Martin Engineering, a renowned provider of solutions for bulk handling, is pleased to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the invention of the world’s first low-pressure air cannon. This innovative technology has had a significant impact on material flows in bulk processing systems, effectively eliminating internal buildups and blockages. Over the past five decades, Martin Engineering has been dedicated to continuous innovation in air cannon advancements, enabling industrial plants to operate more profitably, efficiently, and safely than ever before.
The journey of the first low-pressure air cannon, the Big Blaster®, began in 1974 when it was introduced by Carl Matson, a member of Martin’s senior team and cousin of the firm’s founder Edwin F. Peterson. This patented technology was specifically designed to dislodge stubborn materials from the inside walls of hoppers and silos by firing precisely timed bursts of compressed air to ensure the smooth flow of bulk materials and prevent the formation of serious build-ups and blockages.
Initially targeted at quarrying applications, the Big Blaster soon found its way into high-temperature industrial settings where it proved instrumental in maintaining the flow of sticky materials and minimising unscheduled downtime. In the cement industry, it revolutionised the practice of manually breaking off hefty material build-ups using high pressure water jets – a hazardous and unpleasant task for workers.
Martin Engineering continued to push the boundaries of air cannon technology, introducing the extreme heat and velocity version of the Big Blaster, the XHV, in the 1990s. This model boasted an all-metal construction capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions. In the early 2000s, the company further enhanced safety and ease of maintenance with the introduction of the Tornado air cannon, featuring a safer positive-pressure firing valve to prevent unintentional firing and facilitate easier access and maintenance of solenoid valves.
Moreover, the Hurricane valve, introduced shortly after, improved safety and ease of maintenance by relocating the valve to the rear of the air cannon tank, eliminating the need for tank removal during maintenance. Additionally, the company opened the Centre for Innovation in 2008, accelerating air cannon technology advancements, including SMART™ Series Nozzles with retractable designs and the Martin® Thermo Safety Shield for optimal worker protection during maintenance.
Martin Engineering’s commitment to innovation and excellence has resulted in the development of cutting-edge air cannon designs, all of which have been meticulously researched and developed at the Centre for Innovation, located at the company’s headquarters in Neponset, Illinois, US. As part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations, the centre will open its doors to visitors in the Summer of 2024.
Brad Pronschinske, Martin Engineering’s Global Air Cannon Product Manager, expressed pride in the company’s achievements, stating, “Our air cannons have played a crucial role in reducing health and safety risks associated with manual blockage clearing. We are dedicated to developing new advancements and are excited to bring the next generation of air cannon technologies to our customers worldwide.”
In conclusion, Martin Engineering’s 50-year celebration of air cannon technology serves as a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to technological advancement and excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, Martin Engineering remains at the forefront, delivering innovative solutions that drive efficiency, productivity, and safety in industrial settings.