In summary, a bulk material is a powdery, granular, or lumpy material that is present in a form in which it can be poured. Bulk solids can consist of many materials and are defined by particle size, bulk density, roughness, and temperature. For example, building materials such as gravel, cement and sand are bulk materials, but foodstuffs such as sugar, salt, coffee, and flour are also considered bulk materials.

The transport of these bulk materials requires special measures. A distinction is made between continuous and discontinuous transport. Continuous transport is ensured, for example, by means of hoses or pipes with compressed air as the conveying medium – so-called pneumatic conveying.

The optimization of pneumatic conveying systems is very popular today because a lot of energy can be saved. For conveying through pipes and hoses, either treated or untreated compressed air is used, depending on the bulk material. The amount of compressed air required should be monitored and, if possible, kept as low as possible. Monitoring of compressed air consumption is recommended in all cases.

In addition to compressed air consumption, quality is clearly a primary concern for many bulk materials. For example, the air used to convey powdered medicines or foodstuffs such as flour or sugar should be free of water, oil, or other particles.

As in any compressed air system, leakage can increase energy consumption exponentially. Regularly monitoring the tightness of the system can save big money.