Pneumatic tube systems have been in use for many years because they are incredibly safe and efficient ways of transporting important items around a business or hospital. However, just like any other system that your business relies on, it needs to be properly maintained in order for it to stay in good working order. Here we take a look at why pneumatic tube maintenance is so important and what some of the most crucial benefits can be.

To explain further, Tom Hughes, General Manager at Aerocom, shares his insights into the importance and benefits of pneumatic tube maintenance.

What is a pneumatic tube system?

Pneumatic tube systems are used in all sorts of different environments, from banks to laboratories. They are a network of tubes that run across the site to transport items from one place to another without any need for human interference.

Things like important paperwork, samples and other small items can be loaded into specially designed carriers which are fully sealed and loaded into a docking station. All that needs to be done is to select a destination station and the carrier will then be transported through the tube network in the right direction, using air pressure and fans to propel it.

This means it can arrive safely without getting lost and with no risk of contamination along the way. It also happens extremely quickly, which means it is much more efficient than asking a member of staff to take it to its destination instead.

Just like anything else, maintenance is important when it comes to your pneumatic tube system if you want it to keep working efficiently. Here, we take a look at why this is such an essential thing to consider.

Safety concerns

Any machinery within your business needs to be properly maintained to ensure that it remains in a safe state at all times and the same is true of your pneumatic tube systems. It is important the regular preventative maintenance tasks are carried out on these systems to make sure they are operating in a safe state. This helps to reduce the risk of harming any operators or nearby employees.

Labour saving

Performing maintenance inspections and repairs might seem like a task you do not need, but it can save an awful lot of time in comparison to things going wrong. Regular maintenance can take a minimal amount of time, however, if the pneumatic tube system fails then there will be a lot more time and money that needs to be invested in getting it back up and running.

It is also important to consider how much time will be spent by your employees’ carrying items around your site instead of using the tube system because it is out of action. It is therefore beneficial to make sure that there is a regular maintenance schedule in place that can help to keep things in good working order without interfering with production.

Performance efficiencies

Pneumatic tube systems are so incredibly popular because of how efficient they are. However, without proper maintenance, some of this efficiency can be lost and the benefits of the tube system is no longer felt. Things such as friction can create worn components, which then lead to reductions in performance and even a complete failure of the system. Therefore, by inspecting the components for wear and tear and making sure that machine parts are regularly lubricated, you can ensure the operational efficiency of the pneumatic tube system is maintained at all times.

Longevity

An investment in a pneumatic tube system is an important one and also significant, so you want it to last as long as possible. Regular maintenance can help to reduce the wear and tear on individual components, which means they will not need to be replaced quite as frequently. By keeping all elements of the tube system properly looked after, you can ensure that it continues working for many years to come.

Warranties

Almost all pneumatic tube systems will come with their own warranty. This can be of great assistance if you have any problems or breakdowns, however, without proper maintenance you may find that the warranty is invalid. If it can be shown that you have not taken proper care of the system, you may end up with much greater levels of expense should a problem occur, as it is more likely to be your fault.

Important maintenance tasks

Sentence is such an important subject; it is necessary to create a regular schedule of maintenance inspections and tasks to keep your pneumatic tube system working as efficiently as possible. You should prioritise finding and fixing any leaks as neglecting this can lead to the pressure dropping and increased system loads, and compressed air waste will occur. This can lead to a loss of function and efficiency, and your operating costs are likely to be much higher.

The Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) system keeps dirt, dust and contaminants out of the pneumatic tube system and makes sure that it is adequately lubricated to prevent friction. It is also responsible for making sure the machine operates at the correct pressure settings, so it is important to schedule regular inspections to make sure that this system is in good working order.

Your pneumatic tube system relies on air in order to operate, and so it has a number of filters to keep dust, dirt and vapours out of the system. These filters will eventually become clogged and dirty and that will cause drops in pressure. You therefore need to be inspecting and changing filters on a regular basis to maintain efficiency.

One of the simplest maintenance tasks is to ensure that the system is cleaned as part of a daily maintenance routine. This ensures that any dirt and contaminants that are present in the operating environment do not accumulate on the equipment or enter the system. This can be as simple as wiping down the exterior of the cylinders and actuators with a soft cloth.

Pneumatic tube systems can be a lifeline to many businesses and institutions, so it is essential that they are looked after properly if they are to continue working efficiently and without the risk of breakdowns and downtime.