This article presents a detailed case study of a dense phase pneumatic conveying system designed for anode graphite powder, successfully implemented in Samsun, Turkey. The system utilizes a bin pump (also known as a pressure vessel or blow tank) to achieve efficient, low-velocity transport of abrasive and fine graphite materials. The project was executed by Haide Powder Engineering, a leading provider of pneumatic conveying solutions based in Shandong, China. This case study highlights the key technical features, operational benefits, and the specific challenges addressed during the installation in the Samsun region.
The customer in Samsun, Turkey, operates a production line for lithium-ion battery anode materials, where graphite powder is a critical raw material. The existing manual handling and open conveying methods caused significant dust pollution, material loss, and inconsistent feeding rates. The customer required a completely enclosed, automated, and reliable pneumatic conveying system that could handle fine, abrasive, and cohesive anode graphite powder without degradation or segregation. The system needed to operate over a distance of approximately 50 meters with multiple discharge points, ensuring precise dosing into downstream processes. After evaluating several suppliers, the customer selected Haide Powder Engineering due to its proven track record in similar dense phase conveying projects, particularly for carbon-based materials.
The core of the solution is a dense phase pneumatic conveying system using a bin pump (also referred to as a blow tank or pressure vessel). This technology is ideal for fragile or abrasive powders like anode graphite because it operates at low gas velocities (typically 2–8 m/s), minimizing particle attrition and pipe wear. The bin pump is designed to withstand high pressures (up to 6 bar) and is equipped with a special discharge cone to prevent bridging and ratholing. The conveying line is made of wear-resistant steel with a gentle bend radius to reduce friction and erosion. The system includes a series of control valves, a pressure transmitter, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) that automatically adjusts the conveying parameters based on material properties and line conditions. This ensures consistent, pulse-free transfer of graphite powder from the storage silo to the process hoppers.
Several engineering innovations were incorporated to address the specific challenges of handling anode graphite. First, the bin pump is fitted with a fluidization nozzle that creates a uniform air-material mixture, preventing agglomeration. Second, the conveying line is equipped with a dedicated purge system to clear residual powder after each batch, avoiding blockages during startup. Third, the system uses a closed-loop nitrogen injection to inert the conveying environment, reducing the risk of dust explosion—a critical safety measure for fine graphite. Fourth, the discharge end features a rotary valve with a variable speed drive, allowing precise metering of the graphite into the next process stage. These features combine to deliver a highly reliable and efficient solution that meets the strict quality standards of the battery material industry.
Since commissioning, the dense phase pneumatic conveying system in Samsun has demonstrated outstanding performance. The conveying capacity reaches 2.5 tons per hour, with a material-to-air ratio exceeding 20:1, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to dilute phase systems. The system operates with a conveying pressure of 3.5 to 4.2 bar, and the cycle time for each bin pump discharge is approximately 45 seconds. The customer reported a 95% reduction in dust emissions, a 30% decrease in material waste, and a 40% improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) due to the elimination of manual handling. The low-velocity conveying also preserved the particle size distribution of the graphite, maintaining the D50 value within ±2% of the specification. These results confirm that the dense phase bin pump solution is an optimal choice for transporting anode graphite in demanding industrial environments.
Haide Powder Engineering Co., Ltd., based in Shandong, China, is a specialized manufacturer and system integrator of pneumatic conveying equipment. With over 15 years of experience, the company has delivered hundreds of projects for industries ranging from battery materials, chemicals, and food to minerals and plastics. The company's core expertise lies in dense phase conveying, dilute phase conveying, and bin pump systems for fine, abrasive, and cohesive powders. Haide offers complete turnkey solutions, including system design, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and after-sales support. The company's engineering team is capable of tailoring systems to specific customer requirements, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety. For more information or to discuss your pneumatic conveying project, please contact the sales manager: Mr. Zhang. Phone: +86 15662777102.
The installation in Samsun presented unique logistical and environmental challenges. The system had to be integrated into an existing building with limited headroom and access constraints. The Haide engineering team conducted a detailed site survey and designed a compact bin pump layout that fits within the available space. The conveying line was routed through existing structural supports, minimizing the need for additional civil works. The local Turkish team, supported by Haide's remote technical experts, handled the installation, commissioning, and training. The entire project was completed within 8 weeks, from order to final acceptance. The customer praised the smooth cooperation and the high quality of the equipment, which has been operating without any major issues for over 18 months.
Anode graphite is a challenging material due to its fine particle size (typically 5–20 microns), low bulk density, high abrasiveness, and tendency to fluidize unpredictably. Conventional dilute phase conveying often leads to particle breakage, pipe erosion, and dust explosions. Dense phase conveying, especially with a bin pump, overcomes these issues by using a low gas-to-solid ratio, which keeps the material moving as a cohesive plug or slug. This method reduces wear on conveying pipes by up to 70% compared to dilute phase, and it also lowers the risk of electrostatic discharge. Furthermore, the bin pump design allows for precise control over the conveying rate and pressure, making it ideal for batch processes and continuous feeding. For any company handling anode graphite or similar carbon-based powders, a dense phase bin pump system is a proven, cost-effective investment.
If you are considering a pneumatic conveying system for anode graphite, lithium battery materials, or any other powder handling application, Haide Powder Engineering is ready to assist. Our team has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing bin pump systems, dense phase conveying lines, and complete turnkey solutions for customers worldwide, including in Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East. For a free consultation or to request a quotation, please contact our sales manager: Mr. Zhang. Phone: +86 15662777102. We look forward to discussing your project and providing a tailored solution that meets your specific requirements.
Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd.
156-6277-7102（Manager Zhang） 
0531-83386006 
Jinan City, Shandong Province, China 
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