“System components have been selected for ease of operation and low maintenance, and the conveying pipes have large wall thicknesses for long service life,”Mr Allenspach explains. In the Portanova, the pipe elbow is lined with wear-resistant basalt,and the air-jet bag filter has a top bag removal system.

“One of the most important advantages of the Portanova is that it is possible to lower the boom to ground level for service work to be carried out. An impact plate fitted at the filter inlet reduces wear and tear and because the inlet to the filter is straight, regardless of the position of boom, less energy is consumed.”

The Portanova has a rotary airlock with wearprotection inserts, and direct drive of the rotary blower enhances efficiency. The stairs, walkways and platforms provide for easy access, and the machine has a high level of flexibility thanks to a double jacket adjustable nozzle (which is capable of handling a wide variety of materials).The ability to apply full suction to residual material in the hold ensures full clean-up of the hold can be achieved.

“Using proven components ensures a high level of reliability, and the rotary blower provides stable volumetric flow rate and uniform material throughput,” Mr Allenspach says, features which are complemented by automatic reversal of the airlock rotor in case of overload.