RATEC flow channels transport powders and fine-grained bulk materials using only air and a slight slope—without screws, chains, or belts. Because nothing in the product stream is moved mechanically, they convey gently, quietly, and with minimal wear. We design each flow channel individually for your bulk material, your conveying route, and your system, and manufacture it in-house at our plant in St. Veit an der Glan.
Table of Contents
How flow channels work
A flow channel is a closed, slightly inclined duct that is divided into two chambers by an air-permeable base. Air is blown into the lower chamber. It flows evenly through the base into the bulk material above and loosens it. This fluidizes the material—bringing it into an almost liquid state—so it flows down the slope to the outlet. The air is discharged from the top of the channel. If required, we can also supply the air supply system.
What flow channels are suitable for
Flow channels are designed for bulk materials that can be fluidized with air—primarily dry powders and fine-grained materials, such as cement, lime, fly ash, and many more. Typical applications include conveying from silos and bins, distributing to multiple discharge points, and short to medium conveying distances with a consistent slope. Coarse, wet, or sticky products are generally unsuitable; other conveying technologies are better suited here.
Your benefits
- No moving parts in the product: low wear, minimal maintenance.
- Gentle conveying: the material is not crushed or ground.
- Closed system: low-dust, clean, ideal for sensitive products.
- Low energy demand: only the air for fluidization is required.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Flow channels |
|---|---|
| Principle | Fluidization with air, conveying via slope |
| Conveyed material | fluidizable powders and fine-grained bulk materials |
| Construction | closed duct with air-permeable base |
| length, cross-section, inclination | customized for each plant |
| air supply | included upon request |
| Materials | as required |
| Special versions | on request |
We design the length, cross-section, slope, air volume, and materials from scratch for each project.
What matters during design
- Bulk material: particle size, moisture, flow and fluidization behavior, temperature.
- Conveying task: throughput, conveying distance, available slope, feed and discharge points.
- Environment: hazardous area (Ex), hygiene requirements, installation situation.
For air supply and loosening bulk materials in silos, RATEC also offers its own aeration systems.
Customized by RATEC
RATEC is at home in the bulk materials sector and manufactures in-house at its plant in Carinthia—certified to ISO 9001, EN 1090-1, and ISO 3834-2—from one-off units to small series. We bring experience from chemicals, food, building materials, and energy supply. The photos on this page show examples from customer projects. You can find an overview of all special components under Special components.
Planning to convey with flow channels?
Tell us your bulk material, throughput and conveying route. We will get back to you with a concrete proposal.