Info

What is pneumatic transport?

In a pneumatic transport system (or 'PTS'), carriers travel through tube networks, powered by air. The carriers contain goods that are transported from one place to another. Users send and receive carriers at 'stations'. Divertors allow for complex networking. Depending on system complexity, one or more carriers can travel simultaneously.

More detailed information is available on the 'How it works' page.

Who needs a PTS ?

The question is often asked at a time where e-mail is universally used. But not everything can be send by e-mail: original documents, samples, banknotes, small items... you name it, and we transport it! A pneumatic tube system can solve many internal transport problems, saving valuable time for the staff. This allows them to concentrate on their core activity, instead of walking around.

Use our calculator to find out for yourself!

Pneumatic tube systems are widely used in all kinds of business, big and small:

- industry
- logistics
- supermarkets
- private and public administrations
- hospitals
- toll or petrol stations

See 'Applications' for a more detailed list.

What can the PTS handle?

Almost any item weighting from 1 gram to 30 kg, up to 30cm in diameter and up to 40cm in length. This includes a great range of possibilities:

- documents and reports
- banknotes
- coins
- hot or cold samples
- medical supplies
- spare parts
- ...

Frail items such as hospital samples, are transported without any risk for their integrity and composition.

For some items, such as books, the RALLYPOST is a more convenient solution.

Where can a PTS be installed?

Almost anywhere, because the tubes fit in any building, modern or old, even historically protected. The tube goes horizontally, vertically, left or right, through the walls and floors, underground or in open air between two buildings, under roads or rivers...

In specific environments tube can be in aluminium or stainless steel, or transparent tube for an aesthetical purpose.

What does a PTS cost?

In most cases the investment and maintenance cost are surprisingly low. Obviously it depends on the distances, degree of difficulty to install, number of departure & arrival stations, inside or underground tube, special features...

For any pneumatic tube system, small or large, the investment has to be compared with the benefits: saving staff time, speed, increased security.
Remember: the pneumatic tube system is available 24h/day, 7 days/week, in all weather conditions. It doesn’t chat or take a coffee/cigarette break.

In most cases the return on investment (ROI) is high, and payback time of the investment is surprisingly short, ranging from a few months to a few years depending on the case. Use our calculator to find out for yourself!

Maintenance costs are also related to the type and extent of the system used: from no maintenance at all needed for many years for simple systems, up to semestrial maintenance recommended for large or complex systems.

We are at your disposal to evaluate your specific needs and wishes, investment costs and benefits. Contact us.