Dust Collection and Pneumatic Conveying Equipment

When it comes to improving air quality and material handling in industrial settings, dust collection and pneumatic conveying equipment are essential components. But designing, manufacturing, and installing these systems often involves significant technological uncertainty. For Canadian companies working in this space, there may be opportunities to claim Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits by tackling real engineering challenges.

Whether you’re optimizing airflow dynamics, improving energy efficiency, or developing smart control systems, your work may qualify as eligible SR&ED activity.

Common Areas of Technological Uncertainty in Dust Collection and Conveying Equipment

Below are examples of how technological uncertainty can arise during the development or customization of these systems, potentially making them SR&ED-eligible.

Design Innovation

Developing a new dust collection system that delivers higher efficiency and reduced energy consumption is a complex task. Companies face uncertainty when trying to determine the ideal design parameters, configurations, and materials while considering airflow behavior, particulate characteristics, and energy demands. Identifying the right balance between performance and operational cost often requires experimentation and multiple design iterations.

Material Selection for Abrasive Applications

Selecting appropriate materials for conveying tubes that handle abrasive substances presents significant challenges. Manufacturers often face uncertainty when evaluating various metals, coatings, and composite materials to withstand wear without compromising the system’s structural integrity. Durability testing, resistance to erosion, and long-term material performance under operating conditions are all critical areas of exploration.

Advanced Control Systems

Designing smart control systems that can dynamically adapt to changing conditions in pneumatic conveying equipment is another common area of R&D. Uncertainty arises when developing algorithms capable of handling variations in material density, line pressure, and system demand while maintaining stable operation. Creating a responsive control system that also improves energy efficiency may require extensive modeling and on-site validation.

Integration of IoT and Smart Sensors

Adding IoT functionality and sensor technology to dust collection systems is becoming increasingly important, especially for predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring. The technological uncertainty lies in creating a sensor network that is both reliable and cost-effective for harsh industrial environments. Developers also need to determine the right data analytics approach and address potential issues around cybersecurity and system integration.

Adaptive Filtration Technologies

Engineering a dust collection system that can adjust its filtration mechanism depending on particle type or size introduces a number of unknowns. Developers must figure out how to make filtration media or cleaning processes flexible enough to adapt in real time without compromising efficiency. This could involve researching new materials, exploring different cleaning mechanisms, or integrating automation to enhance adaptability.

Installation in Complex or Hazardous Environments

Installing dust collection and pneumatic conveying systems in environments with extreme temperatures, corrosive elements, or explosive dust concentrations requires highly customized approaches. Uncertainty often surrounds the selection of appropriate materials and installation techniques that will perform reliably under harsh conditions. Meeting safety standards and ensuring long-term performance typically involves detailed risk assessment and testing.

Why SR&ED Matters for Dust Collection and Pneumatic Conveying Equipment Projects

If your team is developing custom systems, experimenting with new technologies, or solving design problems with no clear solution, your work may meet the criteria for SR&ED. The key is documenting: