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Fluidizer for Silos

The Solimar Silo Fluidizer – also known as air nozzles or vibrators – ensure consistent material flow, prevent bridging and funneling, and increase operational safety. Below you will find the main advantages, information on proper installation, and what to consider when selecting and operating them.

Advantages

  • Improved Material Flow
    Targeted air pulses or vibration loosen dust, bulk material, and agglomerates, ensuring continuous discharge.
  • Reduced Downtime
    Less cleaning and maintenance as blockages are less frequent.
  • Gentle Operation
    Modern valves operate with short bursts of air or metered dynamics, minimizing material wear and dust generation.
  • Flexibility
    Various designs and controls allow adaptation to grain size, bulk density, and silo or hopper size.
  • Cost Efficiency
    Savings through reduced personnel costs, reduced reject quantities, and longer system life.

Functional Description

Silo Fluidizer for silos are mechanical and pneumatic components that serve to ensure the flow of material from bulk solids in the silo and to prevent blockages (bridging and rat-holing).

The vibrator generates pinpoint pressure pulses or air jets that loosen the material in the hopper area, activating the flow. The superior principle of our valves combines a directed airflow along the hopper wall with slight vibrations of the membrane. This optimally loosens the material and ensures rapid, complete discharge without bridging.

Isolator with screw on red background
Data sheet for our aeration pads

Typical Functionality

  • A compressed air source delivers short bursts of air that are introduced into the bulk material via the aeration pad.
  • The pulse locally loosens the material, causing bridges and voids to dissolve. The design ensures minimal back pressure and actively prevents clogging of the air line.
  • The material can then flow freely to the outlet.
  • Depending on the design, aeration pads operate automatically or manually with timed control.

Essential Components

  • Valve body with membrane for generating targeted air pulses
  • Control unit for regulating pressure, pulse duration, and frequency
  • Compressed air connection
  • Accessory kit optional

Application Notes

  • The dimensioning of pressure, pulse duration, and interval, as well as the number of aeration pads, depends on material properties (grain size, bulk density, moisture) and silo or hopper properties (material, diameter, angle of inclination, outlet size).
  • Correct positioning of the vibrators in the hopper area is crucial for the effectiveness of the loosening.
  • Regular maintenance of the valves and the compressed air supply increases operational safety.

Advantages

  • Reduction of Downtime through reliable material flow
  • Gentle Treatment
    of the material without mechanical agitation
  • Easy to Retrofit
    to existing silos
  • Durable & Robust
    Tear-resistant & moisture-repellent EPDM/silicone material and the unique radial comb design ensure minimal wear. This also prevents clogging of the air line, as the disc fits tightly.
  • Extreme Conditions
    Up to 230 °C (high-temperature version) and made of tear-resistant, robust material.
  • Food Grade
    FDA-approved materials (silicone/EPDM) available that also meet European Directive 1935/2004.
  • can be used in ATEX zones 20, 21, 22

Installation

Professional installation is crucial for the effectiveness of the aeration pads. Since our valves can also be mounted from the outside with the Fast-Fit Kit , uncomplicated and quick retrofitting to existing silos is possible.

If required, we will carry out the following steps for you:

  • Planning
    We determine the optimal installation locations based on the material behavior, the bridging risk, and the silo construction.

Optional or can be carried out yourself:

  • Preparation
    Cleaning of the silo surfaces, checking of the installation dimensions, and marking of the fastening points.
  • Assembly
    Installation and fastening of the valves according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Connection of the pneumatic parts and lines.
  • Connect Control
    Connection of the electrical control. If required, coupling of the sensors for automatic triggering.
  • Commissioning
    Testing of the system – air pressure and pulse duration are adjusted, material flow is observed; fine adjustments are made by us or the customer.
Large blue industrial plant with metal structure
Industrial plant with green silos and pipelines
Large industrial hopper with hoses and lines
Industrial metal hopper in manufacturing environment

What to Consider?

  • Material Properties
    Bulk density, grain size, moisture, and agglomeration tendency influence the choice and setting of the valve.
  • Compatibility
    Ensure that the valve is compatible with the silo material and existing control system.
  • Air Supply
    Sufficient pressure and purity of the compressed air are required for pneumatic valves; condensate separators and filters are recommended.
  • Positioning
    Several small valves at critical points are often more effective than one large valve at one point.
  • Maintenance
    Regular inspections, seal replacements, and function tests extend the service life and ensure performance.
  • Safety and Explosion Protection
    From DEKRA’s point of view, there are no concerns about using these aeration pads in potentially explosive areas of zones 20, 21 and 22.
  • Expert Advice
    Have us check the selection and dimensioning, especially for critical applications.

Do you have questions regarding the suitability, installation, or technical specifications of our fluidizing valves?

Contact us for a personal consultation, an on-site analysis, or a no-obligation quote. Use our contact form or call us to avoid operational interruptions and sustainably optimize your material flow.

Solimar Pneumatics is a globally active company in the bulk solids industry and offers a range of fluidizing valves / aeration nozzles that improve the flow behavior of bulk solids in silos, hoppers, filter systems, IBC systems, and pipelines.

Applications are found in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, mining, plastics, power plant, and construction industries.

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Contact us now with any questions regarding our fluidizing valves.

SEKO Staubtechnik is an authorized distributor for Solimar fluidizing valves.