You can download the latest version of our vacuum calculator "VacuCalculator" free of charge from the Service area. The highlight of this new version is the function for calculating the necessary hose diameters for your application.

Why is the hose diameter such a critical parameter in a vacuum system?

Basically, three parameters are needed in order to calculate the necessary hose diameter:

• the volume flow rate,
• the hose length and
• the flow velocity.

The correct diameter is extremely important since a vacuum hose acts as a flow resistance!

Important:

• The smaller the hose diameter, the higher the flow resistance.
• The longer the hose, the higher the flow resistance.
  >>We therefore always recommend that hoses be kept as short as possible. If possible, the vacuum generator should be positioned close to the suction pad to reduce the flow losses to a minimum.
• The higher the flow resistance, the less air can flow through the hose in a given time.
  >> Particularly when handling porous objects, the volume flow is then often insufficient to hold the object securely, although the vacuum generator is correctly dimensioned! The problem is frequently not the "weak" vacuum generator, but the use of hoses with internal diameters which are too small.

Why not just use a hose with a very large diameter?

The larger the hose diameter, the larger is the amount of air which has to be evacuated from the vacuum line in order to achieve the desired vacuum. This means:

• The waiting time before the workpiece can be lifted is longer.
• The cycle times of the complete handling system are longer.
• The productivity is reduced.
• The costs increase (compressed air is a very expensive source of energy)!

Using the vacuum calculator:

Start the VacuCalculator and select the "Vacuum calculator". In the first field "Calculate", select the option "Hose diameter".

Then enter the known values in the fields below:

- Volume flow in l/min or m³/h (you can change the units by clicking on them).

- Desired hose length in m or mm.

- Flow velocity for ejector, blower or pump (select the desired option by clicking on the button). A typical value for vacuum technology (50 m/s) is automatically set as the default when you open the VacuCalculator.

- Click on "Calculate" > the optimal hose diameter is calculated!

If the result of the calculation is not a precise number of millimetres, the next larger available hose diameter is selected.

Summary:

In an efficient vacuum system, the vacuum generator and the hose diameters should always be matched optimally to each other! You can do this very quickly with the aid of the VacuCalculator.