[algar]

12 in. dry product feeder pipes transfer product to hoppers that go through a rotory valve. In this case, only partial product visbal through site glass,obvious partial plug. I created a vacumn to help clear partial clog. What are your thoughts on this method. I lack the correct verbage to explain.

[speedball1]

It would be helpful if you had mentioned what this "dry product was that clogged a 12" pipe. Or why it clogged in the pipe. (at a junction or elbo?) If I were in your shoes I would be more interested in eliminating the clog rather then clearing it. Although either blowing or vacuuming the clog out, ( this stuff can't be very dense) I'd want to get to the source of the clog and eliminate it rather then control it.
Want to talk some more and let me in on more details. Tom

[algar]

Certainly,The produst is rice and wheat that is dried for use as ingrediants for a number of cereal and health bar companies.The clog is more common than not at this place. They know it cloggs and know why,and they won't correct it,cause labor is cheaper to them than iliminating the problem.I am a temp, Maintenance/electrician.The product transfer pipe is 12" but the clog happens in the 4' diamter hopper attatched to a rotoray valve that then goes in to an oven. The clog is always at the hopper..Wet,moist product clings to the sides of the hopper and can stay there all day long.Creating an inner lining of about 12" inside the hopper,and the floor supervisor will slow the blower down in the pipe to reduce the flow of product,so he can still keep running. But what they don't understand is that at some point it will still need to be cleared out.Not their problem when they go home... Al

[speedball1]

Hi Al, If it were my call and I wanted a cheap way out I'd coat the inside of the hopper, where it clogs up, with Teflon so the damp rice and wheat wouldn't stick. Since Teflon's used in cookware there should be no health concerns. Sound like a plan? And your thoughts? Regards, Tom

[algar]

That's a good Idea,and cheap,right along the lines of these guys M O .I appreciate the talk. I don't have anybody to talk to. In regards to throwing ideas back and forth. Take it slow and be healthy,Have a good one.
AL

[speedball1]

Hey Al, You have a entir group of plumbers to bounce ideas off from And I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box. We have experts here I consider to know much more then me so you have some high powered brains to pick. Pop in anyhtime. You're always welcome. Cheers, Tom