The installation of the closed pipeline pneumatic conveying system was carried out by Hai De Powder's international team, who worked closely with local contractors in Qassim. The entire system was pre-assembled and tested in the factory in Shandong, China, before being shipped as modular units. On-site installation took approximately three weeks, including pipeline welding, electrical wiring, and integration with the existing plant control system. The commissioning phase involved a series of test runs using actual maltodextrin powder. The key performance indicators were measured: conveying capacity reached 5.2 tons per hour, exceeding the required 5 tons; the power consumption was 0.8 kWh per ton of powder, which was 40% lower than the old screw conveyor; and the dust emission was zero, as confirmed by environmental monitoring. The system also demonstrated excellent stability during the hottest hours of the day, with no moisture condensation or powder clogging.
After the successful commissioning, the Saudi client reported several significant improvements. The product quality of maltodextrin powder remained consistent, with no change in particle size distribution or moisture content. The closed pipeline system eliminated any risk of cross-contamination, which was critical for their food-grade certification. Maintenance costs dropped dramatically, from monthly repairs of the screw conveyor to only quarterly inspections of the pneumatic system. The client also appreciated the reduced noise level, as the pneumatic system operated at 75 dB compared to the previous 95 dB. The integration with the plant's central control room allowed remote monitoring, and the system could be automatically shut down in case of any abnormal pressure or temperature. The management of the Saudi facility expressed high satisfaction and has since ordered an additional pipeline pneumatic conveying system for another production line.
The complete pipeline pneumatic conveying system for maltodextrin powder consisted of the following main components: a screw compressor with 75 kW motor and air dryer, a 2 cubic meter receiving hopper with level sensors, a rotary airlock feeder with a capacity of 0.5 cubic meters per revolution, a 100 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline with 12 bends (each with 1.5 m radius), a cyclone separator with 1.5 m diameter, a reverse jet filter with 24 filter bags, and a PLC control cabinet with HMI touch screen. The conveying air velocity was maintained at 18 meters per second to ensure stable suspension flow without saltation. The system was designed to handle a maximum particle size of 200 microns and a bulk density range of 0.4 to 0.8 g/cm³. All electrical components were rated for IP65 protection to withstand the sandy environment. The entire system complied with CE and ATEX standards, although the maltodextrin powder was non-explosive, the client required the system to be certified for future flexible use.
This case study in Saudi Arabia demonstrates the expertise of Hai De Powder in designing and implementing closed pipeline pneumatic conveying systems for fine powders like maltodextrin. The company, officially known as Shandong Hai De Powder Engineering Co., Ltd., is based in Shandong, China, and has a track record of over 200 successful projects worldwide. Their team of engineers specializes in customizing pneumatic conveying solutions for food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and mineral industries. For this specific project, the key success factors were the thorough understanding of the maltodextrin powder properties, the adaptation to the local climate conditions, and the seamless international project management. If you are considering a closed pipeline pneumatic conveying system for your powder handling needs, you can contact the project manager for this Saudi case. For more information, please reach out to Manager Zhang at phone: 15662777102. The company's address is Shandong, China, and they are ready to provide technical consultation and on-site evaluation for your unique application. Whether you need a small-scale system or a large industrial plant, Hai De Powder offers proven solutions with reliable performance and long service life.
The successful implementation of the maltodextrin powder closed pipeline pneumatic conveying system in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, serves as a benchmark for the region's food industry. The system not only solved the immediate problems of dust, contamination, and high maintenance, but also contributed to the client's sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption and waste. As more Saudi companies modernize their production facilities, the demand for advanced pneumatic conveying technologies will continue to grow. Hai De Powder remains committed to delivering innovative closed pipeline solutions that meet the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and efficiency. For any inquiries about similar projects, you can contact the dedicated team led by Manager Zhang at 15662777102. The company's full name is Shandong Hai De Powder Engineering Co., Ltd., located in Shandong, China. They look forward to helping you achieve optimal powder conveying performance with minimal environmental impact.
Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd.
156-6277-7102（Manager Zhang） 
0531-83386006 
Jinan City, Shandong Province, China 
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