Explore the types and uses of pneumatic tubing, and stay updated with the best practices for 2023 in our comprehensive guide.
What is a Pneumatic Tube?
Pneumatic tubes (or capsule pipelines, also known as pneumatic tube transport or PTT) are systems that propel cylindrical containers by compressed air or partial vacuum through networks of tubes. In contrast to conventional pipelines, which transport liquids, they are used to transport solid objects.
How Does the Pneumatic Tubing System Work?
Pneumatic tube systems, also known as pneumatic transport systems or simply pneumatic tubes, transport objects or documents through a network of tubes using compressed air. These systems are utilized in institutions, hospitals, retail stores, and offices for the efficient and rapid transport of small items over short distances.
Major Components of Pneumatic Tubing System
The primary components of a pneumatic tubes are carriers, stations, diverters, and blowers.
- Carriers: are the containers that transport objects or documents from point A to point B via the tubes. The carriers are transparent, resilient materials with secure yet simple-to-use closure flaps. The cushioned skirts on both ends of the carrier enable it to travel safely through tube systems and reach its destination. Carriers are available in various configurations to accommodate multiple techniques and industries. We recommend leak-resistant and leak-proof containers for transporting sensitive liquids in hospitals and laboratories.
- Stations: are the terminals where carriers are sent and received. They consist of ports for inserting carriers and user interface panels for transmitting them to the desired end station. A pneumatic system may have two stations, or it may have multiple stations with diverging paths.
- Diverters: When a complex system necessitates multiple routes to and from a given station, a diverter is placed at the intersection of the branching routes. As the carriers travel through the diverter, their direction is altered.
- Blowers: They generate a difference in air pressure between two system ends, operating as fans to propel carriers through the tube system. Blowers are propelled by motors that activate and deactivate as required.
How to Use a Pneumatic Tube System?
Using a pneumatic tube system is straightforward and doesn't require much technical know-how. Here's how you can operate one:
- Start by putting the item you want to send in a carrier container. Once your item is secured in the carrier, you must put it into a designated area or slot at the station.
- Then using the system interface available at the station, you can specify the destination of your item. Just like sending an email, you select where you want your carrier to go.
- As soon as you hit the send button, the magic happens. The blower mechanism springs into action and creates a pressure difference within the tube system. This pressure propels the carrier at high speeds through the network of tubes.
- It's not a free-for-all, though. An intelligent computerized system constantly monitors the carrier's journey. As needed, it activates special devices called diverters that ensure the airline takes the correct route and doesn't get lost.
- And before you know it, your item arrives at the intended destination, ready to be received. With a pneumatic tube system, sending physical items becomes as easy as sending an email.
Pneumatic Tubing Types
Tubing is available in various materials to accommodate multiple media traveling through connectors. Some common materials include:
- Polyurethane Tubing:Due to its hydrolysis resistance, SMC's polyurethane tubing series is made from Polyether resin, ensuring the most extended possible tube life. Series TIUB inch-diameter tubing is available in eight "quick ship" colors and 66ft, 100ft, 500ft, 1000ft, and 1640 ft standard lengths. There are twenty-one additional standard colors available for special requirements.
- Fluororesin Tubing:The standard specifications for fluoropolymer tubing are the metric and the inch. This series has exceptional corrosion resistance and is compatible with acids, bases, and ultrapure water.
- Polyolefin Tubing:The series of clean tubing consists of polyolefin tubing (TPH) and flexible polyolefin tubing (TPS). Both are available in 20m or 100m bundles and six distinct colors.
- Spark-Resistant Tubing:Double-layer tubing with flame resistance is appropriate for air and water piping in environments where embers from spot welders may pose a problem. The double-layer design is an outer layer that comprises a flame-resistant resin (equivalent to UL-94 Standard V-0).
- Wear-resistant Tubing:The wear-resistant tubing series was designed to reduce abrasion caused by sliding motion. This unique polyurethane material is similar to standard polyurethane and maintains a small deformation radius. The TUZ's ability to nestle into tight piping spaces can reduce labor hours spent on piping.
- Polyethylene Tubing:SMC's PEAPP series of polyethylene tubing is manufactured with linear low-density resin for superior resistance to environmental stress cracking. This inexpensive, lightweight material possesses excellent chemical resistance. Depending on the dimension, it is available in six primary colors and =lengths of 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 feet.
Moisture Control Tubing: SMC Moisture Control Tube is a specialized component designed to manage and control moisture in various applications. It is typically used in pneumatic systems to prevent moisture from entering and affecting the performance and lifespan of pneumatic equipment.
The IDK series from SMC is a moisture-controlling tube. Condensation within a pneumatic system will result in operational failure and reduce the longevity of pneumatic equipment. The IDK prevents condensation in small cylinders, air grippers, and air-operated valves by diffusing water vapor from the piping before it condenses.
How Do I Choose a Pneumatic Tube Size?
There are numerous sizes of tubing available, including and . In addition, metric tubing sizes of 3.2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, and 16 mm are available. It enables the selection of the most suitable size for specific applications.
Pneumatic Tube Chart
Partnering with SMC allows us to offer reliable pneumatic tube systems and expert guidance to meet the unique needs of our customers. If you have any further inquiries or require assistance with pneumatic tube systems, contact our in house engineers.
