Press Releases
Solimar 25th Anniversary Recalls Aeration Innovation
Two thousand-ten marks Solimar Pneumatics’ 25th year of serving the bulk powder industry. Solimar has grown from one man’s innovative idea of the original disk style fluidizer / aerator in 1985, to a brand recognized across the world with a wide range of products designed to solve powder handling problems.
As with most significant innovations, the Solimar story begins with an individual who had a better idea. The company is named for its founder, Keith Solimar, who as the chief engineer for Butler Manufacturing in the 1970s, experienced every issue facing the movement of powders. After Butler closed its doors, Keith started a tool and die company in St. Paul, Minnesota. The relationships he built at Butler kept him connected with the powder industry, with numerous past customers looking for help in solving their material handling problems. It was not long before Keith hit the idea for a better silicone disk aerator. Keith’s conviction in this method led him to begin Solimar Pneumatics in 1985.
The Solimar disk fluidizer has proven time and again to be one of the most effective solutions to discharging dry powders from trailers, railcars, silos, hoppers and bins. The fluidizer line has grown to include food grade applications, EPDM disks, High Temperature disks and Mini disks. Solimar fluidizers are the standard by which others are measured. No fluidizer lasts longer, is more durable or unloads faster than Solimar.
Historically, the aeration medium in dry bulk trailers or industrial silos had been fabric, which becomes less efficient over time; condensation and product fines slowly plug the fabric and constrict the air flow. This reduced productivity and added to wasted down time while cleaning and drying the fabric. Today, customers have a choice with the Solimar fluidizer. Solimar disks will not plug nor absorb moisture; air escaping from under the silicone disk provides aeration to the powder and the gentle vibration of the hopper wall assist in the discharge of the powder.
Solimar Pneumatics provides a wide variety of components – from the fluidizers, to manhole covers, filters, check valves, custom hopper bottoms, fluidizer control systems, hopper access doors and external mounting kits. Solimar products are used with hundreds of different bulk material types in over 70 countries around the world.
Although Keith is retired, he takes great pride in his contributions to the industry. Keith and his wife, Karen, live near the Minneapolis area and Keith often stops by the office, sometimes to say hi, other times to kick around another invention he’s just thought up.
Solimar Pneumatics is both pleased and thankful to have been able to grow and to serve so many customers over the last 25 years. Solving problems and satisfying customers is a result of having experienced staff specialized in moving powder and bulk solids. Solimar remains a Minnesota-based company and can be contacted at 1-800-233-7109 or by visiting www.solimarpneumatics.com.
SOLIMAR PNEUMATICS INTRODUCES HIGH TEMP FLUIDIZER FOR DRY BULK APPLICATIONS
March 2009 - Solimar Pneumatics, Minneapolis, MN, a leader in the dry bulk handling industry, recently introduced a new high-temperature fluidizer disk. Used to promote the discharge of dry powders from storage silos, dust collectors, weigh bins and filters, this new fluidizer withstands temperatures from -50° to 450°F (-45°to 230°C). This severe conditions performance provides piece of mind for storage and transport of fly ash storage, cement manufacturing and steel mill applications.
Solimar offers a family of silo fluidizers that enable a uniform flow of most dry bulk materials through aeration and hopper wall vibration. The fluidizer disk distributes air along the bin wall, freeing up product evenly and efficiently while minimum back pressure ensures energy is directed within the walls of the silo or storage container.
Gentle vibration aids in product flow and ensures no compacting or plugging. The patented silicone rubber disk seals tightly against the silo wall to prevent airline plugging and will not tear or pick up moisture. These combined performance characteristics help prevent bridging, rat holing and compacting.
Solimar Pneumatics specializes in dry bulk handling products including silo fluidizers, hopper access doors, disk and plate fluidizers for trailers and automatic manhole covers for trailers.
Contact Solimar Pneumatics, 7256 Commerce Circle Minneapolis, MN 55432.
Call 1-800-233-7109 or visit them online at www.solimarpneumatics.com.
SOLIMAR PNEUMATICS ANNOUNCES NEW MINI DISK FLUIDIZER
January 2008 - Solimar Pneumatics, Minneapolis, MN, As part of the company’s continuous goal to provide industry-leading aeration, Solimar has introduced a Mini Disk silo fluidizer. This new disk provides all of the features of the company’s standard fluidizers which prevent bridging, rat-holing and compacting in silos, bins and hoppers. The new two-inch diameter Mini Disk fits in pipes, chutes and small hoppers as well as tight curvature chambers with diameters as small as four-inches. The compact size provides material handling engineers and designers with more pneumatic conveying options due to the Mini Disk’s compact size. Solimar’s patent application on the new product is pending.
The superior aeration of the Solimar disk fluidizer utilizes directional air flow along the wall of the chamber to loosen product and move it to the discharge point. Gentle vibration is provided at the outer edges of the disk which helps to keep powders and bulk solids flowing. Because the disk seals tightly against the chamber wall, there is minimum back pressure. This design advantage also prevents airline plugging. All Solimar aerators are compatible with food grade materials and are FDA approved. The silicone material which is used on the standard and Mini Disk will not tear or absorb moisture. The disk aerators will withstand temperatures to 350-degrees Fahrenheit (170° C).
Solimar Fluidizers provide the versatility to work with numerous stems and fittings. Models are available to work with high pressure/low volume compressed air or low pressure/high volume blower air. Engineering assistance is available to select the correct number and placement of aerators. Customer can fax or e-mail a sketch of their hopper and Solimar will return a recommendation within 24-hours.
Solimar services hundreds of customers worldwide with thousands of applications in silos, over-the-road truck trailers, intermodal containers and railcars. Solimar products are used in over 67 countries around the world assisting in the movement of over 120 different materials. For more information contact us today or call toll free in the US 1-800-233-7109.