Newly developed multi-stage ejector from permits pneumatic vacuum generation for the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO as an alternative to a blower

At the international trade fair for assembly and handling technology MOTEK 2003 in Sinsheim, the vacuum specialists J. Schmalz GmbH in 72293 Glatten present a further interesting version of the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO, which is already used by thousands of customers: the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO with multi-stage ejector! Schmalz offer the ejector as an alternative to a vacuum blower so that users have even more possibilities for using vacuum tube lifters.

The advantages are clear: no blower is needed and the connecting hoses which would be needed with a blower are also no longer necessary. The purchase price of the JUMBO with vacuum generation by means of an ejector is lower, which means that the investment pays for itself more quickly. Vacuum generation with the aid of an ejector, which uses only compressed air, also permits the use of the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO in explosion-risk areas, replacing the water-ring pump which was previously needed and which is no longer permitted by the standard "Atex 100a", which came into force on 01.07.2003. The ejectors have no moving parts and are therefore completely free from wear, even if they are switched on and off very frequently.

Depending on the application, the reduced he noise level and the heat output resulting from replacement of a vacuum blower by an ejector can also be advantageous. The multi-stage ejector used for the vacuum tube lifter is equipped with three axial silencers and operates very quietly. The vacuum tube lifter JUMBO with pneumatic vacuum generation is particularly suitable for large and wide-ranging cranes, since it is no longer necessary to drag unwieldy feed hoses. Only a compressed-air hose is needed. The ejector can be mounted directly on the crane trolley and its light weight ensures that it has virtually no effect on the momentum during traversing and slewing operations.

The optimum operating pressure for the ejector is 6 bar. The lifting speed can be matched precisely to the user's requirements with the pressure regulator. The air consumption is 1,200 Nl/min. The air supply can be switched off at any time with a pressure-reduction valve equipped with a shut-off valve, and this helps to reduce the air consumption. The optional equipment of the vacuum tube lifters JUMBO with the multi-stage ejector SEM 300 is available for the versions JUMBOERGO and JUMBOSPRINT, which are capable of lifting loads of up to 85 kg. The new versions are based on experience gained with the JUMBOHANDY, a smaller model equipped with a multi-stage ejector of the type SEM 100 and capable of lifting loads of up to 30 kg.

Thanks to the high suction capacity of the multi-stage ejectors SEM, the vacuum tube lifters of the JUMBO series remain suitable for universal use and are (almost) unaffected by the surface finish of the load to be lifted and its porosity. This means that even workpieces made of porous materials can be handled; however, it is advisable to have suction tests executed at the Schmalz factory in order to ensure optimum results and safe handling.