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Managing Challenges in Bulk Material Handling of Caustic and Acidic Chemical Powders: UniTrak's Innovative Solutions

May 7, 2024

The handling of caustic and acidic chemical powders poses significant challenges and risks in chemical manufacturing and processing. From corrosive properties to potential hazards during conveying, chemical processors face many concerns. However, with the right equipment features, innovations, and customization options, these challenges can be effectively managed to ensure safety, efficiency, and product integrity.

Understanding the Challenges and Risks

Corrosion: Caustic and acidic powders can corrode conventional material handling equipment, leading to equipment degradation, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety hazards.

Material Containment: Caustic and acidic powders may react with the atmosphere, leading to contamination or hazardous emissions if not properly contained during handling and conveying.

Explosive Properties: Some chemical powders, when exposed to certain conditions, can become explosive, posing a significant safety risk during conveying operations.

Abrasion: Abrasive nature of certain chemicals can cause rapid wear and tear on conveying equipment, leading to frequent replacements and downtime.

Common Caustic and Acidic Powders in Chemical Processing

Caustic Materials

  - Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

  - Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)

  - Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)

  - Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH)

Acidic Materials

  - Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)

  - Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

  - Nitric Acid (HNO₃)

  - Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)

Addressing Challenges with UniTrak's Solutions

UniTrak, a leading manufacturer of bulk material handling equipment, offers innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of chemical processors dealing with caustic and acidic powders. Here's how UniTrak's equipment features and customization options help mitigate the challenges:

Corrosion Resistance

  - Utilization of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or specialized coatings to protect equipment against corrosive chemicals.

  - UniTrak's KleanTrak sanitary belt conveyor is designed with corrosion-resistant materials and features easy-to-clean surfaces to maintain hygiene in chemical processing environments.

Material Containment

  - Sealed and enclosed conveying systems prevent the escape of caustic or acidic powders, ensuring worker safety and product integrity.

  - UniTrak's PowderFlight aeromechanical conveyor provides enclosed conveying, minimizing the risk of material contamination or emissions.

Explosion Mitigation

  - Implementation of explosion-proof features and systems such as inert gas purging or explosion venting to mitigate the risk of explosions.

  - UniTrak's TipTrak bucket conveyor offers explosion-proof designs and features to enhance safety during conveying operations.

Abrasion Resistance

  - Integration of wear-resistant materials and design features to withstand the abrasive nature of certain chemical powders, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

  - UniTrak's UniFlex flexible screw conveyor incorporates wear-resistant components for handling abrasive materials efficiently.

UniTrak's Track Record and Expertise

With over 50 years of experience, UniTrak has established itself as a trusted partner in the chemical processing industry, offering a comprehensive range of bulk material handling solutions.  

UniTrak's deep expertise in handling challenging materials, including corrosive, explosive, and abrasive powders, makes it a preferred choice for chemical manufacturers worldwide.

UniTrak's diverse product lineup includes:

TipTrak: Leading bucket conveyor known for its reliability and versatility in handling a wide range of materials.

UniFlex: Flexible screw conveyor designed for gentle handling of powders and granules, suitable for abrasive materials.

PowderFlight: Aeromechanical conveyor offering enclosed conveying for dust-free and contamination-free material handling.

Bagstander: Bulk bag loader and unloader facilitating efficient loading and unloading of bulk bags in chemical processing applications.

KleanTrak: Sanitary belt conveyor featuring hygienic design and easy-clean features, ideal for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the handling of caustic and acidic chemical powders presents numerous challenges and risks in chemical manufacturing and processing environments. However, with UniTrak's innovative solutions, chemical processors can effectively manage these challenges while ensuring safety, efficiency, and product quality. UniTrak's customizable equipment features and extensive experience make it a reliable partner for chemical manufacturers seeking robust bulk material handling solutions.

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UniTrak Corporation Limited

299 Ward Street
Port Hope, ON
L1A 4A4 Canada

1-905-885-8168

UniTrak Powderflight Limited

Dinting Lane Ind. Est.
Glossop Derbyshire
SK13 7NU UK

+44 (0) 1457 865038

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