What is a Vacuum Conveyor Machine? Parts and Applications

What is a vacuum conveyor?

Vacuum conveying is the process of moving bulky dry materials from one place to another within the factory using suction. The product is moved within a tube or a pipe from the source to the destination(customers process). it is done by the vacuum conveying machine which uses the air pressure.

Material classifications:

1. fluidity
2. bulk density
3. particles(size, distribution, density, hardness,..)
4. moisture sensitivity
5. explosion hazards
6. harmfulness
7. moisture sensitivity

The material flow is determined by:-

1. diameter of the pipeline
2. the vacuum flow
3. the distance
4. characteristics of the material

What are the components of vacuum conveying machine

1. Vacuum screener: it screens through a broad range of mesh sizes.
2. Vacuum pump: the vacuum pump that creates the reduction of pressure or suction that moves the material.
3. Filter: it separates the conveyed material from the carrier air.
4. Tube: friction in pipes prevent the material to flow considerably
5. Control panel: is composed by pump unit, filter unit, connection unit, bottom valve unit,…)

Keep in mind that

• Short conveying distance reduces system and running costs.
• Keep number of pipe bends to a minimum to reduce system and running costs.
• Avoid running the conveying pipeline on an inclined plane.
• Use rigid pipes where possible.

Pharmaceutical applications

1. Two conveyors transporting material to a tablet press.
2. High speed conveying to a tablet press with a single conveyor. Splitting the feed into two hoppers.
3. Direct charging a V-blender from a screener. Unloading with a second conveyor.

Vacuum conveyors can transport many granulated bulk materials, powders, small parts, and pigments in dense through pipes and hoses. Their installations are easy to operate them.

Fluidization: Fluidization may take place both at the feed station, to ensure supply of material to the conveyor, and in the conveyor container to improve discharge.

Advantages of vacuum conveyors

1. With using vacuum conveying machines, Materials are transferred without excess dust and they are handled nicely.
2. They are easy to clean and it’s cheap to maintain them
3. The vacuum conveyors are very adaptable for powders, tablets, small parts, pigments, granules, pellets, and capsules. In general, they are suitable for materials that are typically difficult to transport in bulk.

What to consider while choosing a vacuum conveyor system?

1. The pick-up location
2. the materials of construction
3. the room requirements
4. product characteristics(toxicity, particle size,…)
5. consider the geographic location or environment

weighing

the conveyor container can be weighed to measure how much has reached it, and the receiving container may be weighed to ascertain how much has been discharged. Usually, the last weighing option provides the greatest accuracy. You can use a conveyor weighing machine to be more accurate.