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How Do Pneumatic Tubes Work? A Simple Explanation.

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A pneumatic tube system from Air-Log International

In today's business world, they have become an indispensable tool for many companies. After all, general cargo cannot simply be sent by email. Pneumatic tube systems offer the fastest, safest and most economical alternative here – whether in hospitals, supermarkets or industrial plants. But what exactly are they, and how do pneumatic tubes work?

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about them, including how they work, their advantages and the various ways in which they can be used.

What Is a Pneumatic Tube System?

It is an innovative technology that is used in many companies and public institutions. It consists of a network of tubes through which objects or documents can be transported. These tubes are usually made of metal or plastic and can have different diameters depending on the specific needs.

Pneumatic tubes offer numerous advantages over traditional transportation methods. First and foremost, they are exceptionally fast and efficient, allowing items to be transported directly from one point to another, saving time and increasing productivity. Moreover, they are highly secure, as the tubes are typically locked, preventing unauthorized access from the outside.

Another advantage of the pneumatic tube system is its flexibility. It can be easily integrated into existing buildings and can be expanded or modified as needed. Additionally, it can be used for various purposes, such as transporting files, samples, or medicines.

Overall, this system offers a modern and reliable solution for internal transport, saving time, enhancing security, and improving overall efficiency within a company.

How Long Have Pneumatic Tubes Been Around?

The 19th century saw the heyday of modern pneumatic tube mail, when large pneumatic tube networks were established in many European and American cities.

The first documented pneumatic tube system was built in London in 1853. It facilitated the transportation of mail between six different stations. In the following years, similar systems were built in Paris, Berlin, and other European urban centers.

Over time, their technology has evolved. Today, modern pneumatic tubes are used in hospitals, banks, and businesses to transport documents and samples quickly and securely.

The history of pneumatic tube systems is a fascinating story of development, showing how people continue to find innovative solutions to meet their needs for fast and reliable transportation.

What Is the Pneumatic Tube System Like?

It is an excellent way of swiftly and efficiently transporting documents and smaller items, involving pipelines that run either under or above ground, through which items are transported to their destination in a short amount of time. The system is designed so that items are sealed at one end of the pipe before being dispatched. At the receiving end of the pipe, the items are removed and delivered to the recipient.

The operation of pneumatic tubes is similar to the principle of vacuum transportation. Air is evacuated from the tube to create a negative pressure. The combination of negative pressure and fans ensures that items can be quickly propelled along the pipe. Depending on the size of the items, the pneumatic tube system can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h.

This innovative transport system links multiple office buildings or enables the connection of larger facilities. Due to its high speed, it is an ideal solution for companies seeking to achieve revenue growth targets while conserving human resources.

Moreover, operating such a system is relatively cost-effective and energy-efficient compared to other transportation solutions. Its versatility makes it attractive to both small and large companies.

What Are the Advantages of a Pneumatic Tube System?

Pneumatic tubes offer numerous advantages that render them indispensable in many businesses. 

Speed

One of the biggest advantages is undoubtedly the substantial time savings achieved by using such a system. Documents and other important records can be transported from one place to another within seconds, without the need for employees or messengers. Thanks to its operation at a speed of up to 8 meters/second, Air-Log pneumatic tube mail not only saves time, but also conserves human resources.

Security

Another great advantage of a pneumatic tube system is the increased security it offers. Unlike traditional transportation methods, such as manual handling or vehicle transport, pneumatic tubes are fully automated reducing the risk of human error or accidents. Pneumatic tube containers equipped with RFID tags can track, evaluate, and optimize the paths of every single shipment 100% of the time.

Space-Saving

Moreover, the pneumatic tube’s mode of operation is extremely space-saving and can be easily integrated into any building. This is particularly advantageous in office buildings or other facilities where space is at a premium.

Efficient

Finally, pneumatic tube systems are also highly cost-effective. Thanks to intelligent control, they operate almost error-free, leading to more efficient operations and improved networking within the company. Using such a system can reduce operating expenses in the company while increasing their efficiency.

Where Are Pneumatic Tubes Used?

Air-Log's pneumatic tube systems are one of the most efficient and fastest methods of transporting documents, samples or small items within a building or facility. But what are the many areas they find use in, and how do pneumatic tubes work in their various applications?

Hospital

The hospital pneumatic tube is a remarkable invention that helps to transport medical samples and documents quickly and safely, which improves operational efficiency at hospitals. Furthermore, pneumatic tube systems minimize the risk of error or loss when materials are transferred manually making them an indispensable tool for any modern hospital.

Cash Transport

There are numerous public areas where large amounts of cash are handled on a daily basis. Supermarkets, electronic stores and banks are just a few examples. To minimize the security risk for employees and prevent losses, the use of pneumatic tubes for cash transportation is the ideal solution. In one-way operation, for example, a pneumatic tube system can be used to transport individual tills to the main checkout or directly to a safe. In two-way operation, it offers a swift means of moving cash between main and secondary cash registers, facilitating change exchange.

Industry

Whether it's a dairy or chocolate factory, a steel mill, freight forwarder, automotive company, or an airport – major industrial operations have one thing in common: very long distances.

No matter what products or materials need to be transported – our pneumatic tube systems for industry offer a solution for any physical good weighing up to five kilograms. No matter how long the distance, sensitive goods and goods requiring protection can be transported safely from A to B. Our special pneumatic tubes even allow hot steel samples to be transported without difficulty.

What Are the Advantages of a Pneumatic Tube System?

Pneumatic tubes offer numerous advantages that render them indispensable in many businesses. 

Speed

One of the biggest advantages is undoubtedly the substantial time savings achieved by using such a system. Documents and other important records can be transported from one place to another within seconds, without the need for employees or messengers. Thanks to its operation at a speed of up to 8 meters/second, Air-Log pneumatic tube mail not only saves time, but also conserves human resources.

Security

Another great advantage of a pneumatic tube system is the increased security it offers. Unlike traditional transportation methods, such as manual handling or vehicle transport, pneumatic tubes are fully automated reducing the risk of human error or accidents. Pneumatic tube containers equipped with RFID tags can track, evaluate, and optimize the paths of every single shipment 100% of the time.

Space-Saving

Moreover, the pneumatic tube’s mode of operation is extremely space-saving and can be easily integrated into any building. This is particularly advantageous in office buildings or other facilities where space is at a premium.

Efficient

Finally, pneumatic tube systems are also highly cost-effective. Thanks to intelligent control, they operate almost error-free, leading to more efficient operations and improved networking within the company. Using such a system can reduce operating expenses in the company while increasing their efficiency.

Where Are Pneumatic Tubes Used?

Air-Log's pneumatic tube systems are one of the most efficient and fastest methods of transporting documents, samples or small items within a building or facility. But what are the many areas they find use in, and how do pneumatic tubes work in their various applications?

Hospital

The hospital pneumatic tube is a remarkable invention that helps to transport medical samples and documents quickly and safely, which improves operational efficiency at hospitals. Furthermore, pneumatic tube systems minimize the risk of error or loss when materials are transferred manually making them an indispensable tool for any modern hospital.

Cash Transport

There are numerous public areas where large amounts of cash are handled on a daily basis. Supermarkets, electronic stores and banks are just a few examples. To minimize the security risk for employees and prevent losses, the use of pneumatic tubes for cash transportation is the ideal solution. In one-way operation, for example, a pneumatic tube system can be used to transport individual tills to the main checkout or directly to a safe. In two-way operation, it offers a swift means of moving cash between main and secondary cash registers, facilitating change exchange.

Industry

Whether it's a dairy or chocolate factory, a steel mill, freight forwarder, automotive company, or an airport – major industrial operations have one thing in common: very long distances.

No matter what products or materials need to be transported – our pneumatic tube systems for industry offer a solution for any physical good weighing up to five kilograms. No matter how long the distance, sensitive goods and goods requiring protection can be transported safely from A to B. Our special pneumatic tubes even allow hot steel samples to be transported without difficulty.

Conclusion – Pneumatic Tube Systems from Air-Log

Pneumatic tubes have become indispensable in many companies and institutions. Whether in industry, in hospitals or for cash transport – they make a major contribution to process optimization. In addition, they are environmentally friendly, fast, safe, and efficient.

Air-Log looks back on more than 30 years of experience in the field of pneumatic tube systems and serves customers in more than 50 countries worldwide.

If you and your company are interested in a practical pneumatic tube solution, please contact us via our website.

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