How to Choose the Right Pneumatic Tube for Your Business Needs
Pneumatic tube systems have served companies with faster delivery and security over the years. The systems utilize air pressure to move containers through tubes between two points. If you plan to install a pneumatic tube system in your business, this blog will help you choose the right one.
What Are Pneumatic Tubes?
A pneumatic tube is a hollow pipe filled with air to transport special containers, known as carriers. These carriers contain documents, money, medicine, or small objects. The system's mechanism is to develop pressure in the air, allowing the carrier to be forced or pulled against the tube to its destination.
These systems are in use daily in many places. Banks use them in drive-through lanes. Medicine and lab samples are transmitted over floors in hospitals. Channeling of vital papers amongst departments is a fast process.
Why Businesses Choose Pneumatic Tubes
Speed and Safety
Exchange of items is also significantly faster using pneumatic tubes than walking. In seconds, a carrier can travel hundreds of feet of tubing. This wastes no time and protects valuable items during transit.
Better Security
In sending cash, checks, and significant documents through tubes, banks keep them locked in carriers. This eliminates the risk of theft or loss compared to carrying it by hand.
Lower Costs Over Time
Although there is an initial cost associated with purchasing a pneumatic tube system, it will ultimately save money in the future. You require the minimum personnel to transport goods. That translates to reduced cost of labor and increased productivity.
Types of Pneumatic Tube Systems
Single-Tube Systems
These simple systems connect just two points. They are efficient when it comes to small enterprises that need to relocate items between two specific points. Indicatively, one may be employed by a small bank to integrate the teller area with the vault.
Multi-Station Systems
These multi-complex systems are capable of linking to numerous sites. They possess switches that enable carriers to orient themselves to the appropriate destination. These systems are used in large hospitals and office buildings.
Pneumatic Networks
The largest systems can reach dozens of stations in several buildings. The networks have capabilities to support a large number of carriers but direct them automatically to their respective destinations.
Key Things to Consider
Distance and Layout
Consider the distance of the tubes and their route of course. The increasing distance and more turns make the system slower. Measure the precise path that the tubes will take in your building.
What You Need to Send
Consider the dimensions and mass of goods that you will carry. Various systems can deal with different-sized carriers. Some carry small documents, and they are also those capable of carrying large packages.
How Often You Will Use It
Certain systems are designed to be lightly used, and some are capable of incurring hundreds of trips within a day. Consider what your system will be like during peak times.
Tube Size and Capacity
Small Tubes (2-3 inches)
They can be used in transporting paper, checks, prescription drug bottles, and smaller objects. They are less expensive to put up and occupy little space on the wall or ceiling.
Medium Tubes (4-6 inches)
Those can work with bigger documents, smaller packages, and a variety of items simultaneously. They are inexpensive and contain a fair amount of capacity.
Large Tubes (6+ inches)
These can carry large packages, numerous containers, or heavy loads. They are more expensive but deal with greater amounts of material.
Power and Speed Options
Standard Speed Systems
These move carriers operate at moderate speeds and are well-suited for most businesses. They are dependable and affordable for daily purposes.
High-Speed Systems
Such systems are fast and expensive to purchase and maintain. These are suitable for businesses with a very high demand for delivery times.
Variable Speed Controls
Other systems will allow you to adjust the speed up or down depending on the type of transmission. Breakable objects may take less time, and the most important objects may take the maximum speed.
Installation Requirements
Building Structure
Your building should be capable of supporting a tube system. Old buildings may have to undergo structural adjustments to suit the tubes and equipment.
Power Needs
The running of the air pumps and control systems requires electricity in the pneumatic systems. Ensure your power system can sustain the new load.
Maintenance Access
Prepare accessible material to maintain and repair the equipment and tubes easily. This avoids the loss of time due to expensive failures.
Cost Factors to Think About
Initial Purchase Price
Simple systems cost less than complex networks. Get quotes from various companies to compare prices and features.
Installation Costs
Setting tubes in the wall, floors, and the ceiling requires professionals. These are the expenses you should consider in your budget.
Operating Expenses
Consider electricity, replacement parts, and routine maintenance costs. Properly maintained systems won’t break down as quickly.
Choosing the Right Vendor
Experience and Reputation
Find firms that have installed numerous similar systems. Ask for references from other businesses in your industry.
Service and Support
Select a vendor with high customer service, training, and maintenance. You need assistance during times of difficulty.
Warranty Coverage
Good systems are well warranted. Be aware of what will be covered and how long it will take before making a decision.
Planning Your System
Start with Your Needs
Name all the places that should be connected. Note down what you are going to send and how often you plan to send it. This assists in creating the appropriate size of system.
Think About Growth
Select a system that is scalable to your business. Stations can be more easily added to an expandable system than to change the entire system later.
Consider Backup Plans
What would be the result of a system failure? Arrange for the transportation of essential objects when performing further maintenance or repair.
Typical mistakes that should be avoided
Choosing Too Small
Do not choose a system that will barely meet your present needs. The expansion of a business typically includes additional transportation capacity.
Ignoring Building Limits
Certain kinds of pneumatic systems cannot be supported in some buildings. Evaluate before making the decision.
Forgetting About Training
The personnel must be informed about the system's use. Establish a budget and finances for training programs.
Making Your Final Decision
You need time to compare various options. Visit companies that use pneumatic tubes to observe their practical applications. A written quote must provide all costs, equipment, installation, training, and support. This is to help you compare alternatives fairly and eliminate unexpected costs.
Do not forget to keep in mind that the most affordable one does not necessarily make the best value. A long-lasting, secure system is generally cheaper over time than a cheaper but unreliable one.
Conclusion
When selecting a
pneumatic tube system, consider and plan how your business's needs will be met. Consider the building plan, equipment to be moved, finances, and potential for expansion. Research the vendors and accept more than one quote.
An efficient system of pneumatic tubes will provide your business with several years. It will save time, enhance security, and make your business more efficient.
