Martin Engineering, bulk material flow solutions specialists, has launched a new mounting system designed to improve the safety, accessibility, and performance of industrial air cannons. Known as the Martin X-Stand, the unit provides a stable framework that allows cannons to be positioned away from extreme heat sources and congested areas, without compromising functionality or maintenance access.

Air cannons are commonly used across bulk handling industries to dislodge material blockages and buildup in preheaters, bins, silos, and drop chutes. However, traditional installation methods often leave tanks suspended near high-temperature equipment or obstructing walkways, creating both safety and operational challenges. The X-Stand is intended to offer a practical and modular alternative, aimed at improving plant safety and equipment uptime while simplifying maintenance procedures.

Martin X-Stand organizes air cannons and protects maintenance staff

Design and technical features

The X-Stand is a cube-shaped, heavy-duty steel frame available in three sizes to accommodate Martin Hurricane and Typhoon Air Cannons with 35, 70, or 150-litre tanks. The largest version measures 36x36x36 inches (91.5×91.5×91.5 cm) and weighs approximately 175 lbs (80 kg). It includes an open design for accessibility and a robust cross-bar construction to absorb vibration from repeated firing.

Central access holes at the top and bottom allow for easy connection to the cannon valve and standard ANSI flanges. Open sides simplify installation and maintenance tasks such as tank replacement and hose connection. Solenoid boxes, which control firing sequences, can be mounted directly onto the stand, further streamlining setup and servicing.

The modular design allows for flexible placement, including stacking or custom arrangements to suit specific site layouts. The cannon itself remains tethered for additional safety, and each unit is shipped fully assembled, complete with hardware for secure mounting.

Martin X-Stand with a solenoid box mounted on the side for better access

Practical benefits

By relocating air cannons off hot kiln walls or tight operational zones, the X-Stand minimizes heat exposure and reduces the risks posed by obstructed walkways. This is particularly relevant in settings where access for inspection or maintenance is limited, and where slips, trips, or contact with hot surfaces can present hazards.

Field applications have demonstrated the X-Stand’s effectiveness. At a cement plant, operators used the stands to relocate cannons away from a high-temperature kiln, routing pipes overhead via Y-pipe assemblies and installing safety shields. This configuration allowed for faster, safer nozzle replacements and reduced the need for prolonged exposure to hot surfaces.

Similarly, in a steel mill, air cannons originally placed in front of inspection doors were moved to stacked X-Stands a few feet back. This not only improved inspection access but also reduced heat exposure for maintenance crews. In another case, a bulk material operation rerouted pipes under a grated walkway, using upward-facing valves in the X-Stand to keep paths clear while maintaining effective clog prevention in the downspout.

Functionality and reliability

Air cannons remain a proven solution for addressing material hang-ups that cause process interruptions and require manual intervention. By delivering powerful bursts of compressed air through nozzle assemblies, they dislodge material without the need for direct human contact with hazardous environments. Martin’s air cannons can be fired remotely from up to 200 feet away via solenoid control systems.

Martin X-Stand organizes air cannons and protects maintenance staff

Notably, Martin Engineering recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its pioneering work in air cannon technology and holds patents for low-pressure cannon designs. The X-Stand reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to safety-focused innovation.

Industry response

Initial feedback from field users of the X-Stand has been positive, with operators citing improved organization, reduced congestion, and no noticeable decline in cannon performance due to slightly longer pipe runs or adjusted angles. Martin Engineering’s testing suggests minimal power loss—only around 5% for each pipe elbow—making the trade-off for improved safety and layout worthwhile.

Field applications

Recent field tests have demonstrated the flexibility and safety advantages of the Martin® X-Stand air cannon mounting system across a range of bulk handling operations.

At a cement plant, operators repositioned cannons away from a superheated kiln wall, routing pipes overhead via Y-pipe assemblies and using Thermo Safety Shields. This arrangement allowed safer, more frequent maintenance in a less hazardous environment. Nozzle changes could be completed without interrupting production, typically in 5 to 15 minutes.

Martin X-Stand set away from the hot wall with pipes running overhead.

In a steel mill, ash accumulation along a hot wall was causing production issues. Air cannons installed to address the buildup initially blocked inspection door access. Relocating them onto stacked X-Stands improved both access and crew safety by reducing exposure to heat during inspections and maintenance.

At a bulk loading facility, moisture-related clogging in a downspout was compounded by air cannons obstructing walkways. By installing X-Stands with upward-facing valves and routing pipes beneath the grated platform, the facility maintained clear access for personnel while enhancing material flow.

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