Whether you use vacuum technology for filling, packaging or moving goods, it’s important to use your vacuum pump correctly to avoid wasting energy and incurring higher bills.
Optimising your vacuum processes will help you to run a more efficient factory, reduce the risk of disruption to your operation, improve the quality of your products and lower your overall energy costs.
What is vacuum technology commonly used for?
The applications and processes that use vacuum technology include:
- Filling machines
- Pick and place
- Transporting goods
- Plastic extrusion
- Chemical distillation
- Packaging goods – vacuum, thermoformed, blister, tubular bag etc
5 points to consider when choosing vacuum technology
When looking at vacuum technology for your plant, there are a number of points to consider that will help you to make the best choice for your applications and processes. Here are our top five.
1. The level of vacuum required
This will depend on the application – which means that you need to check the level of vacuum needed for your applications prior to making a purchase. This will be in a range up to 900 millibars.
Other considerations are the pumping speed and whether the application needs consistent pressure or whether the pump-down process is more relevant to its operation.
There are vacuum systems available that can be controlled depending on demand; these will either maintain a consistent vacuum level or a consistent pumping speed.
2. Interaction between the pump and the application
The principle of vacuum technology is that it removes air from a closed system to create a vacuum. However, different pumps will interact in different ways with an application – and the reverse is also true.
This is particularly important to consider in specialised processes. For example, in food production where contamination must be avoided, an oil-free pump would be the best option.
The options for vacuum technology include: oil-lubricated or dry-running rotary vane vacuum pumps; dry claw vacuum pumps; dry screw vacuum pumps; and side channel blowers. If you are unsure which is best for your application, our expert engineers can help.
3. Central versus local vacuum supply
There can be significant capital and operating cost variations between choosing a local supply for your factory, where individual machines are operated by separate vacuum pumps, and a central supply that feeds the whole plant.
The local option means you don’t have to install and pay for a pipeline system; however, a central supply in a larger factory means you won’t need to commission as many vacuum pumps. A central supply will also give you lower operating costs, due to lower energy use and maintenance requirements. Additionally, the noise and heat of the vacuum system’s operation can be isolated from production areas.
4. Advanced technology and futureproofing your factory
As we move towards Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things, cutting-edge new products such as the Atlas Copco HEX@ vacuum controller can make a marked difference to the way you use vacuum technology.
Offering industry-leading performance and functionality, the HEX@ augmented control centre improves connectivity, allowing you to access your system from anywhere within or outside your production area.
Choosing advanced technology now is the best way to run your current production efficiently and to futureproof your factory.
5. Ownership costs
Saving energy is a high priority at any time, but especially in an era of Climate Change and rising energy costs.
A cheap vacuum pump might seem like a good idea when it comes to capital outlay, but if it costs more to run, has higher maintenance costs and requires more frequent oil changes, it can be a false economy.
Ensuring you have the right vacuum pump for your system and that it is economical to run over its lifetime will save you money on the overall cost of ownership.
In conclusion, there are several considerations when choosing the right vacuum technology for your factory. The best approach is to do your research and consult the experts. With a high-quality product and a reputable supplier, you’ll get better advice – and a better service.