Proceedings of the 6th South American Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 12-15, 2025 © IEOM Society International Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Publisher: IEOM Society International, USA Published: May 12, 2025 DOI: 10.46254/SA06.20250073 Development of a Low Pressure Dense Phase Pneumatic Conveyor for Friable Products Regis de Oliveira Dantas, MSc PhD Candidate, Engineer Universidade Federal do ABC Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, Brazil Regis.Dantas.@ufabc.edu.br Ricardo Borges dos Santos, PhD Researcher Universidade Federal do ABC Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, Brazil Ricardo.Borges@ufabc.edu.br Luis Alberto Martinez Riascos, PhD Professor, Researcher Universidade Federal do ABC Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, Brazil Luis.Riascos@ufabc.edu.br Rodrigo Giacometti Ramos Engineering Manager Zeppelin Systems Ltda São Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo, Brazil Rodrigo.Giacometti@zeppelin.com Abstract This paper presents the development of a low-pressure (i.e. less than 1 Bar), dense-phase pneumatic conveyor system designed for the gentle handling of friable solid food products, such as extruded pet food kibbles. The primary challenge is minimizing product damage during conveyance, particularly at pipe bends where collisions and velocity changes occur. To address this, an empirical design methodology was employed, involving mechanical design, prototype construction, and industrial-scale testing of a feeder and piping system using an air blower. A key innovation is an improved pressure control valve, based on orifice plate theory, that adjusts conveying air flow and thus transport speed by managing pressure variations. The initial phase of development involved the characterization of pressure flow and stability of the precision air flow valves. Preliminary results demonstrate the valve's ability to maintain a consistent pressure differential is crucial for efficient and damage-free material conveyance. The next phase of this work will focus on comprehensive material transportation tests to quantify conveying capacity and energy efficiency, alongside further refinement of the pressure control valve. This research contributes to improved handling techniques for delicate materials in food processing and other industries.