Pneumatic Conveying Systems Market Analysis Report By Operating Principle (Dilute Phase, Dense Phase), By Technology (Positive Pressure Systems, Vacuum Systems), By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global pneumatic conveying systems market size was valued at USD 24.87 billion in 2018. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2019 to 2025. Rise in industrialization in emerging economies, expansion of recycling and waste treatment industries, and upswing in the demand for energy-efficient systems have helped the global market gain traction in the past few years.

Rising concerns related to health and safety of consumers are compelling manufacturers across a number of industries to use automated pneumatic conveying systems as they ensure hygiene of products by preventing contamination of materials being used. Furthermore, technological developments in the field of pneumatic conveyance and availability of advanced products equipped with intelligent control technology are leading to increased uptake of these systems. Additionally, usage of pneumatic conveying systems in material handling industries has also been on a rise, which is poised to bolster the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Use of pneumatic conveyors in various industries, results in increased productivity, reduction in production downtime, and ensures cost savings and quality improvements related to aspects such as packaging, coating, and improved quality of end products. These benefits are leading to increased adoption of pneumatic conveyors across various end-use industries.

Conventional conveyors are prone to dust and foreign particles entering the systems, resulting in quality degradation of materials and consecutive losses incurring from material that is left unsuitable for use for the desired purpose. This is another factor why pneumatic conveyors are increasingly replacing conventional conveyors in a number of industries as product contamination continues to be a major area of concern for end users.

Industries such as ceramics, food processing, pharmaceutical, and rubber and plastic are investing considerably in procuring pneumatic conveyors to step up their production capacities in order to meet increasing demands. As industries continue to face extremely competitive environments, pneumatic conveyors are being installed in order to avoid losses and enhance quality of products. This is further likely to impel the growth of the market.

Operating Principle Insights

On the basis of operating principle, the market has been segmented into dilute phase conveying and dense phase conveying. The dilute phase conveying segment held the largest share of over 73.0% of the overall revenue in 2018. It is also expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.

Pneumatic conveying systems based on the dilute phase operating principle are estimated to witness significant growth over the forecast period as these systems are widely used for incessant conveying in a number of industries, wherein dilapidation and abrasion of materials are not major concerns.

Dilute phase pneumatic conveyors are ideal for low-density non-fragile and non-abrasive materials. They are also known to be the most cost-effective, versatile, and simplest systems. Owing to these aforementioned factors, they are gaining popularity in high-pressure settings.

The dense phase conveying segment is anticipated to exceed USD 9.5 billion by 2025.  Pneumatic conveying systems based on dense phase operating principle are the most ideal solutions for low- or high-rate transfer of friable or abrasive materials.

Owing to low speed and air volumes that these systems operate at, they avert fragile materials and mixtures from breaking down, making them indispensable in a large set of industries. Thus, the demand for these systems is also anticipated to experience a high growth rate over the forecast period.

Technology Insights

Based on technology, the pneumatic conveying systems market has been divided into positive pressure, vacuum, and combination systems. Of these, the positive pressure system segment accounted for over half of the market revenue in 2018. This growth can be attributed to the ability of positive pressure systems to operate at high pressures as compared to other types of conveying systems. Additionally, they are suitable for conveying heavy materials over long distances, which is one of the most prominent factors projected to drive the market over the forecast period.  

Vacuum systems utilize high vacuum pumps that are easy to design and require less maintenance. The segment is likely to post a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period, owing to its ability to utilize vacuum to convey or position the material on desired stack point, coupled with its ability to convey materials to single destination from multiple sources.

Combination systems accounted for just over 19.0% of the total revenue in 2018. They consist of pressure systems, which result in convenient conveyance of materials to multiple loading points and ensure efficient conveying procedure. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the fact that they offer benefits of both vacuum and pressure systems. 

End Use Insights

Based on end use, the market has been classified into ceramic, pharmaceuticals, food, rubber and plastic, cement, mining (mineral), and others. The food industry represented over 28.0% of the overall revenue in 2018. Pneumatic conveyors are gaining popularity in the industry owing to their benefits such as high reliability, increased productivity, reduced risk of material spillage, low energy consumption, and low operational and maintenance costs.

The pharmaceutical industry is also expected to experience high demand for pneumatic systems over the forthcoming years. This can be attributed to criticality of processes and need to handle hazardous and risky materials in the production area.

The mining segment was estimated at USD 576.5 million in 2018. Companies in the mining sector are engaged in extracting natural solid minerals such as ores and coal, oil and gas, liquid minerals, gases, and crude petroleum. Steady rise in the adoption of these products will, in turn, lead to increased demand for conveyors and in turn drive the market.

Regional Insights

Europe held the dominant share of over 30.0% of the total market in terms of revenue in 2018. The regional market is anticipated to register significant growth over the forecast period, thanks to rising demand for hygienic methods in the food transfer and production industry.

In North America, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced several regulations regarding indirect contaminants in food. This is projected to positively influence the demand for pneumatic conveying systems in the region over the forecast period.

Rapid growth of the pharmaceutical industry in Asia Pacific is also poised to stir up the demand for pneumatic conveying systems. The region has witnessed a notable rise in facilities involved in the development of biosimilars and vaccines, especially in developing countries. Governments in these countries have been actively involved in practices promoting better healthcare facilities and the overall development of associated industries. Notable rise in growth opportunities due to this scenario is attracting a number of pharmaceuticals manufacturers to emerging countries. This shift of pharmaceutical manufacturing sector from developed to developing regions is likely to fuel the demand for pneumatic conveying systems in APAC.

Pneumatic Conveying Systems Market Share Insights

The vendor landscape is highly consolidated and is characterized by a high level of competition. The market features presence of major global players such as AZO GmbH + Co. KG., Flexicon Corporation, Dynamic Air Inc., Altas Copco AB, and Coperion GmbH. These market players are engaged in mergers and acquisitions in order to strengthen their market positions. For example, Atlas Copco AB announced acquisition of Reno A/S in September 2018.  Reno A/S is engaged in manufacturing and distributing compressed air solutions. Through this acquisition, the former aimed to expand its market presence in Denmark.

Similarly, the leading market players are also focusing on introduction of innovative technologies to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in August 2017, Schenck Process introduced E-finity. E-finity is a patented low-pressure continuous dense-phase conveying system, specially designed for conveyance of fragile and granular materials such as cereals, nuts and grains, and pet foods.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global pneumatic conveying systems market report based on operating principle, technology, end use, and region:

• Operating Principle Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Dilute Phase Conveying

  • Dense Phase Conveying

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Positive Pressure Systems

  • Vacuum Systems

  • Combination Systems

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Ceramic

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Food

  • Rubber and Plastic

  • Cement

  • Mining (Mineral)

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Eastern Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South East Asia

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa

    • U.A.E.

    • South Africa