WAM® AIR is expanding the polyTUBE® filtration range with the introduction of WAMFLO® Vent polyTUBE®: a new possibility to drive the polyTUBE® technology revolution forward — an application-driven evolution of SILOTOP® polyTUBE® that opens the door to more demanding industries.
Where SILOTOP® polyTUBE® stands today
When we think of SILOTOP® polyTUBE®, we know it as the specialized venting filter for silo venting applications in standard concrete batching plants and in some premix plants. The typical airflows it can handle are 800 m³/h during the conveying phase, 1,500 m³/h during pipe/tank cleaning operations, and 2,600 m³/h in instantaneous peak conditions (for a few seconds).
Based on these operating conditions and on the experience gained so far, we can state that SILOTOP® polyTUBE® performs better than SILAB14. For all those cases, instead, where SILAB24 is more commonly used, and where operating conditions differ from the standard, we have often found SILOTOP® polyTUBE® to perform on par with SILAB24. However, in some cases where these factors occurred simultaneously, we received market feedback indicating lower perceived performance.
The question we should ask ourselves is: is the issue related to the polyTUBE® filtration technology itself, or to the mentioned factors? Current experience tells us that polyTUBE® technology is performing well and is successfully meeting the application requirements of end users. Consequently, it becomes necessary to focus on filter sizing to mitigate the factors that may create operational challenges.
The four demanding factors
1. Dust characteristics — Very fine (<10-20 µm) and light dust, resulting in higher filter stress and increased risk of dust carryover.
2. Plant layout — Long pipelines (>20 m) or systems with multiple bends (>4), and the presence of obstructions within the pipelines (valves, intermediate chambers), resulting in pressure fluctuations and increased risk of dust carryover.
3. Silo configuration — Small-sized silos (<50 m³) and silos without pressure control systems, resulting in airflow peaks because of the higher dirty air velocity. These peaks must be handled by the filter.
4. Loading dynamics — Unfavourable air-to-dust ratio (highly dependent on loading management) and the type of discharge tanker used, resulting in more sensitivity of the system because of the higher instantaneous airflow peaks.
Working on filter sizing
With 28 m² of installed polyTUBE® filter media and a new dual-cover design that simplifies maintenance, WAMFLO® Vent polyTUBE® Ø1000 mm is positioned as the solution to address this very question, mitigating these specific factors in demanding silo venting applications.
It also enables us to protect the credibility of polyTUBE® filtration technology in the market, expand the range of dust collectors equipped with polyTUBE® filtration technology, and increase the market penetration of polyTUBE® filtration technology.
Range and roadmap
As of today, WAMFLO® polyTUBE® is available in:
- Vent version in Ø400 mm (with 1 polyTUBE® filter element installed), in Ø800 mm (with 3 polyTUBE® filter element installed) and Ø1000 mm (with 6 polyTUBE® filter elements installed)
- Fan version in Ø800 mm (with 3 polyTUBE® filter element installed) and Ø1000 mm (with 6 polyTUBE® filter elements installed)
With the objective of completing the product range, we're also developing the Fan version in Ø400 mm (with 1 polyTUBE® filter elements installed)
The revolution has already begun. Together, we must drive it forward.
