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Up-to-date information about vacuum technology.
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6/Dec/2007
Vacuum generators: correct selection and configuration
For the generation of vacuum different kind of generators can be used. They all have specific advantages and the correct selection is very important for the entire vacuum system!
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The necessary vacuum can be generated with vacuum generators of various types.
The following three basic types are available:
- Ejector
- Vacuum pump
- Vacuum blower
Each type has its own specific advantages, but they have one thing in common: a high suction capacity at a high vacuum always means high power consumption and high operating costs.
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Vacuum ejectors
Functional principle:
Ejectors are purely pneumatic vacuum generators which operate on the Venturi principle. Compressed-air enters the ejector at A and flows through the nozzle B. This results in a low pressure (vacuum) immediately behind the nozzle outlet, and air is drawn in through the vacuum inlet D. This air, and the driving air, leaves the ejector via the silencer C.
Advantages of ejectors:
- No moving parts, therefore little maintenance and wear
- Compact construction
- No heat
- Very low weight
- Fast generation of vacuum
- Suitable for installation in any orientation
Typical application areas:
Industrial-robot applications in all sectors of industry as well as feeder for presses in the automotive industry.
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A distinction is made between three basic types of ejectors:
Basic ejectors:
Vacuum generator without control valves or system monitorin, with a high maximum vacuum value (85%). Used primarily for the handling of air-tight workpieces.
Multi-stage ejectors:
Vacuum generator with several nozzle chambers in series and with a very high suction capacity. Used primarily for handling porous workpieces such as cardboard boxes and sheets of OSB or MDF.
Compact ejectors:
Vacuum generator with integrated control valves and system monitoring functions. Gripping and blowing-off can be controlled without the need for external valves. Used in fully automated handling systems (such as machining of sheet metal, automobile construction, robot applications).
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Vacuum pumps
Vacuum pumps are electrical vacuum generators which can generate high vacuum values at volume flow rates of 4 to 250 m3/h.
Advantages of vacuum pumps
- High vacuum values can be achieved in large-volume systems
- Suitable for use as a central vacuum generator
- Little maintenance required
Typical applications areas
- As a central vacuum generator in portal transfer systems
- In manual vacuum handling devices
- In packing machines
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A distinction is made between three types of vacuum pumps:
Dry-running pump:
Universal vacuum pump requiring little maintenance. Used primarily as a central vacuum generator in large gripper systems for the handling of air-tight workpieces.
Oil-lubricated pump:
Special vacuum pump for very high vacuum values (up to - 0.98 bar) for handling of air-tight workpieces. Used in handling systems where quiet operation, minimum maintenance and high vacuum values are required.
Water-ring pump:
Vacuum pump requiring little maintenance and with internal water-cooling for the handling of air-tight workpieces. Used, in particular, in applications where the quality of the ambient air is important (such as packing applications in the food-stuffs sector).
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Vacuum blowers
Vacuum blowers generate a very high suction capacity at low vacuum values. They are used wherever porous workpieces have to bepicked up and handled.
Advantages of vacuum blowers
- Enormous suction capacity
- Very good compensation for leaks
- Permit handling of porous workpieces
Typical application areas
- Evacuating large volumes in a very short time
- Handling of porous workpieces such as cardboard boxes, thermal insulation material, chipboards or sacks
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A distinction is made between two types of vacuum blowers:
Vacuum blowers
Vacuum bowers, either directly driven (SGBL-DG) or frequency-regulated (SGBL-FU), particularly suitable for handling of porous workpieces (chipboard,sacks,etc.). The motor speed,and thus the suction capacity, of the frequency-regulated blowers can be adjusted to meet customer-specific requirements.
Vacuum blowers with reversing function
Vacuum blowers with electro-pneumatic reversing function for switching between evacuation, blowing off and neutral position. Suitable for handling of porous workpieces which have to be gripped and released quickly.
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Selection aid for vacuum generators
Basic ejector, compact ejector or multistage ejector? Vacuum pump or blower? The illustriation above gives you a selection aid for vacuum generators - taking into account the specific requirements and workpieces you have.
The planning checklist for selection of a vacuum generator
- How is the vacuum generator driven?
Electrically (pump, blower) or pneumatically (ejector).
- Is the workpiece air-tight or porous?
Affects the evacuation volume.
- How large is the volume to be evacuated?
Details (in m3/h or l/min) are shown for each vacuum generator.
- How long is the required cycle time?
Affected by: the evacuation volume of the vacuum generator, the volume to be evacuated, the switching times of the valves etc.
- Which vacuum value is required?
For practical use, a value of -600 mbar is assumed for calculations with air-tight workpieces.
- Where is the vacuum generator located?
Affects the size, weight and additional functions.
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Vacuum accessories
Sealing rings (DR)
Robust PA sealing rings with excel-lent sealing properties.
-> more...
Vacuum filters (VF/VFT/STF)
Filter the incoming air to protect the vacuum generator against dirt and resulting failure. Depending on the air-flow rate, various vacuum filters are available.
-> more...
Plug-in screw-unions
For quick, tool-free connection of hoses to vacuum generators.
-> more...
Vacuum hoses (VSL)
Carry the vacuum to the places where it is needed. Suitable for both compressed-air and vacuum.
-> more...
You can also find this information in Section 4 (pages 4/1 to 4/104) of our Main Vacuum Components Catalogue 2007/2008.
By the way, we also offer seminars on vacuum technology. For more information, simply send us an e-mail.
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Your contact for enquiries:
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J. Schmalz GmbH
Kerstin Löffler
Marketing
Aacher Str. 29
D-72293 Glatten
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Phone: +49 7443/2403-323
Fax: +49 7443/2403-9323
eMail: kerstin.loeffler@schmalz.de
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