Introduction; General; Operation; Air Cannon Materials - Martin XHV Air Cannon Operator's Manual

Introduction

General

A

Operation

Air cannon
materials
Martin Engineering M3404-05/12
®
The Martin XHV Air Cannons are pneumatic, bulk material-moving systems
that quickly release compressed air into a storage vessel to restore flow to
material that is clinging (A), bridging (B), rat-holing (C), or arching (D) (see
.
Figure 1) This manual provides instructions for installing cannons on steel
structures only. For installations on other structures, call Martin Engineering
or a representative.
B
Figure 1. Restricted Material
®
The Martin XHV Air Cannon System consists of one or more air cannons
mounted on a storage vessel. The air cannon charges when the tank is filled
with plant compressed air or nitrogen between 40 psi (2.76 bar) and 120 psi
(8.27 bar) (A, Figure 2) that is controlled by a 3-way normally open solenoid
valve. Air fed through the valve body-mounted quick exhaust valve (QEV)
passes through the piston and into the tank (B). When tank pressure equals
line pressure, airflow is static and the cannon is ready to discharge (C). By
activating the solenoid valve, the air supply is shut off and the air line between
the QEV and solenoid is emptied. This allows the QEV to quickly release the
pressure holding the piston. The piston is instantly forced back by the pressure
stored in the tank which then exits through the discharge pipe, releasing the
energized air pressure stored in the tank. This blast of air is directed through
the discharge pipe and into the storage vessel (D).
The air cannon tank is manufactured to American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) Code Rules, Section VIII, Division 1. It is National Board
registered, and is pressure vessel quality (PVQ). After the tank is welded,
paint is applied inside the tank to prevent rust and corrosion. Never weld
tank. Welding will melt paint and violate ASME coding.
1
C
Martin
D
®
XHV Air Cannons